By Wayne Laepple
WATSONTOWN -- An area resident has stepped forward to lead a committee to develop plans for a band shell in the borough's park.
Keith Foust, a resident of Delaware Township with many ties to Watsontown, brought his idea to the Borough Council at a committee meeting last week.
He wound up being appointed chairman of a new task force after he presented his idea to build a band shell in the area formerly occupied by the borough's swimming pool. Foust suggested that location since it would not require removal of mature trees and otherwise disrupt the integrity of the park. In addition, the pool locker rooms and concession stand buildings would provide restrooms and storage areas, which were proposed in a previous band-shell concept.
In early January, members of the original band-shell committee resigned after they learned that state grant funds for the Eighth Street Park could not be used to advance the band-shell project. The group had begun raising money through sales of commemorative bricks. While the members recognized that grant funds would be needed for the construction of a band shell, they didn't realize that available grant dollars could not be diverted to their project.
Foust said Monday he envisions the task force including representatives from the community, as well as from the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Delaware Township, Warrior Run Area Fire Department, Warrior Run Community Corp. and Watasontown Area Business Association.
"I like the original plan, but I thought we should consider other options," he said. "I just thought it was important to keep the park the way it is."
"I don't want to lose the money already donated," he continued. "I want to involve people who know how to get things done."
Foust said he's open to suggestions and recommendations. Nothing is cast in stone, he said. He said the committee will have to determine how floods might affect the area, which is close to the Susquehanna River. The group also will have to consider how the band shell would be oriented. His original thought was for the band shell to be near the rear of the convenience store, with seating where the pool was. However, he said, the band shell also could face south so the music could heard throughout the park.
"It's a starting point," he said. "My mind is open."
After the original committee members resigned, the Borough Council opened a dedicated bank account for the band-shell project. Funds raised through the brick sales were placed in that account, and new donations are being accepted at the borough office.
Harry Hefty, council vice president, said the council continues to support the band-shell project.
He said that although Karen Bottdorf, a member of the original committee, and Mayor Bob Brown met with state Rep. Merle Phillips about the project, borough officials felt it was more important to complete the Eighth Street Park project before taking on additional projects.
"Eighth Street has been hanging around for years," he said.
The council has amended the Eighth Street application to provide $30,000 for comprehensive planning, which includes the borough's other park.
"I know they (members of the original committee) felt frustration with the process," Hefty said. "But it doesn't matter any more. The band-shell idea has been around for a long time, and now it's going forward."
