Some facts

I wanted to let folks know that there is a button to "donate" on this petition. It is actually to donate to Change.org. Not to the gazebo. In return for a donation, Change.org spreads the petition more widely. I'm sorry for any misunderstanding. Having never done this before, I didn't realize that button was there. There are now over 240 signatures. Thank you, everyone, for helping the effort to save the bandstand. 

Facts are always a good thing when emotions are running high. People feel passionate about the gazebo in the park, understandably. Here is some information I have been able find out over the last couple days. 

1. The gazebo is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places as a contributing structure to The Clarkdale Historical District.
2. In 2022, Clarkdale hired Bill Otwell to help assess the state of the gazebo. Bill Otwell is a renowned historic preservation architect. He asked Frost Structural Engineering from Prescott to give advice about whether the gazebo could be preserved. Neither Mr. Otwell nor Frost Structural Engineering condemned the structure. They presented ideas for saving it, preserving its historical integrity and making it safe for the public to use. Their input did not inform the Town Counsel's decision to demolish the gazebo.
3. The Clarkdale Town Council did little to involve the public. For instance, the progress regarding the gazebo was not posted on the town website. There were no open houses held to show people what the possible solutions were.  There was never an on-line survey to try to gather public opinion. The process has not been in the town’s newsletter. There was no opportunity for the public to see and understand what the issues were, ask questions and give feedback. The public has been encouraged to read the meeting agendas and minutes on the Town Of Clarkdale website in order to stay informed. However, at this date, there are only minutes through 2022. They are not listed chronologically and it’s difficult to find information - especially for someone who is not tech savvy or doesn’t have  a computer.
4. The council only obtained 2 bids - one to demolish and replace, the other to renovate and preserve the gazebo. The council never explored bringing in money through outside sources like grants to help with the costs of renovating and preserving the gazebo.