By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
One year after opening the new Veterans Building in Bowling Green City Park, city officials believe they have the baffling acoustic issues figured out.
The large atrium room, with a towering ceiling and large wall of windows, is the gem of the $4 million building.
But its attractiveness has been diminished by the confounding acoustic issues.
“We knew in building the building there would need to be some kind of sound treatment,” said Kristin Otley, director of the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department.
The architect for the project wanted to wait till the building was completed to see exactly what was needed.
“We knew it had to be trial and error,” Otley said.
The atrium was billed as a much needed space for larger gatherings in Bowling Green – like wedding receptions, concerts, fundraisers and public meetings. While the atrium has worked well for groups listening to a speaker, it has proved difficult for gatherings that have multiple sounds going on at once.
The site was ideal for the State of the City program – but not so much for wedding receptions, Otley said.
“I don’t think it’s limited the rentals at all. We’ve been very up front with people,” she said.
Sound absorbing panels have been added to the walls, but those are still not enough.
City officials discussed hanging baffles from the ceiling, but were hesitant to do so.
“The ceiling is so beautiful, so that was going to be a last resort,” Otley said.
But it appears that last resort will be necessary. The city will soon be installing 17 more sound panels on the walls, and 84 hanging baffles.
“We are pretty comfortable that will take care of the issues,” Otley said.
The city is also working with sound technicians to set the sound system levels for different uses.
The sound treatments were not included in the original plan for the building. The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation has agreed to pay for the work, which is just shy of $11,000.
“Which is very generous of them,” said Joe Fawcett, the city’s public services director.
Meanwhile, rentals are picking up for the facility, Otley said, pointing out that the COVID pandemic originally limited the building capacity to 50%.
“We’re seeing people being excited for the building. People are booking for two years out,” Otley said.
