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closeBandstand finds strong support from online, phone inquiries for public input
Parks department gathers input from Web site with almost 400 respondents
Chris Albert
About 80 percent of responses collected by the Puyallup Parks and Recreation Department show support for a bandstand in Pioneer Park.
Almost 400 people gave input, from either the city’s Web site or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department.
“That’s been very successful,” said Ralph Dannenberg, department director. “I was really pleased with the response.”
“It (Web site) can be helpful in taking the temperature of issues,” said City Manager Gary McLean.
In late January, the city council requested more information before making a decision about building a permanent bandstand in the park.
There will be one last public meeting for residents to give their input at 5 p.m. March 10 at the Activity Center, 210 Pioneer.
“This is the last chance for the community to make comments about it,” Dannenberg said.
The number of people who have responded has been encouraging, he said.
“That’s one of the biggest things I like about this job,” McLean said. “Whether they’re for or against it. They care enough to respond.”
Most of the responses were a simple “yes” or “no.”
When additional comments were made many of them wanted to make sure the bandstand maintains or reflects the design of downtown, whether it is matching design to new construction like the Pavilion, library or city hall or is reflective of the history of the park.
“They just want it to be something that reflects downtown well,” Dannenberg said.
After all input is complied it will be presented to the city council to make a decision, most likely in late March or early April.
The project was approved and budgeted for years ago, with as much as $200,000 for the project from county sales tax that fund park capital projects.
Puyallup Rotary has also dedicated $50,000 for the project.
If approved by the council the design process will begin, Dannenberg said.
“We do not have a design at this point,” he said. “That will be the next step.”
If the project moves forward it would be expected to be completed by late 2008 at the earliest.
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Public Input
The Puyallup Parks and Recreation Department will be seeking public input for the final time about the concept of a bandstand in Pioneer Park at a parks board meeting at 5 p.m. March 10 at the Puyallup Activity Center, 210 W. Pioneer.