The Village of Mineola authorized more than $96,000 in payments signaling progress beyond the planning stage for the bandshell in Memorial Park. It is the first of many proposed improvements to be
completed over the summer. The board of trustees selected Jackson Avenue-based Valente Contracting to handle the majority of the park’s revamp in May.
Valente’s $1.55 million bid was the lowest of four sent to the village. Village officials expect work to begin “relatively soon”.
“This is for the Memorial Park rehabilitation and consulting work resulting from that revamp,” Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira said. “We’re looking to start work on that later this summer. We are starting to finally see the beginning of this.”
The funds will pay Michigan-based PorterCorp $78,185 for the bandshell while village consulting firm Dvirka & Bartilucci was paid $18,186.16 for construction analysis.
“For the protection of the residents, we have to pass a resolution to withdraw any monies out of those funds,” trustee George Durham said.
The bandshell would be built on the south end of the park near the Mineola Memorial Library and 22 feet high at its peak. Lighting will be installed for security, according to officials.
Work will begin following the first village-sponsored Summer Concert Series events on Friday, July 11 and Friday, Aug. 1. Mineola usually holds two concerts at Memorial Park each summer, however the second event will play at Wilson Park in August to accommodate park rehabilitation.
The village is also planning to build a gazebo on the northeast corner of the park near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Marcellus Road. Repairing park tennis courts is also planned, but are in beginning stages, according to Public Works Superintendent Tom Rini.
The stage itself would be raised four feet to combat any weather issues. Most of the walkways and light fixtures throughout Memorial Park will be replaced as part of the renovation project.
“You want a stage that will be raised for performances,” Rini said recently. “There are some [walkways] that can be eliminated.”
