Fundraising continues for the Carroll Historic Preservation Commission’s plans to restore the Graham Park Bandshell, and the project got a nice boost recently with a $7,500 grant. The money comes from the Iowa West Foundation, an organization connected to the Iowa West Racing Association that was created after the state passed laws requiring gaming licenses to be held or sponsored by non-profit organizations. The bandshell was built in 1953 and has started to show its age through water infiltration, masonry degradation, fading paint, and more. A report submitted by an architectural and engineering firm, Shive-Hattery, suggests restoration work will cost around $165,000. The commission hopes to raise at least $75,000 through private donations and grants. Historic Preservation Commission Liaison and City Councilwoman Carolyn Siemann says the Iowa West Foundation award showcases the project’s momentum.
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Siemann expresses her gratitude to the staff at Region XII Council of Governments for their role in preparing the grant application. She says they are on the verge of reaching their fundraising goals, with a higher target that would include accessibility upgrades to the venue. According to Siemann, the work could still begin this year.
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Any funds not raised through private donations or grants would need to be covered by the city to reach the $165,000 engineer’s estimate. Contributions to the effort are still being accepted by the project’s fiscal sponsor, the Carroll Foundation. Donations to the Bandshell/Carroll Foundation can be mailed or delivered to Carroll City Hall at 627 N. Adams. St, Carroll, IA 51401.