After three years of hosting bands on the grass at Montezuma Park during the Third Thursday summer market, the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association is ready to shell out $30,000 for a bandstand.
But first, the nonprofit business alliance needs city approval.
On Friday morning, the Cortez Parks, Recreation and Forestry Advisory Board heard from Mark Drudge, CREA’s executive director.
Drudge said the market – on every third Thursday in June through September – has attracted 350 to 500 people and that it’s growing.
“Out of that growth, then, we realized that we’re not really set up – the park is not perfect for what we’re doing in terms of hosting a band,” Drudge said at the meeting.
Drudge said CREA came up with a plan for a 20-foot-wide, 15-foot-deep bandstand made of wood or steel beams. He said CREA is prepared to cover the cost of the project.
Parks and Recreation Director Dean Palmquist pointed out that a bandstand could lead to additional amenities such as a restroom, which could cost $200,000.
“That’s great that CREA is taking care of the band shell, but would then there be expectations like to build a new restroom and that type of thing?” Palmquist asked.
Drudge responded that CREA brings in portable toilets.
Still, two advisory board members raised potential problems.
Board member Kenneth Quigley expressed concern that homeless people might sleep under the shelter and suggested that nearby residents’ opinions be considered.
Board member Tom Rennick, like Palmquist, raised doubts about the park’s long-term funding, saying that improvements at Montezuma Park were not included in the city’s 10-year master plan adopted in 2016.
“We went to the public to develop this master plan, and we should make our efforts towards doing what we have on this master plan – not adding new things,” Rennick said.
With that in mind, Palmquist made a list of recommendations. First, CREA would assume the financial burden of bandstand construction and maintenance. Second, the city would notify neighbors of the plan and listen to their concerns. Third, the plan would bear no significant infrastructure costs for the city.
The advisory board unanimously voted to forward a positive recommendation to City Council.
sdolan@the-journal.com