Moscow Council accepts report to advance East City Park stage design

Moscow — The Moscow City Council on Dec. 16 accepted a staff report and stakeholder feedback that will guide a 30% design and cost estimate for a replacement stage at East City Park, with staff and Design West Architects instructed to continue public outreach before returning with a firm budget request.

The report, presented by city parks staff member Cody Riddle and architect Ned of Design West Architects, reviewed outreach dating to 2010, emergency removal of the deteriorating stage earlier this year, and a November stakeholder meeting that weighed two primary locations: a stage attached to the restroom building and a stage at the historical, existing footprint. Council unanimously voted to accept the report and the recommended next steps.

Riddle said the replacement project “has been in the capital improvement plan since its inception” and described the May professional services agreement with Design West to produce a 30% concept design and estimate. Ned told the council stakeholder groups — Rendezvous in the Park, Renaissance Fair, Palouse Pride, the Moscow Community Band and others — generally favored the location attached to the restroom building because it creates a larger natural amphitheater and can take advantage of existing infrastructure.

Design West’s summary listed principal advantages to siting the stage adjacent to the restroom building: a more amphitheater-like slope and larger informal seating area, reduced construction costs by using the restroom wall as a back wall, and improved performer sight lines that avoid late-day sun. The firm listed trade-offs including some additional grading and reconfigured pedestrian circulation; keeping the stage in its historic location would avoid re-routing paths but would require removing three large trees that obstruct views and would add roughly $50,000–$70,000 in site, electrical and masonry costs, the presentation said.

Stakeholders raised concerns about losing a centrally located gathering space, maintaining vendor and booth locations, and accessibility given the slope at the restroom-adjacent site. Ned said the stakeholder group repeatedly confirmed they supported the restroom-adjacent location but requested detailed work on loading/unloading, power, circulation, and the surface in front of the stage to prevent a muddy “mosh pit” during events.

Council members asked for further detail at the 30% stage on load-in/load-out arrangements, permanent wiring and sound/light head-end locations, wind exposure and how heritage materials from the removed stage might be reused. Riddle and the architect said sound/light control would be accommodated with a permanent pedestal and temporary tents for technicians rather than a permanent enclosed control booth, and that additional paved vehicle maneuvering space is expected near the restroom building to facilitate load-ins.

Councilmember Haley, citing the stakeholder meeting results, said she was “more comfortable with the idea of moving the stage” but urged clear outreach on honoring past volunteers and donors; Riddle said staff would explore reusing materials from the old stage and working with the arts and parks commissions on recognition. Councilmember Drew and others emphasized preserving mature trees that provide park character.

No construction funding was approved. Staff will return with the 30% design, a cost estimate, a summary of public feedback, and proposed funding options. Riddle said preliminary public outreach will continue through winter and into spring, including another stakeholder meeting, an open house in chambers, and presence at the spring farmers market.

Council vote: Motion to accept the report carried unanimously (6–0).