Park District Asks Residents to Name New Bandshell

 The Downers Grove Park District is asking the community to help choose a name for the new Fishel Park bandshell, which is currently under construction.

Residents can vote online or at the Downers Grove Golf Club, 2420 Haddow Ave., the Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road, and the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave.

The Park District has winnowed the field to four selections and also is offering residents the option of writing in in a fifth name. They are:

1. Fishel Park Bandshell
2. Pavilion at the Grove
3. The Bandshell on Grove
4. Downers Grove Park District Performing Arts Pavilion

Voting begins today and will continue through April 12. Results will be presented at the April 21 Park Board meeting. The bandshell is scheduled for completion this summer.

This is the second time public input has been solicited on the bandshell, which replaces a 50-year-old structure that was determined to be unsafe due to a crack in its foundation. Last summer, residents voted on its design, with construction beginning in Fall 2010 and continuing through the winter. 

The history of Fishel Park goes back to 1944, when the property was acquired by the Downers Grove Lions Club for use as a public park. It was subsequently deeded to the Village of Downers Grove before the Park District took ownership in 1972.

The name park is named in honor of former Downers Grove Mayor, Newell Fishel. The previous bandshell was never officially named.