East Deer eyeing bandstand for Memorial Park

A new bandstand at East Deer Memorial Park could hold endless possibilities, officials said.

Commissioners hope to add the amenity to the Front Street recreation area, giving people even more reason to visit.

“We have a mobile stage there now but the goal is to get something nicer, more permanent,” Commissioner Jacob Gigler said.

Officials hope the structure is in place this time next year.

The township applied this month for nearly $160,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. If approved, money would come from the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program.

East Deer would be responsible for a 15% match, or $24,000.

Commissioner Tony Taliani said the bandstand could be the centerpiece of the township’s annual festival.

The well-attended event is scheduled Aug. 16 and will feature a magic show, balloon art and airbrush tattoos. There will be food, games and cornhole tournaments.

“We always have bands and this would be nice for them,” Taliani said. “We could do other things all summer if we get this.”

If the grant comes through, it would also pay for a utility building. Taliani hopes to hear from the state later this year. Renderings were not yet available for the bandstand or utility shed.

The park has three baseball fields, a playground and courts for dek hockey, tennis and basketball.

Gigler said commissioners have been working in recent years to improve the property. The playgrounds got a makeover and the courts were resurfaced. The concession stand was also upgraded.

Last month, the Deer Lakes Softball Association overhauled one of the fields to expand their league play into East Deer. They removed the grass infield and installed a new dirt playing surface.

“It looks great,” Gigler said. “I’m excited for them to get down there and start using it.”

He believes the bandstand would also benefit the movie nights hosted at the park. They are scheduled this year on June 20 and July 18 but for future events, he said movies could be projected from the bandstand.

“It would almost be like the focus of the park,” Gigler said.