Construction & Alteration History
Date Event
Source*
1894 to 1909
Floods occurred during these years in Central Park and Boulder leading to structural, sewage, and beautification efforts. The recurrence of floods influenced the placement of the Bandshell.
Boulder’s Floods & Flood Management, 12-23 5-Year Update to Historic Preservation Plan, 2019 Greenways Master Plan, 2011 Daily Camera Article, 2012
1903
Boulder City Improvement Association (BCIA) established to develop park lands and encourage city improvements.
1906 to 1933 1926 to 1928
The City of Boulder purchased parcels of land to build Central Park. The park was originally owned by railroad companies and called Railroad Park. Saco Rienk DeBoer drafted the first zoning ordinance for the City of Boulder, recommending that the lands along Boulder Creek "be acquired for park purposes along the full length of the creek throughout the city." The city approved the zoning plan in 1928. The Boulder Planning and Park Commission received notice that the Major Activity Committee of the Lions Club sought to fund the construction of a Bandshell for public concerts. Saco Rienk DeBoer, Landscape Architect, consulted on the location of the Bandshell. He recommended the area north of the railroad right-of-way with the location of City Hall at the east end. Glen Huntington developed plans for the Art Deco Style Bandshell. Construction of the Bandshell completed in June of 1938 with trees planted around the Bandshell site. DeBoer developed a landscape plan for the site that included trees to screen the structure. Paths were designed to the structure to prevent people from taking shortcuts through the site. DeBoer’s final plan included deciduous and evergreen trees adjacent to the structure. DeBoer proposed an updated plan for the Bandshell area that included amphitheater style seating. Site redesigned to include amphitheater seating, built of concrete bases, wood tops and rein- forced with rebar. Concrete sidewalk installed on the south edge of the amphitheater (Figure 1-5).
1937
Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 5
Landmarks Board Memo, 12 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 9 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 10 Saco Rienk DeBoer sketch, 1947 Aerial Photography, 1949 to 1953 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 4 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 13 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 13 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 4 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 13 City of Boulder Train History, 1 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 13 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 13 Boulder Bandshell Historical Study, 13
1938
1939
1947
1949 to 1951
1956
Rectangular concrete piers/electrical bollards added in front of the stage.
1968
Marks the beginning of decline of the Bandshell and site in relation to decline of Central Park.
1970s
Bandshell proposed for relocation.
1980s
General maintenance efforts included replacement of interior cladding, floor repair and replacement (not in full), and painting. Exact year(s) are unknown.
1981 to 1985
Community events again held in the Bandshell, which helped revive it as a civic center.
1982
Trains relocated to Central Park with the assistance of Boulder Model Railroad Club.
1987
Boulder County Commissioners considered moving Bandshell to Longmont fairgrounds.
1988
Boulder Train Depot Task Force, local officials, business people, and historians recommended removing the Bandshell and relocating the Train Depot to its spot in Central Park. "Save the Bandshell" campaign painted the Bandshell rainbow colors to raise community awareness in an effort to preserve the Bandshell.
1991
* Refer to resources at the end of this section for sources
2-12
Glen Huntington Bandshell
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