At issue was a request by the non-profit group, Friends of the Posse Grounds, for a conditional use permit to begin construction of the Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park Pavilion on approximately 2 acres at the Posse Grounds Park (south of the Teen Center and Skate Park), to be used for outdoor concerts and events.  The proposed raised stage would be covered by a Monolithic Dome tilted shell (21 feet at its highest point and 8 feet at its lowest point) that would seat 300 people beneath it, and another estimated 300 people on the uncovered grassy area in front.

Homeowners from the area surrounding the proposed Park Pavilion turned out to express their concern about the level of noise and traffic it would create.  Other, equally passionate, Sedona residents were also on hand to show support for the Park Pavilion, stating that it would finally create a place for neighborhood and community events in an outdoor setting.

Since the P&Z had already approved the preliminary development plan for the Park Pavilion in August 2007, and the City had entered into a public/private partnership agreement as far back as 2005 to divvy up the roles and responsibilities between the City and the Friends of the Posse Grounds on the Park Pavilion's construction and ongoing management, obtaining the conditional use permit was an assumed foregone conclusion.  Also, because the City of Sedona owns the lands, the City is not subject to its own zoning ordinance; although City staff said that the City wants to go through the same public process as a private developer.

The issue at hand last night was not really whether the Park Pavilion will be constructed, but how?  Will the disruptive sounds from concerts and other outdoor events carry to nearby neighborhoods?

As background, Barbara Antonsen was a Sedona resident who founded the Sedona Arts Festival, and was instrumental in 1993 in saving 8.63 acres that was surrounded by the Posse Ground Community Park from an institutional taking by Yavapai College.  The land was later purchased by the City of Sedona, and in December 2002 the area was named the Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park in her honor.

According to City staff, the existing open stage at the Park has been used for almost 35 years as a venue for outdoor concerts and events, and the proposed Park Pavilion is consistent with the City's Community Plan, and meets the City's Land Development Code.  The City also has in place existing sound, parking and no-alcohol ordinances that will govern the Park's activities.

The Friends of the Posse Grounds was established to raise funds for the design and construction of the stage area, picnic tables, plantings, and a 10,000 gallon cistern to be located underground to catch rainwater that will be used for irrigation.  Once constructed the City of Sedona will own the structure and improvements, and the Sedona Parks and Recreation department will be charged with the ongoing oversight and management of the Park and its events.

The Friends have raised significant money through donations.  ILX Chairman Joe Martori was an early contributor, and in May 2007 Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis presented the City of Sedona with a $35,804 check to go toward the construction of the Park.

According to Madeleine O'Callaghan, President of Friends of the Posse Grounds, ground won't be broken until there is enough money to pay for the Park's entire construction.  In addition, no night performances are currently envisioned.  Instead the Park Pavilion will be a day use only facility for family celebrations, small theatrical, musical and art events.

But what about the noise?  Will the Pavilion be a band shell that acts like a megaphone?  According to Ms. O'Callaghan, "No."  Instead, it will use an innovative Monolithic Dome shell design.

To explain how the design would work to reduce sound, the Friends brought in Rick Crandall, an architect with expertise in the construction of Monolithic Dome shells.  According to Mr. Crandall only 22% of the dome will be open and this 148 degree window will focus sound down and into the grassy area where the audience will sit.  By closing the dome on three sides and utilizing sound absorbing panels, Mr. Crandall said that very little sound will escape and that tests were conducted to prove this.

Despite his assurances, neither Mr. Crandall's website at http://www.crandalldesign.com nor the website for the Monolithic Dome Institute at http://www.monolithic.com/ discuss the sound reducing benefits of the Monolithic Dome design, and never specifically discuss the use of the dome as an outdoor performance venue.

Instead, according to Mr. Crandall's website, "Monolithic Domes are super-insulated, steel-reinforced concrete structures designed as homes, schools, gymnasiums, bulk storage facilities, churches, offices, and as structures for many other uses."

In the end, the proposal passed 5-2, but it can still be appealed and brought before the City Council for a final decision.

At this late stage, the momentum to build the Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park Pavilion is so strong, it is unlikely anything will stop it.  Nevertheless, consistent pressure from nearby homeowners will ensure that its design and construction will address their noise and traffic concerns.

related article:  Flagrant Issues: Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park Concept

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