The Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority voted to award a one-time $100,000 grant to the City of Chester to repair the Chester Park bandshell, an outdoor performance venue that city officials said has been condemned and is in urgent need of repair. The authority amended the award so the money will be released when the city provides a verified construction start date.

City of Chester officials asked the authority for $100,000 to supplement other funding for repairs. “We humbly request a $100,000 grant from this authority to enable us to fully repair the band shell, including restrooms and changing areas,” said Mayor Stephon Ruths. The city provided an estimated repair cost of $266,000 and a separate estimate of $350,000 to replace the structure with a prefabricated unit.

The mayor said Chester has designated community development block grant (CDBG) funds and is fundraising to cover the remaining cost. When asked if the project would proceed if the authority awarded the grant, Ruths replied, “The project is going to happen.” He also outlined plans to use the bandshell for community events and daytime performances and said the city is considering security measures such as cameras to protect the facility.

During discussion, authority members urged the city to avoid cutting corners and to plan for security and ongoing upkeep. One member recommended studying comparable band shells in the region to inform final design and amenities.

The authority’s motion to approve the $100,000 grant passed by voice vote after members amended the original condition (which tied approval to county-council action) to require a construction start before funds are distributed. The motion carried; no roll-call vote or named vote tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Authority members and city staff said the improvements would focus on the shell, stage resurfacing, securing electrical rooms and doors, and restroom/changing-room repairs. The city’s presentation included photos of roof and water damage, a cracked stage surface, damaged doors, and vandalism. Chester officials said resurfacing the stage and improving security are priorities so the venue can host community performances and larger events.

The authority’s approval does not itself disburse funds; minutes record the award as conditional on verification of construction start and, where applicable, county council approval for the allocation process. The authority chair and staff said distribution would follow their standard disbursement procedures once the start date is confirmed.

The request and the motion were presented at the authority’s Aug. 16, 2025 meeting by Adrian Irving, communication specialist for the City of Chester, and Mayor Stephon Ruths.