Village of Ashwaubenon begins construction on long-awaited bandshell

ASHWAUBENON – The Village of Ashwaubenon broke ground on Sept. 16 for its new bandshell at Klipstine Park.

The Klipstine Park Bandshell will create further opportunities for community events, such as gatherings and performances, and function as a centerpiece for community events like the Ashwaubenon Summer Concert Series. 

“We started a Wednesday Lunchtime Concert Series back in 2006 that has grown pretty exponentially over the years,” said Village of Ashwaubenon Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Rex Mehlberg. “We’re kind of looking at that as the foundation for the different activities… we’ll be able to use the stage for future endeavors, shows, performances, all kinds of fun things like that.” 

With the new bandshell, the village plans to extend further opportunities for the community, such as evening concerts and events. 

“This has been a long-talked-about project,” said Village President Mary Kardoskee. “It was one of the wish list items that was cut out of the budget because the budget many years ago got too high.”

The idea of a bandshell was first introduced back when community facility projects, such as the community pool, the Community Arts Center and the community center were just concepts.

Nine and a half years after the community center opened, the bandshell is becoming a reality. 

Mehlberg and Kardoskee both expressed deep gratitude for Ashwaubenon residents whose support made the bandshell possible, including Ken and Marge Bukowski, Mary Ellen and Richard Happel and the Appleton family. 

“...without their support to put this project together, it probably still would not have happened,” Kardoskee said. 

“Private money is being used to build 80% to 90% of this,” said Ken Bukowski. “So anyway, we’re thankful for that help.” 

While the bandshell will be located in Ashwaubenon, it is the village’s hope that it will extend beyond Ashwaubenon residents. 

“Really, it’s a community-type facility. More of a regional facility, we think, as time marches on and when we get more things going on here. So we’re very excited,” Mehlberg said. 

Building of the bandshell is expected to be completed within the next two and a half months, with landscaping taking place in the spring. 

After construction, the 2026 Summer Concert Series is set to take place on the new stage at Klipstine Park, located at 936 Anderson Drive.