Trustees press designers for more detail on Depot Park band shell; want acoustics, rigging and weather protection clarified

East Dundee trustees reviewed early designs for a multipurpose band shell at Depot Park and provided detailed feedback emphasizing the need to resolve acoustics, rigging, weather protection and visual compatibility with the historic depot.

Staff presented multiple concept renderings for an elevated stage with interchangeable side panels; trustees raised concerns about rain and wind driven onto the stage through open side panels, the adequacy of overhangs, and whether the design included sufficient rigging points and electrical infrastructure to meet varied performance needs. One trustee said the current concepts left questions about acoustics and suggested the village consider specialists in outdoor performance‑space design rather than a basic parks pavilion designer.

Trustees also discussed signage and material choices (brick column wraps versus cleaner, non‑brick looks), staging height (four feet) and a proposed green‑room/storage idea behind the stage; one trustee suggested the caboose could serve as a green room. Several trustees urged patience and more rounds of revision: "We have to get this right," a trustee said, recommending designers return to answer technical questions before the board commits to a final scope and budget.

Staff noted they want the facility to be flexible for both amplified and unamplified performances and emphasized that further design iterations and specialist input would be scheduled before construction. The board asked staff to have designers return and to bring additional technical detail on rigging, permanent electrical and acoustics at the next review.