Bartlett approves contract for mobile performance pavilion to expand city events

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on a unanimous vote approved a contract to buy a towable mobile performance pavilion for Bartlett park events.

Parks and Recreation Director Paul Wright told the board the department selected a single-source vendor and recommended the purchase after the board previously accepted a $175,000 grant to fund the project. Wright said the mobile pavilion would let the city “meet residents where they're at” by bringing concerts and performances to multiple parks rather than relying on the permanent Keith McDonald Pavilion at W.J. Freeman Park.

Tom Edwards, identified as chief executive officer of Measured Fabrication, described the unit as “a half scale model of the historic Overton Park Shell” and said the design includes integrated sound, lights, on-board lithium batteries and hydraulic automation so the stage opens and closes with minimal crew. Edwards said the stage would be 24 feet deep and 30 feet wide, and come equipped with a 32-input mixer, speakers, monitors, theatrical trussing and onboard power to run several hours without a generator.

Edwards also said the pavilion would allow the city to avoid renting separate production equipment for each event: “No need to hire a music production company and rent and set up equipment each time.” He noted potential revenue opportunities from rentals and advertising when the city is not using the stage.

Board members voted to approve the contract; the clerk recorded the motion as passing 6 to 0.

The city staff indicated the unit will be used for existing events such as the Bartlett Music Series and food-truck partnerships and could be deployed to any of the city’s 28 parks for concerts, theater or civic events. The vendor noted future add-ons could include video screens and solar panels.

The board took the item under new business, heard the presentation and asked no substantive follow-up questions before voting. The contract motion passed 6-0.