Description of Historic Place

The Gyro Bandshell is a steel truss and concrete structure, comprising a stage with a concave, hemispheric shell at the rear which serves as a sounding board. Located in Gyro Park at the north end of Main Street, it is surrounded by a large expanse of lawn and trees.

Heritage Value

The Gyro Bandshell is valued because it is a familiar landmark at the north entrance to downtown on the original route of Highway 97 through the City. Constructed in 1951 to replace an earlier bandshell, this historic site is also notable for its continuous use as place of public assembly for entertainment and civic functions since 1936. The location of the bandshell reflects the community planning that made ideal use of this high traffic area when the main highway entered town at this location.

The work of the Gyro Club and the City of Penticton in developing the park and maintaining the Bandshell (through refurbishments in 1992 and 2000) reflects the social value of this historic place.

Source: City of Penticton Civic File for: 24 Lakeshore Drive

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Gyro Bandshell include:
- the bandshell form with its distinctive circular roof
- association with earlier 1912 and 1936 bandshells which were on this site
- the intact Gyro Park setting, allowing views of the bandshell from Main Street
- relationship to other elements of the civic precinct at the north entrance to downtown, such as the Courthouse and City Hall
- ongoing use as a place of public assembly