Letter: Back Wall on Band Shell Would Obstruct Ocean Views

Editor's note: This letter originally appeared as a comment on the article , published on March 22.

A few weeks ago, I read a scathing review of the new band shell design for Veterans Park (, March 26). Someone believed that the proposed band shell failed expectation mainly because it doesn't feature a back wall (behind the performers) as is typical of outdoor amphitheaters.

Yesterday, in , I watched as chairs were being arranged on that slope for a romantic sunset wedding. The wedding that afternoon would be special, in part, because of the ocean view. I visualized the new band shell. This is a rare vista that cannot be enjoyed inland. So why gather neighbors to enjoy music on the grassy slope at the ocean's edge and then deny them a nice view? They might as well be in Whittier. A back wall to the structure would completely obstruct an immense angle of ocean viewing (as the old band shell did). But an open area behind the band would allow for better enjoyment of where we are so fortunate to live.

If a back wall is not necessary for the good sonic distribution of music, then please allow us to enjoy the peaceful location. I have lived in Redondo Beach for three decades, and I hope that folks will consider the rare location for this band shell and embrace a design that maximizes the experience of being in a beautiful park on a cliff at the ocean.

Kent McCaman
Redondo Beach

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