Milford bandstand nearing completion; commission discusses Memorial Day mention, plaque and donor banners

The Milford Heritage Commission was told contractors expect the town bandstand to be finished the week of May 26, and members discussed whether to mark the completion during the Memorial Day parade or at a later, smaller ceremony.

Commission members read an email from Leo Lessard giving a construction status update. According to the message, the roof and exterior painting are done, the interior ceiling and lattice work are finished, and floor joists and panels have been installed; the panels will be set after painting to avoid spills. The email notes the completion date is not certain and depends on remaining painting work.

The question of a public unveiling drew several proposals. Catherine Coco asked whether the commission wanted “an opening or a ribbon cutting after the parade or some other kind of opening,” and members favored a low-key approach: include a brief acknowledgment of the renovation in the Memorial Day program rather than stage a separate full-scale ceremony. Commissioners noted landscaping — including flower boxes — likely will not be complete in time for the parade, and that could affect how “ready” the bandstand appears to visitors.

Coco also reported work on a plaque: she is coordinating a donor list gathered through the historical society website and has asked whether a plaque should be placed at the bandstand or inside town hall. Members discussed placing a bronze plaque with a short history and donor recognition in town hall to protect it from the elements, while leaving temporary banners at the bandstand for public acknowledgment once the fencing is removed.

Members requested staff check with public works about leaving the donor banners in place for a short period after the site reopens and to confirm whether a Moose Plate grant banner (mentioned earlier in the meeting) should also be displayed. They also asked staff to contact parade organizers — the commission identified the American Legion and VFW as likely parade coordinators — to arrange a brief mention of the renovation during the bandstand portion of the Memorial Day program.

Commissioners emphasized the projected completion date is provisional. No formal action or vote was taken on an unveiling; the discussion produced direction to coordinate with staff, public-works and parade organizers and to confirm plaque and banner plans.

Members said they will follow up on donor recognition and display options once the contractor confirms a firm completion date.