It is a great tribute to those who fought to save the Roxbury Bandshell that a security camera will monitor the site.
No, there have not been reports of vandalism.
But the bandshell has not only been saved, it has been converted into a useful staging area for entertainment and now has enough value that there is reason to provide security.
What a turnaround for the stone structure.
The bandshell was awaiting the wrecking ball in 2005, as the city sought to provide more parking at the busy Roxbury Park recreation area.
But volunteers formed the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance to raise private money for protecting the complex.
By spring of 2006, the alliance had signed a lease with the city to maintain and use the bandshell for community events.
The alliance has grown that agreement into a 20-year plan to operate the bandshell, which quite literally has a new lease on life at Roxbury.
The latest news amplifies the efforts that have been made there. Intelligent Security Technologies of Adams Township is donating a video surveillance system to keep an eye on the bandshell.
Alliance President Mark Borkow said of the security system: “We are actually protecting the community’s investment.”
Fundraising continues, even as the bandshell plays host to weekly Sunday concerts.
This is a true local success story.
