Park bandshell to sing swan song after 40 years

Friday, February 10, 2017
Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE Orange fencing surrounds the Bob Flanigan Bandshell at Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle after inspectors declared the structure unsafe and in need of being removed.

Built in time to help celebrate the nation’s bicentennial, the Robe-Ann Park bandshell endured long enough to mark Indiana’s own 200-year celebration this past December but it’s now about to meet its demise.

It’s withstood dozens of Parkfest concerts, numerous Fourth of July celebrations, a couple of Ronald McDonald shows and even a ghoulish visit from Sammy Terry over the years.

But the wear and tear of 40 years and a few hail and wind storms along the way have proven too much for the old wooden structure near the main entrance to the Greencastle park.

The Bob Flanigan Bandshell, so named for Greencastle’s contribution to the legendary singing group The Four Freshmen, must come down, Park Director Rod Weinschenk told the Greencastle City Council Thursday night during its February meeting at City Hall.

The bandshell, erected in 1976 and funded by a monetary gift from Greencastle pharmacist Chet Coan, was being inspected recently for possible hail damage when the problem was discovered, Weinschenk explained.

When the contractor climbed the ladder to reach the roof, he went to brace himself at the top, and reportedly put his hand right through the rotted roof.

Further inspection noted that the base is also rotted out and even the concrete pad is bad and needs to go, inspectors said.

In the aftermath of the tragic 2011 collapse of the stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, stricter rules now apply to public structures, it has been noted.

“It’s the recommendation of the building inspector (the city’s Patrick Thibodeau) that we take it down,” Weinschenk said, indicating the potential hazard may be removed as early as the coming week.

Currently it is surrounded by orange fencing to keep people away. Duke Energy has already been out to unhook the electricity and a relatively new electrical panel has been removed for safe keeping.

“We’ll be accepting donations to help pay for this,” the park director said, noting that there is nothing specific in his budget to cover the cost. “I’ve already had one person come forward wanting to help out.”

Councilman Tyler Wade wondered how the untimely demise of the bandshell might affect the popular Parkfest summer concert series sponsored by the Greencastle Civic League.

Noting that the bandshell issue was less than a week old, Weinschenk stressed that the show will go on for Parkfest.

“Yes, we’re going to hold Parkfest in Robe-Ann Park,” he said, “even if I have to turn them around and put the bands in Shelterhouse No. 1 (on the hill overlooking the bandshell site).”

Weinschenk indicated the problem might be a blessing in disguise, providing an opportunity “to do something different” and redesign the area where the bandshell has been for 40 years. He called it “pretty major surgery.”

The low area in front of the bandstand has served to retain stormwater over the years and is often covered in water after a big rain, Weinschenk said, noting the current situation might provide an opportunity “to look at the stormwater problem as well.”

While the replacement project is “not a budgeted item” for the Park Department in 2017, Weinschenk assured, “the Bob Flanigan Bandshell will be high priority.”

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