Volunteers Josh Reddick, left, and Bernie Pare build a bandstand in Veterans Park at the end of Congress Street in Rumford. Volunteers with carpentry skills are welcome to assist. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
Josh Reddick hands Bernie Pare a board for the bandstand being built in Veterans Park at the end of Congress Street in Rumford. The bandstand will be used for community activities, EnvisionRumford President Randy Therrien said. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
RUMFORD — A bandstand being built in Veterans Park at the end of Congress Street is expected to provide space for music, arts and other community activities, EnvisionRumford President Randy Therrien said.
The volunteer group promotes the downtown and is spearheading the project.
“We feel this is going to add value to the community in the downtown area, provide a venue for music, for performance arts, ceremonies and other community activities,” Therrien said.
It’s being considered for several activities.
“I’ve talked to a couple of local artists who have been talking about a painting in the park activity. Veterans organizations have talked about ceremonies for service members. Gary Dolloff of the (Greater Rumford Community Center) has a movie night in the park planned for kids,” Therrien said.
On Wednesday, EnvisionRumford member Bernie Pare, a custom builder, was erecting the 16- by 20-foot rectangular structure with assistance from volunteer Josh Reddick. Other helpers are Therrien, Peter Cox, Kevin Therrien and Walter Prendergast.
Those with carpentry experience are welcome to help Pare, who plans to be there every nice day, if possible.
It’s estimated the bandstand will be worth upward of $25,000, but the cost to build it will be more than $7,000, thanks to materials provided at cost by Twin River Lumber in Dixfield, $1,000 from Making Headway, a program funded by the Maine Development Foundation and Grow Smart, individual and business donations, and volunteer labor.
Therrien said no arrangements have been made for audio or lighting.
The bandstand will be open to the public.
“We’re not suggesting that there’s any restricted use or anything; we’re still trying to work on a schedule of events,” Therrien said.
bfarrin@sunmedia.com
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