It appears the venerable Memorial Park bandshell will be getting a new look, just as Bracebridge gets set to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
During the most recent Bracebridge general committee meeting, councilors selected a preferred preliminary conceptual design for the Memorial Park Bandshell reconstruction.
The design will now be used to solicit public feedback and develop a more detailed design for the Memorial Park Bandshell reconstruction. Staff will report back to the general committee with the detailed design, costing and other project details.
Councillors choose the staff recommended option put forward by Mitchell Jensen Architects. The architects offered two largely similar proposals, with the exception of the floor plan. The option selected proposes an octagonal plan that allows for a 360-degree viewing experience of anything taking place on the bandshell.
The committee unanimously selected the new design, with Coun. Don Smith commenting that the design will also improve accessibility to the bandshell.
“Memorial Park is accessible and Memorial Park is for everybody,” said Smith.
In response to questions from the committee, staff also assured councillors that the skating trail in the park will be taken into account during the planning. Staff also said they will ensure the Bracebridge Horticultural Society continues to play some role in the landscaping of the area.
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.
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.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news
Join the discussion: