By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The recent July 4 celebration was a big hit in Decatur, and it also marked a coming-out party of sorts for the handiwork of a group of students and adults.
For the first time, the “new” stage overlooking the Riverside Center parking lot was used, mostly by Nightrain, a Guns & Roses tribute band.
The main aspect of the stage’s new look is the roof, the idea for the entire project being sparked by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Craig Coshow after rain fouled Hubie Ashcraft’s performance during the Fourth celebration in 2022.
As the project came together, Matt Hunter’s Construction Trades Building class at Bellmont High School was recruited to build a roof over the part of the old city water plant building which had been previously used as a stage.
Brothers John and Phil Summers donated lumber for the project and the Adams County Community Foundation contributed a grant of $6,000 to cover the cost of materials. An unused portion of the $6,000 was donated to the class.
In addition to covering over the stage, electrical outlets were installed.
Construction got going in January and was completed in March.
STILL USED: The old water treatment plant which holds the stage was shut down in 2020 when a new plant on E. Monroe St. Extended went online.
The building, constructed in 1953, is still utilized as a water filling station for contractors and bulk water haulers, according to city Utilities Director Kevin Hackman.
It also houses three large water softeners that have been decommissioned. To take them out, Hackman explained, will require removal of one of the walls of the building because of the size of the softeners.
The building is mainly used for storage.
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