By Karen Haave
Monee’s old pavilion at Fireman’s Park has been torn down, and a new one is soon to go under construction.
The pavilion holds some history for village residents who remember fish fries and fundraisers hosted there by Monee organizations.
Monee Historical Society President Christi Holston, who grew up in the village, has fond memories of the shelter, with its picnic benches lined up underneath.
“The pavilion was the central focal point of the Firemen’s fundraising picnic,” she recalled. “It was held annually in July. It was sort of like Fall Fest, with carnival rides, but the civic groups of Monee took turns using the building for food sales.
“On Friday nights the American Legion had a fish fry, on Saturdays the Girl Scout group sold hamburgers and hot dogs. I think the Boy Scouts did a pancake breakfast on Sundays. The pavilion also was used for the baseball season-opening party and the end-of-season awards.”
The pavilion is being designed by PBS Builders (Crete). The goal is to have it constructed and in place by this summer.
Although the board of trustees initially approved building design not to exceed $415,000, the new plans calling for only a pavilion replacement are for a significantly downsized price tag in the area of $250,000.
Village officials are unsure of the simple wooden structure’s age, but they all agreed it was showing some wear and tear and in need of a facelift.
Village Administrator Ruben Bautista noted the project was under discussion for months before the decision was made about a new structure.
“The Board has taken much time and consideration in the design of the pavilion replacement,” he said.
“After input from the parks director, numerous residents, and the Monee Mavericks Football Program, the board decided to simply replace the old pavilion with an upgraded version that is basically the same design, which includes a larger area foot print (50’ x 100’); an improved reinforced steel rooftop, which is approximately one foot taller than the previous pavilion; electrical wiring to support improved lighting and the sound system; treated wood beams and supports (redwood stain); and limestone masonry affixed to the base of the pillar supports.”
Some recent changes, he said, have been to add masonry around the wood base pillars, which would be similar to the Creamery’s limestone masonry.
“We want the masonry to compliment in appearance,” he explained.
Demolition of the old concrete pad is complete, and new concrete was slated to be poured during the first week of April. New pavilion materials are expected to be delivered by mid-April, with construction to begin soon afterwards.
Asked when the old pavilion was built, Bautista said, “We have been looking through archived building plans and old files trying to locate that answer. Actually, we started looking for this information last year when we were completing the OSLAD Grant application. Unfortunately, this question still remains unanswered.
“Looking at satellite imaging, I can tell you the pavilion was constructed after 1970, and before 1995. I know that is a big window of time, but we are still trying to gather that info and nail down a time.”
“We are all very excited about this project,” he added, “and I am grateful the board was thoughtful and methodical during the decision-making process. I am not sure about a ribbon-cutting ceremony (upon completion) but I will keep you posted.”