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Overton Park Shell leaders ask council for $1 million toward $5 million infrastructure repair to stop sewage backups
Summary
Overton Park Shell Inc. requested $1 million in city support toward a $5 million project to replace failing original terracotta plumbing, upgrade restrooms and add backstage facilities; nonprofit has raised $1.6 million and is also seeking $3 million in state funding.
Officials from Overton Park Shell Inc. told the Parks & Environmental Committee that a critical infrastructure project is needed to address broken terracotta plumbing under the shell — the low point of Overton Park — and to modernize restrooms and backstage facilities.
Natalie Wilson, executive director of Overton Park Shell Inc., said the shell sits at the park’s lowest elevation and that aging plumbing dating to the 1920s has degraded to the point that raw sewage periodically backs up into restrooms. She estimated the infrastructure and renovation plan at a little more than $5 million and said the nonprofit has raised roughly $1.6 million. Wilson said the group is requesting $1 million from the city’s capital improvement program and seeking $3 million in state preservation grants.
Wilson and council members said the project is intended to preserve the 90‑year‑old landmark, upgrade electrical and ADA components and add an artist lounge and more restrooms to handle crowds the shell draws during concert series. The nonprofit also proposes an endowment contribution of $500,000 from the capital effort for ongoing maintenance.
Council members pressed for details on the budget breakdown and the nonprofit’s maintenance plan; Wilson said the fundraising plan includes private philanthropy and an endowment to support proactive maintenance. Council members said the shell is a city‑owned asset and recommended discussing the request in the city’s CIP planning process. Wilson said private donors and the nonprofit would continue to pursue preservation grants while seeking city support through CIP.
Committee members and Wilson agreed the shell project affects other park infrastructure because the failing plumbing serves wider park needs, including restrooms by Rainbow Lake. The committee will consider the request as part of future CIP discussions.
