(Arnolds Park)– The board of directors of Historic Arnolds Park Incorporated announced today (Tuesday) they’ve decided to scrap plans to build a bandshell at Preservation Plaza (the green space).
According to an open letter from the board, the final projected cost of the project was estimated at $1.25 million. They go on to say that even with a one million dollar grant from the Messengers of the Healing Winds, they still would have had to raise $250,000. Board members say that’s outside the range of funds they have available for such a project, adding that it’s a very difficult time to raise funds.
The letter goes on to say that the board is looking at large capital expenses in the refurbishing and upkeep of the Queen Two, Maritime Museum and Legend Coaster as well as Historic Arnolds Park itself.
The letter doesn’t rule out the possibility of the board entering into another partnership with Messengers of the Healing Winds sometime in the future for the bandshell project. But the letter states that for now, the board and staff feel that “maintaining a policy of not undertaking capital improvements without identifying funding must remain a priority factor in preserving a healthy future for the park”.
HAPI board members also thank the Messengers of the Healing Winds for their generosity, understanding and support of Historic Arnolds Park and the Iowa Great Lakes.
