Workshop Item - Jerome Krieger, Senior Parks and Recreation Manager
Title
Title
Aquatore Band Shell Discussion
end
Background
As part of the Parks Master Plan a band shell or performance stage was identified as a possible addition to the Aquatore Park. On July 13, 2020 the Blaine City Council accepted a donation of $150,000 from the Blaine Festival Committee to be used for the construction of a band shell at Aquatore Park. Additionally, as part of the City’s 2021 General Levy, the Council approved setting aside $75,000 to assist in funding the Aquatore Band Shell.
A total of $800,000 ($400,000 for the Band Shell and $400,000 for the restroom replacement) is included in the 2021-25 Parks Capital Improvement Plan for improvements to Aquatore Park in 2023. The Festival Committee is willing to contribute an additional $250,000 for a total of $400,000 towards the band shell if the project can be completed by 2023.
Staff is reviewing the Parks CIP and is drafting a project schedule and timeline and assessing the steps needed to complete the project within the proposed timeframe, including design of the buildings and cost estimates. Also to be considered are potential wetland impacts the project could bring to Aquatore Park. At this time, the Blaine Festival Committee would like to present some possible ideas for a Band Shell at Aquatore Park.
With the additional $250,000 contribution from the Festival Committee, funds would be available for the construction of the Band Shell and the restroom replacement at Aquatore Park for construction in 2023. Staff is researching the amount to be budgeted annually in the City’s General Fund to maintain the improvements.
Board/Commission Review
At the May 25, 2021 Park Board meeting, the board approved a recommendation to proceed with the Band Shell Project at Aquatore Park.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is requesting the City Council to review the Blaine Festival Committee’s presentation and consider the Park Board’s recommendation to move forward.