Hey, Brainerd, strike up the band
Restoration of Gregory Park bandstand pursued by community members
In 1912, a new bandstand was built in Gregory Park located in the heart of Brainerd.
Almost a 100 years later, community members, through Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime and organized through the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, hope to restore the original bandstand and bring back concerts in Gregory Park this summer.
The bandstand in Gregory Park, located in the heart of Brainerd, may be restored this spring as part of a community effort organized through the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center and concerts may again be present in the park. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
DeAnn Barry, senior center executive director, said Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime started fundraising in January to raise money to restore the bandstand. Barry said $53,000 is needed for the project, which includes roof repairs, railing modifications, painting and repairing of the bricks, replacing the doors and door frames, new stairs and electrical work.
"We're doing pretty well so far in raising funds for the project," said Barry. "We sent out letters to businesses, members of the senior center were informed of the project in their monthly newsletter and the response has been outstanding ... I'm sure this project will happen. We hope to raise the funds and begin renovations in April/May so the bandstand will be ready to be used in June."
Barry said restoring the bandstand would bring back a sense of community, which is part of the Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime's mission. Barry said history shows that music was a large part of the community and music is still present in the community today, but there's no functional bandstand.
There were four bandstands, including the bandstand in Depot Park located at South Sixth and Front Streets, in Brainerd in the late 1880s, according to Brainerd's Centennial Edition that featured the years 1871 to 1971. Community bands would play to crowds once a week from the bandstands.
Barry said it is her hope that these types of community concerts will return to Brainerd. Barry said the concerts will be free to the public and people can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to Gregory Park for a performance. Barry said the senior center will organize the concerts.
"People will come to enjoy the concert, but they will also get to know their neighbors, which will in return strengthen the friendships in the community," said Barry.
Barry said Brainerd Lakes for a Lifetime has been able to apply for $19,000 in grants to go toward the project. However, more funds are needed. Barry said donations will be accepted through April 15. Those interested in donating can send a check to the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, 803 Kingwood St., Brainerd, MN 56401, and write bandstand in the notes.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@ brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.