Why the Bandshell Location Study Deserves a Closer Look

This letter to the editor is from Elmhurst resident Andrea Hutchinson:

In recent weeks, there have been a few posts encouraging the Park District to rely on professional expertise and objective standards when making long-term decisions. We agree. But good governance also requires asking an important question: Is the analysis we’re relying on accurate, complete, and relevant?

The Dewberry Bandshell Location Study, presented on May 27, compared nine sites and concluded the East Lawn was the preferred location. However, a closer look at the scoring reveals serious concerns:

• Scores that conflict with observable facts
• Outdated assumptions that no longer reflect current plans or community input
• Acknowledged issues raised during the Board meeting that were never corrected

For example:

• Obstructed Views of Wilder Mansion:The East Lawn location received a score of 2.5 (near “ideal”), while the Ice Rink received a score of 1 (“least desirable”). This result is difficult to reconcile with the fact that the primary public objection to the East Lawn location is its obstruction of iconic views of the Wilder Mansion.
• Lawn Area for Seating: The East Lawn was scored a 3 (“ideal”), while the Ice Rink was scored a 1 (“least desirable”), despite the Board’s acknowledgment that both locations can accommodate the maximum anticipated attendance of 1,000 people

Since the original study:

• Public survey results (showing 70% of respondents favor the Ice Rink) are now available
• Bandshell dimensions (unknown at the time) have been finalized (now 60’ x 40’ x 26’; nearly the size of the Chicago Bean)
• Parking counts are known on both sides of the park
• Tree removal is no longer required at either site
• Churches and schools have raised traffic conflict concerns

Yet none of this has been incorporated into an updated analysis.

Before making a final decision, the Board should conduct its own rescoring exercise using:

• Updated criteria
• Current information
• Clear rationale for each score

Our Independent Rescoring:

Using an updated framework and the most current information, our Bandshell Awareness team conducted an independent rescoring exercise that produced the following outcome:

• East Lawn: 25.5
• Ice Rink: 32.0

We recognize that all scoring involves judgment — including ours. That’s exactly why a transparent, Board-led rescoring is so important.

This is not about choosing a side — it’s about ensuring the final decision is based on accurate information, sound process, and accountability to the Elmhurst community.