The free concerts and movie series at the Hyde Community Center in Newton Highlands has become a popular summer happening and will be taking a giant leap forward with the construction of band stand adjacent to the Hyde Playground.
The structure — which includes a pull down movie screen — is the brainchild of Alderman and Hyde Center director John Rice. Janice Bourque from the Hyde Board has also been a driving force behind this project.
Commodore Builders offered to do the band stand project for the City of Newton as a give back in celebration of their 10 year anniversary. Commodore has managed to obtain upwards of $100,000 in donated services and materials to make this community project possible.
Beside Commodore Builders donating all its companies services there are many subcontractors donating services as well. Schnee Architects, Inc donated all the design/architecture work, Steve Siegel donated all the structural engineering and Vern Porter Associates donated all the surveying services.
The Hyde still needs to raise $40,000 for materials and services that are not donated. If anyone wants to make a donation or provide some donated construction services they should can contact Rice at 617-201-7088.
Construction starts over the next two weeks. Ribbon cutting is Friday June 14 at 6:30 with the Gringo Kings playing an eight piece jazz band
How AWESOME! Congratulations to all for the great work!
Awesome! Can’t wait to see it in person.
The amazing John Rice strikes again!
John has been great to work with on the Area Council. He’s amazing. He knows what he’s doing and he could charm a dog off of a meat wagon.
Thanks also to Commodore Construction, Janice Bourque and Steve Siegel who has come all the way from Waban to help his friends in the Highlands.
That spot has the winter farmers’ market, the ice skating rink and now this. Is it the neighborhood that is getting all this done or is it just the spot where the city chooses to do these things. In other words, I don’t notice other special things happening in other neighborhoods.
@Kim:
It’s the ward alderman.
John Rice does make a huge difference in the Highlands. But let’s not forget that this is a village that’s had an area council for three decades (the only other area council was started about a year ago in Upper Falls). This is worth noting because I understand that Aldermen Baker, Albright and others have been questioning the value of an area council of late.
Also, Janice Bourque has had a lot to do with the bandstand too, along with many other Highlands projects over the years.
Oh and @kim, the bandstand is not on city property, it’s Hyde Center property although the park it looks upon (where the audience is) is a city park.
The other wards could totally do this! I mean, if John Rice could be cloned 12 times
I am so excited that Newton Highlands is going to have a bandstand! Will they allow interlopers from Waban in?
@Sallee You are always welcome here.
🙂
John Rice…as always… “you ‘da man!”
Excellent idea! Thanks, John Rice, Commodore Construction, Janice Bourque. The summer concert series is a great feature of our Highlands ‘hood. Look forward to the improvement.
Architect George Schnee was mentioned up top but not again during all the applause. George and his firm designed, redesigned and refined this jewel to get it just right. For George this has been a true gift to the Highlands — he hails from the far western reaches of Auburndale, MA. http://www.schneearch.com