By: Ryan Duey
Located in Dexter Park, the Clay Center Municipal Band Shell has been providing Clay Center and the surrounding area an outdoor entertainment venue for many different events and activities since 1934. From the City Band playing at the Band Shell each summer, to couples hosting weddings, and families throwing birthday parties, it has been a staple of Clay Center for many years.
Designed by Wesley Morse, and constructed under the direction of H.L. Stevens the Band Shell provided years of entertainment to the Clay Center area in the 1900s. Patrick Hayes, Parks & Recreation Superintendent, said as the years went on the Band Shell deteriorated to a point that it was no longer safe to host entertainment, such as the City Band, until 1996 when the City of Clay Center and local donors came together to restore the historic venue. The Band Shell was rededicated for use on September 28th, 1996.
90 years after its inaugural dedication, the Parks & Recreation Department has added a new concrete slab in front of the Band Shell, further enhancing the facility’s appearance, while also bettering the experience of future audiences. Before the addition, the seating area in front of the Band Shell was grass and dirt.
Hayes said the idea of adding the new slab had been in the works for the last few years. This year the Parks & Recreation Department was able to raise the funds for this new project. Hayes said the added enhancement should provide more event and programming activities to the City, and toyed with the idea of possibly adding outdoor movies in the future.
Hayes said they hope and look forward to celebrating the Band Shell’s 100th anniversary in 10 years with the community. More information on the historic Band Shell, including using it for future events can be answered by contacting the Clay Center Parks & Recreation Department.
