The Carroll City Council is exploring its options to restore the aging bandshell in Graham Park. City officials contracted with design firm, Shive-Hattery, a year ago to examine the park’s most noticeable building. The engineers identified several structural repairs that would be necessary to restore its appearance and functionality and preserve it for future generations. Parks and Recreation Director Chad Tiemeyer says they are at the point where the council needs to decide what work, if any, will proceed.
Tiemeyer adds the quoted price is solely for the engineering and oversight work and would not include the estimated construction costs, which are estimated at $100,000. To date, only $30,000 has been budgeted for the Graham Park Bandshell project, and the council will need to decide how much they want to appropriate for the effort in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. Tiemeyer says there are also plans to incorporate private fundraising efforts.
At-Large Councilman LaVern Dirkx indicated he is not opposed to the project, but he says some worrying limitations are coming down the pike from the state on annual city budget growth that should not be ignored.
The estimated $150,000 total price tag does not include any grants the city could secure for the project or any private fundraising efforts. Mayor Mark Beardmore says he believes Carroll will be behind keeping the bandshell in tip-top shape.
The council voted unanimously to approve the professional services agreement with Shive-Hattery. City officials will need to take additional action at future meetings before construction can proceed.
