(Logo by Martin Krebs of York, PA)
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"It's dj vu at bandstand
Spring Garden Band, sticker shock at gazebo rededication"
ROCHELLE BRENNER, Dispatch/Sunday News
After years of decay, the Farquhar Park Bandstand came to life yesterday the same way it started 100 years ago -- with the Spring Garden Band and controversy over the cost.The Spring Garden Band was the first to perform on the stage when it opened in 1903 -- at the hefty cost of $2,500 to the "outrage" of some community members, said Historic York Inc. executive director Mindy Higgins. Flash forward 100 years and the Spring Garden Band was back on the stage for a free concert at yesterday's rededication ceremony. And the cost to renovate the structure is again under scrutiny -- this time with a price tag of $643,293. City Councilman Cameron Texter, who took office after much of the city's $521,348 share was spent, has said the renovation was not a good investment. Councilman Wm. Lee Smallwood supported the project at first but later questioned the decision to spend so much money. Historic York paid $50,000 toward the renovation and state grants covered the rest. 'Let's celebrate it': Former Mayor Charles Robertson, who attended the ceremony, made the decision to invest in the gazebo. But Mayor John Brenner, who took office in January, said he is proud that his administration finished the job. "We can sit here all day and argue about the cost, but it's done," Brenner said. "It's open. Let's celebrate it." The bandstand was the site of big band concerts in the 1940s and hundreds of weddings and reunions and church functions in the 1960s. Then it started to fall apart and in 1996, a chain-link fence was set up around it. Brenner said he wishes it were cheaper, but preserving the city's history is priceless. "Why are some paintings worth a million dollars?" Brenner asked, marveling at the detailed craftsmanship of the bandstand, from its concrete steps up to the circular roof. And he said it was slightly cheaper than the city anticipated, holding up an oversized $25,845 check for the city because the project came in under budget. Activities: Brenner said he wants to develop a schedule of free performances at least once a month during the spring and summer starting in 2003. He hopes events like school performances, theater, poetry and concerts bring people into the city. "If your grand kids are in a school group coming here, wouldn't you want to see 'em?" Brenner asked. He said the facility could also be rented for a special occasion like a wedding or reunion for a fee of $100. "It's a good thing to restore that," said Tom Levis, 82, of York Township, as he sat in a folding chair watching the concert. He remembers going to the bandstand to see concerts when he was younger. "It can unify people, bring 'em together. ... People don't go out like they used to." The bandstand was restored by Historic York Inc., but future maintenance costs will be the responsibility of the city of York, Brenner said. |