Warnick said if they tried to build the new stage in its old location, there would be challenges. He said the old location would require crews to remove three trees that are in the way. It would be more expensive because a back wall would need to be constructed and more paving would have to occur.
He said it would likely cost $50,000 to $70,000 more than a stage that’s attached to the restroom.
The old location would have reduced visibility of the front of the stage and a smaller seating area, he said.
Moscow Deputy City Administrator Cody Riddle told the city council that the stakeholders expressed unanimous support for the new stage location next to the bathrooms. The city plans to get more public input, likely by hosting a public meeting and talking to people at events like the Winter’s Market.
The conceptual design and cost estimate still needs to be completed and approved by the city council. Riddle said the city is looking into using materials from the old stage in the construction of the new stage. The old stage was built by volunteers and Riddle said it would be “a shame” to let those materials end up in the landfill.
City councilors expressed support for the new stage design, but urged the city to continue getting public input.
Kuipers can be reached at [email protected].