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Residents urge restoration of Smokey Bear Park band shell as committee weighs options
Summary
Public commenters pressed the International Falls City Council to use insurance proceeds to replace the historic Pete Peterson band shell ‘as it was,’ while council members and staff said a city committee is exploring alternatives and the insurance payout is not yet finalized.
Dozens of residents asked the International Falls City Council on July 21 to rebuild the historic band shell at Smokey Bear Park after it burned, pressing the city to use insurance funds to return the structure to its original appearance. Mayor Dell and council members said the band shell issue remains under review by a council committee and the city has not yet finalized how insurance proceeds will be used. Why it matters: The band shell is a long-standing community amenity and a focal point for events; residents said they expect the structure to be replaced with a historically similar facility and asked for transparency on consultant costs and insurance proceeds. Public commenters said the community wants a straightforward replacement rather than an expanded park master plan. "Replace the band…
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