New bandstand in Stanley-Deming Park nears completion

WARWICK — The bandstand in Stanley-Deming Park had served the Village of Warwick well for over 80 years.
But it was demolished this past April to be replaced with a new bandstand and picnic pavilion.
And there will also be new lighting, pillars for a new entry to the park and a lit flagpole.
The contractor has also offered to purchase an American flag.
Now construction on the replacement buildings is well underway, moving at a fast pace and expected to be completed this January.
In the 1970s, the current bandstand was altered with the addition of bathrooms.
This addition, however, obliterated the opening from the park side, making it less useful as a bandstand.
The new bandstand and picnic pavilion are being built with funding from the Kosuga Foundation, named after Pine Island residents and philanthropists Vincent and Polly Kosuga.
The structures were designed by Icon Shelter Systems and distributed through Site Specialists Ltd. And the work is being performed by Mancon LLC from Yorktown Heights.
Until 1999, many of the summer concerts that are now held on Railroad Green, took place at the bandstand in Stanley-Deming Park, which remained a popular venue.
The new bandstand will function as an additional venue for performances as well as an activities area for the Village Recreation Program.
By careful positioning it will open up the park's green space and by design it will be handicap accessible.
And there is now a separate bathroom facility in the park.
"This impressive park improvement was made possible through the financial support of The Kosuga Foundation," said Mayor Michael Newhard. "And the bandstand will be dedicated in honor of Pauline and Vincent Kosuga."
- Roger Gavan