The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

July 11, 2009

Waseca wants bandshell fix

By Brian Ojanpa

WASECA — A 94-year-old bandshell in a Waseca park may get a new lease on life.

Renovation of the structure, which has fallen into disrepair, has become the project of the Waseca Rotary Club.

“We as a group want to make it usable, something that’s functional. It represents a community gathering place for all of us,” Club President-elect Gregg Johnson said.

The bandshell sits in Trowbridge Park in the heart of the city. Rejuvenating it is the idea of Rotary President Mike Parry, who said he’s always been impressed by Mankato’s Songs on the Lawn, a downtown summer staple featuring bands and noon hour picnicking.

“I’ve always said, ‘Why can’t we do that,’” said Parry, who envisions such activities taking place yet this year in the park.

Initial renovation estimates for work including electrical wiring and general repair were about $10,000, but Parry said the actual cost figures to be significantly less.

That’s because pains will be taken to retain the bandshell’s historical components, which include high concrete stucco walls and an original tin roof resembling tiles.

“We’re working with the state historic preservation office to determine what we can and can’t do. We’d like to keep the basic structure as it is,” said Waseca Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Les Tlougan.

An initial thought was to lower the encircling walls, which would make bands more visible to spectators. That idea has been scrapped in favor of installing removable risers on the bandshell floor.

The bandshell was given to the city in 1915 by Trowbridge family members in memory of their father, Ira Trowbridge. In turn, the city named the park in his honor.

Waseca Parks Director Mark Bartelt is all for the renovation. In fact, he proposed rejuvenating it in 1990 but ran into snags at that time.

“It’s still in good shape,” he said. “It’s a fortress. Those walls are a foot to 18 inches thick.”

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