The City of Knox did not receive a grant to build a band stage at Wythogan Park, but that doesn’t mean the project will be scrapped. Mayor Dennis Estok told the city council last night the city has received a $10,000 anonymous donation for the project. The Knox Redevelopment Commission has also set aside $40,000 for it.
It carries an estimated cost of $75,000, which leaves a $25,000 funding gap. Estok says there’s money left over from the splash pad project that can be used to build the band stage. The city budgeted $150,000 for it back in January, but it’s come in well below that thanks to donations of labor and heavy equipment.
The city council unanimously approved the transfer of leftover money from the splash pad project to the band stage construction. Estok says he’s already had one contractor offer to help with the project.
Now that funds are lined up, he says the city will get serious about designing the stage. He says LaPorte and Plymouth have similar structures at their parks that can be used as guides. Estok also wants input from the Knox High School Band Director and others who would use the band stage for community shows.
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