LETTER: Neglect of grandstand is an insult to Cedarburg’s history

To Ozaukee Press:

They say that some things never change, but that can’t be said about the fate of the grandstand on the north end of Cedarburg in Fireman’s Park.

Over the decades it has slowly deteriorated and fallen into disrepair to a point where a decision will be made to determine its final destiny.

This building has stood for well over 90 years and has been a fixture in Cedarburg culture and tradition. It was the focus of many city and county events, and to some extent still is, although in far different ways now.

In the early years, it held sulky and horse racing events. Later, it was the center of some of the most exciting motorcycle and dirt track racing in the area. It drew huge crowds from everywhere and offered a variety of other events, from marching band competitions to the Ozaukee County Fair.

Now most people see it as an old, dilapidated building. It should have been restored over time as a part of the city’s history and heritage. In my opinion, it is one of the last great grandstands of a bygone era that deserves better treatment than it has received.

Under the ownership of the Cedarburg Fire Department for years, it is now nothing more than an old beer and hamburger stand. How they manage to operate it under existing fire codes is anyone’s guess. No improvements are really made on it, except for an occasional dull gray paint job and random boards nailed in place to keep the local animals out.

One has to wonder where civic duty and responsibility ended. They have failed miserably in keeping up this building and the property located within the park grounds. And to think all of this was done while the City of Cedarburg stood by and watched it happen. I find it hard to fathom.

The time will come when a decision has to be made about this grandstand’s final demise or rebirth. I believe that the Cedarburg Fire Department will be happy to see it go, and the city will lose a part of its history.

John S. Pretty

Cedarburg