Come to Clarkdale’s Block Party on Friday.

This Friday at 6p is the Clarkdale Block Party at the park. Everyone is encouraged to come. Let’s use this opportunity to gather, talk about the bandstand and share the actual facts  as we have uncovered them:

1. The bandstand is the original bandstand built in 1917. It is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places as a contributing structure to the Clarkdale Historic District. It is largely original particularly the roof.
   
   
2. The bandstand has been assessed for structural integrity and is not unsafe in its current form.  Per the structural report, which outlines exactly how to repair it: “Overall, we feel the structural condition of the gazebo is above average, especially when considering its age. We feel that if the recommendations above are followed and the gazebo is regularly maintained, it will continue to function properly for many years.”  -Frost Structural Engineering 2022
3. Unlike other towns with historic bandstands, Clarkdale has made no attempt to obtain grant funding for preservation of the bandstand. Other towns have funded most or all of the costs for preservation in this way. If it’s “replaced” as the council wants to do it will fall off the National Registry and no longer be eligible for grant funding.