Jacksonville aldermen need to make a decision on what to do with the aging Nichols Park Bandstand.
Parks and Lakes Director Kelly Hall says the structure is in “pretty bad shape” and is clearly a safety factor.
An assessment from the engineering firm Benton & Associates showed the entire wood structure needs improved and suggested demolishing and rebuilding the bandstand. Hall says an update to the bandstand could run between $70,000 and $100,000.
“I want to make the council and committee aware of the serious condition. The stability of the structure is very bad. We need to do something with it in the near future. We need to initiate those discussions,” says Hall.
The late Ron Gray, who was instrumental in the 20 year history of General Grierson Day’s in Jacksonville, was a major supporter of the Nichols Park Bandstand.
Alderman Marcy Patterson says Gray’s goal was to have the community pitch in for the reconstruction or find a sponsor for the bandstand.
Contact your local alderman if you would like to make a donation towards the bandstand project.
The committee also received an update on the Jacksonville Dog Park and listened to the possibility of a restaurant coming to Lake Jacksonville.
We will have more on those topics in future newscasts.