CASPER, WY — In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Casper City Council approved a grant application to the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office to begin the nomination process for the Washington Park bandshell on the National Register of Historic Places. Council members see the historic designation as a way to protect the iconic 1939 structure and to open new streams of grant money for its upkeep.
Historic significance and community value
Randy Hein, a member of the Casper Historic Preservation Commission, explained that a National Register listing requires proof of both historical significance and structural integrity. He noted, “I’m surprised we didn’t do this years ago. It’s a neat structure… Culturally, you can’t get any more culture involved than that.” The bandshell has been a centerpiece of Washington Park for decades, serving as the home of the Casper Municipal Band and hosting events such as the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s Pops in the Park and numerous local celebrations.
Funding and next steps
Hein said the designation would “unlock a lot of grant monies,” a crucial benefit for a facility that already received $3 million from the Special Purpose Sales and Use Tax approved by voters in 2024. The city plans to apply for the 2027 Certified Local Government grant program, administered by the state preservation office, with applications due Nov. 15. Projects funded under the 2027 cycle must be completed by Aug. 31, 2028.
Zulima Lopez, Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director, confirmed that the bandshell site already carries a state landmark number and has been identified as eligible for listing by state officials. If the state grant application is not successful, Lopez said the city will explore alternative funding sources before moving forward with the nomination.
Broader park improvements
The historic nomination is part of a larger effort to revitalize Washington Park. Casper’s master plan includes adding several new tennis courts, refurbishing trails, upgrading bathrooms, improving lighting, and other enhancements that will benefit families and community members who gather there.
Commission Chair Connie Hall highlighted that Casper already boasts several National Register sites, including Fort Caspar, Fire Station No. 1, and Natrona County High School. Adding the bandshell would further cement the city’s reputation for preserving its heritage while investing in quality public spaces.
Community response
Local residents expressed strong support for the initiative. “Protecting our community’s history is what we’re all about,” Hein told Oil City News. “These older structures give the city a lot of its character, and we want to keep that.” The move aligns with Casper’s long‑standing commitment to preserving historic landmarks that enrich the cultural fabric of the city.
As the nomination process moves forward, city officials will continue to keep the public informed about milestones, funding opportunities, and any additional steps required to secure the historic designation.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
