Decorah Residents Renew Push for Elementary School Performance Pavilion

Your financial contribution empowers watchdog reporting that protects and informs us all. DECORAH — A proposal to add a privately funded performance pavilion to the new elementary school playground area returned to the forefront at Monday's Decorah Community School Board meeting, with two speakers urging the board to embrace the project as a community asset that blends arts, recreation and renewable energy. Jim and Liz Fritz, who first introduced the concept in June, returned with updated community feedback and a formal request for the pavilion's location, in the corner of the 24-hour parking lot across from City Hall. Following local press coverage and posts on their Mission Green LLC website and Facebook page, the idea drew "overwhelmingly positive" reaction, Fritz told the board. An online post about the pavilion received more than 350 likes, 30 shares and no negative comments, he said. "People are already offering donations and we are not taking them," Fritz said, adding that no fundraising would begin until the board approved. Community leaders, including Luther College's Dr. Tony Guzmán and Dr. Brad Chamberlain, have also expressed support. Addressing concerns raised in earlier discussions about the pavilion's footprint, Fritz urged a "paradigm shift" in how the board views the space. He said the structure was never intended to be a "walled garden off limits to students". Instead, its covered stage floor could provide a sheltered play surface with security fencing and direct access from the playground. Creative additions like colorful hopscotch or foursquare markings could make it a vibrant play area when not in use for performances. "Imagine students performing music or theater one day and playing tag under the shelter the next," Fritz said. He also envisioned teachers using it for outdoor lessons, and the wider community hosting concerts, events and gatherings. Solar panels on the pavilion could generate nearly $10,000 annually in electricity for the new school, he said. "This is more than a building," he told the board. "It's a gift to Decorah students, teachers, and the community. A space for imagination, creativity, play, and sustainable energy… a lasting enhancement." Former Decorah High School speech and drama instructor Susan Cantine also voiced strong support. Drawing on her decades of directing student productions, she said the pavilion would be an ideal venue for drama classes, public performances and community arts groups. "I could see lots of creative drama activities going on there[…] I could see all kinds of public events like if New Minowa Players did their musical on that stage or if there were traveling shows that came through," Cantine said. She called the potential uses "many, many positive aspects" and encouraged the board to "seriously consider it." The board did not take action on the proposal Monday, but thanked those who spoke and moved forward with their regular agenda items. Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.