Band shell gets OK in Batavia, and some funds

The city of Batavia approved building plans for a band shell on the Riverwalk on Monday night.

And the group behind the plans is raising funds at a quick pace, topping $75,000 on Monday.

The 1,050-square-foot addition will include a stage, sound and lighting for performing groups as small as two or three to as large as 70, said Steve Vasilion, the project's architect.

The group has talked with performing groups in the area to make sure the band shell will fit their needs, and their plans for the future, said Dan Brace of the Batavia Parks Foundation, which is leading the project.

"We're getting more and more excited each day," he said.

The addition will be attached to the existing Peg Bond Center to the south.

An obstacle for the group will be the relocation of electrical lines that will likely need to be done. Alderman Dave Brown suggested that the city look into funding that with TIF district money.

"I think it's a great addition to the Riverwalk," he said.

If finished this year, the band shell could be used in the 10th anniversary of the Riverwalk and 175th anniversary of Batavia celebrations.

The amount raised is a far cry from the $270,000 that is needed for the whole project, but supporters also have a total of $65,000 in Batavia and Kane County grants that have been recommended but not yet approved.

That total includes services that group members hope can be donated in kind.

More information on the project is available at www.its-coming.org.