A new bandshell will soon be available in Ontario’s Marshall Park. With this structure’s completion, the city of Ontario plans on hosting free “Concerts in the Park” to local residents and community members and the first one will be held Friday, July 19.
The bandshell’s construction was collaborative, with a variety of people from the surrounding area and community sharing input. The plans were sketched by the students, with supervision and help from a civil engineer, and the Richland County Codes and Permits Department approved them. Once the $7,000 grant was obtained from the Richland Community Development Group (RCDG), Lowe’s gave a discounted price on lumber. Once the $7,000 grant was obtained from the Richland County Development Group (RCDG), Lowe’s gave a discounted price on lumber. When the lumber was purchased, Zara Construction Inc. volunteered time to build the bandshell. The project was started in April 2013 and the first concert will be held on July 19, 2013.
“We have held concerts in the park since 2010. But last year we had nearly 500 people at one concert, so we decided there was a desire for something like this,” explained Larry Collins, mayor of Ontario.
The wooden stage is positioned facing a hill in the lower pavilion by the playgrounds. The opening (front) of the stage is 28 feet wide and 12 feet 6 inches tall. It then tapers down to 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall in the back. It is 20 feet 10 inches deep and can hold up to a twenty person orchestra.
Marshall Park, which is found off Rock Road in Ontario, offers a variety of activities to the community like, soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts and baseball fields.
Collins hopes this project inspires other ideas for land use in the park. “There is a lot of land that we own through the park, but some of it is not being used for anything,” said Collins. He also pointed out that if there are any ideas of projects for the park to simply call the City of Ontario at 419-529-3818 or visit their website.
A schedule has been stitched together for this summer. Here is the list of performances to look forward to seeing:
• Friday July 19, 7 p.m.- Northwest Territory Bluegrass
• Tuesday July 30, 7 p.m.- The Caffeinds (50s, 60s, 70s, 80s)
• Tuesday August 13, 7 p.m.- Colonial City Quartet (Southern Gospel Music)
• Tuesday August 27, 7 p.m.- Ribticklers (Dixieland and Blues)
The city of Ontario reminds everyone to bring a picnic dinner with a blanket and some chairs. The concerts are free and open to the public and are family friendly.
To book a show or for more information call 419-529-3818.
