WILTON — The Board of Selectpersons on Tuesday approved spending up to $24,000 to purchase a gazebo for Bass Park.

Fifthroom, an online company from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, will build and transport the 20- by 20-foot gazebo for up to $5,000 less than a local builder estimated the cost, said Frank Donald, director of Parks and Recreation.

The basic kit is $19,500, while the one local estimate received for building the gazebo was $24,300, he said.

The Recreation Committee is leaning toward purchasing the kit. Railings and benches are extra, he said. A bench running the length of a side is $259 and railings are $340. Donald recommended one bench and the committee is considering the railings, he said.

A larger gazebo will provide space for concerts or art shows in the park with views of the lake as a backdrop. 

Over $16,000 has been received in donations for the project, Town Manager Rhonda Irish said.  

Another $8,000, if needed, is available in the department’s project account, Donald said.

The company wants 50 percent down in advance and could have the gazebo here by early November. It will be ready to go next spring, he said.

Some groundwork has been done at the site and a cement pad will be added, he said.

The former gazebo has been moved to Bishop Memorial Park in East Wilton to the site of the demolished East Wilton Fire Station. Donald said he has received comments about people enjoying it.

Board members asked Donald about a contract with the company and approved the expenditure based on Donald and Irish’s negotiations with Fifthroom.

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