The bandshell at Memorial Park in Bracebridge appears set for a major upgrade.
Next week, the town’s general committee will consider whether to reconstruct the bandshell in the downtown park.
Town staff are recommending an option put forward by Mitchell Jensen Architects. The architects offered two largely similar proposals, with the expedition of the floor plan. The option preferred by staff proposes an octagonal plan that allows for a 360-degree viewing experience of anything taking place on the bandshell.
A report from Town staff indicates the current structure is in a declining state of repair with staff, residents and users saying it’s time for a new structure that would enhance the park.
The Town has allocated $50,000 for the project under their 2024 budget.
According to the report, “the design of both bandshell options blends a modern simplicity with detailing that is reminiscent of the surrounding Downtown core through the multi-tiered roof structure and the decorative upper railing band. Drawing inspiration from other heritage buildings important to the identity of the Bracebridge core, the design of the upper railing pays tribute to the Carnegie Library through the addition of a circular design feature that reflects the round window muntins seen on the Library.”
The designs provide an accessible point of access via a sloped walkway to the rear of the structure, compliant with all accessibility design standards.
Staff point out Memorial Park is home to an outdoor skating trail, cenotaph, decorative and drinking fountains, and commemorative benches and pathways.The park is also home to the Bracebridge Farmers Market as well as a host of events and services, such as the Fire and Ice Festival, Bandshell Concert Series, Muskoka Pride Festival, Terry Fox Run and Remembrance Day.
Memorial Park was originally commemorated to remember a single veteran – Private Fred Wasdell, a local citizen enlisted with the 3rd Victoria Rifles of Montreal and “E” Company Royal Canadian Contingent for active service in the Boer War, who died from wounds on February 27, 1900, in Paardeberg, South Africa.
During the early 1900s, an octagonal wooden bandshell was moved from the intersection of Dominion Street and Manitoba Street to Memorial Park. Between 1929-1933, a new larger roofless bandshell with lighting fixtures was constructed and later completed with pillars and a roof.
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The $50,000 is just for the plans. This will be an expensive project in the 100s of thousands. The useless deck in the woods at Woodchester cost $100,000. And that was after plans were scaled back when buds came in Muskoka sky high. Doesn’t the Council know that the Town is broke thanks to the misspending on the new Arena and unneeded new shrunken library? The money for the new bandshell will be borrowed.
I sincerely wish the councilors for the town of Bracebridge would STOP spending money. I liked the old arena, the old library and the old bandshell. Is nothing sacred?