Friends of Gregory Park cleared to host summer concerts after park board waives bandstand fee

Friends of Gregory Park asked the Brainerd City Park Board for permission to host a seven-concert summer series at the Gregory Park bandstand and requested a waiver of the $50-per-day reservation fee.

Natalie Shiffrell, speaking for Friends of Gregory Park, said the group has seven artists ready to perform between June 4 and Aug. 27 and that the series would be free to attendees and fully insured. Staff noted the bandstand has sustained vandalism and recommended a facility evaluation; staff and Friends agreed to sign an insurance-backed waiver and for Friends to help with fundraising to address needed repairs. The board voted to waive the fees and directed staff to prepare a formal agreement with Friends for recurring use.

Safety and logistics: staff flagged structural and maintenance concerns — the bandstand’s trapdoor was described as heavy (roughly 7,000 pounds) and the structure is old wood — and recommended a technical evaluation before opening the facility broadly. Friends offered to meet staff on-site and to contribute to repairs if necessary. The board said it was comfortable authorizing the concerts provided proper insurance and an agreement are in place.

Financial and operational details: the board noted the bandstand fee is $50 per day; Friends said they would fundraise and could cover costs if the board chose not to waive the fee. The board directed staff to formalize arrangements and to ensure any required permits or waivers are in place ahead of the June 4 start date.

Next steps: staff will draft the use agreement and coordinate any inspections or temporary safety mitigations. Friends of Gregory Park and staff will continue conversations to ensure insurance and logistical requirements are satisfied before the series begins.