Renovations and improvements may be in the future for the historic bandshell and stone pillar bridges in Carroll’s Graham Park. During the Carroll City Council’s meeting earlier this week, Parks and Recreation Director Chad Tiemeyer approached the council seeking guidance on how staff should proceed with these projects, beginning with the bridges. Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
The report from Shive Hattery shows their main concern is the integrity of the bridges’ railings, which are original to the structure. The stone pillars are also beginning to lean but are not an immediate concern. Work is estimated between $290,000 and $355,000 to repair both bridges. Tiemeyer says the bandshell, which was constructed in 1953, is suffering from severe water infiltration.
Estimated costs for the bandshell range from $130,000 to as much as $375,000, depending on which route they choose. Mayor Mark Beardmore says these aspects of Graham Park deteriorated significantly over the years and have become an eyesore.
Due to the historic nature of the bridges and bandshell and their location in a city park, there is likely a substantial amount of grant funding available for the projects if they proceed. The council did not take any formal action on the projects during Monday’s meeting, but they did direct Tiemeyer to explore further options for the Graham Park bandshell and bridges for possible inclusion in upcoming budget years.