Batavia band shell fundraising shows strong start

Supporters of a new band shell to be built in downtown Batavia have already raised $40,000 toward the cause.

"We're well on our way," said Britta McKenna, project manager for the group's steering committee.

The goal for the group is to raise an additional $60,000 in the next few months and get a matching grant for that from the county.

Built privately, the project could cost about $270,000, but with volunteers and materials donated or sold at cost, that price tag can come down considerably, McKenna said.

The 1,050-square-foot open-air addition to the Peg Bond Center on the Riverwalk would include a tiered stage, sound and lighting.

Donations so far include a $25,000 grant from the Hansen-Furnas Foundation, $5,000 from Dennis Kintop of M.I.C. Construction, and a $10,000 pledge from the Batavia Parks Foundation, which is spearheading the project.

McKenna hopes such a good start will inspire community members and groups to donate.

"It makes it easier to see we're moving toward our goal," she said.

Organizers want to break ground in June and, ambitiously, build it in 175 days.

They want it to celebrate two anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of the Riverwalk, and the 175th anniversary of Batavia.

The Riverwalk itself was constructed in much the same way. Estimated to cost $3.2 million, it ended up costing $1.3 million, mostly due to volunteer work and donated materials.

Several community and school groups already use the Riverwalk to perform, mostly in the summer.