Back in 2011, Lydia Bauman donated funds to build the gazebo in Normal Park so the Merrill City Band would have a permanent performance home. Several years later, the band began a capital campaign drive to make other improvements to the park. A new facility, with concession stand, bathrooms, warming house, and storage was added to the park last year. The band continues to raise money for additional improvements.
City Band director, Linda Becker, presents a check for $17,500 to Dan Wendorf for the new parking lot that went in this fall. The Normal Park fund through the Chamber of Commerce contributed an additional $2,500.
A few future Normal Park projects include the Optimist All Access playground, a new lawn, improved lighting, and historic lighted pathways. Contributions toward the park can be sent to Friends of the City Band, Merrill Chamber of Commerce, 705 N. Center Ave., Merrill, WI 54452.