Greene Square Park band shell idea pitched as way to revitalize area

Project leaders picture school children, comedians and other small groups using a new band shell constructed in Greene Square Park.

Two members of the Cedar Rapids Jaycees pitched their idea Tuesday morning to the Parks and Recreation Commission. No formal action was taken, but none of the commission members voiced any disapproval.

“We want to see this promote growth and help this city move forward,” Jaycees member James Jemtrud said.

Initial designs place the permanent band shell along the sidewalk and railroad tracks on the southwest side of the park. It is estimated to be 35 feet wide and about 30 feet deep, at this point. The Jaycees use the park for their Uptown Friday Nights outdoor music events.

Cost estimates have not been determined, Jemtrud said.

“Financials have not been at the top of the list right now,” Jemtrud said. “It's very preliminary, but we do want to bring it to the table.”

Jemtrud said the band shell would complement the proposed 5,000-seat amphitheater along the Cedar River. The band shell would be for events hosting around 1,500 people, he said. He said the band shell also would be ideal for movie nights, like the ones currently held at Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.

Julie Sina, the city's parks and recreation director, suggested the commission evaluate the whole design of the park if plans for the band shell move forward. Commission member Gretchen Aschoff agreed.

“I think it's really important that we maximize that park, given the library and the museum,” Aschoff said. “But I think we should do it from scratch.”

Sina said the next step would be to receive input from the public and various stakeholders, including officials with the library and Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

Other proposals for major improvements to the park over the past 20 years have not been completed. But Jemtrud was optimistic.

“It's the perfect time for this,” Jemtrud said.