Music enthusiasts are in for a treat at Bethel Park’s Millennium Park, where a band shell is set to be constructed.
State officials notified the municipality of a $153,000 grant award toward the construction of a band shell, with the money coming from the Allegheny Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund.
“Over the years, we’ve had live bands for our Summer Spectacular and other events, and it would be nice to have a permanent shelter where the bands can play and give them a little bit of shade in the hot weather,” John Oakes, Bethel Park Council president, said.
During the coming months, municipal officials will work on specifics about the structure’s design and placement within the park, according to Oakes.
“Millennium is our most-used park besides Simmons, and it makes sense because there’s more room there than anywhere for the band shell,” Oakes said.
The 40-acre park off of Baptist Road features lit baseball and softball fields, batting cages, playground equipment, a walking trail, a concession stand and restroom facilities. Ten pickleball courts opened last year, financed by money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
In addition to the band shell, the latest project at the park includes connecting electricity and acquiring audio-visual equipment, according to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund program was established by the state Legislature’s Act 71 of 2004 and is scheduled to run through 2027. It is funded through gaming revenues and does not include taxpayer money from the state’s general fund.
