Gabbard Riverfront Park Pavilion Nearing Completion

Some local residents have launched an online petition in opposition of the pavilion.

Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Aurora, Ind.) - A new pavilion at Gabbard Riverfront Park was a topic at Tuesday's Aurora City Council meeting. 

Crews appeared to be putting the finishing touches on the pavilion on Wednesday morning. Despite its near completion, over 1,000 people have signed an online petition to stop the building of the pavilion. 

Oppositions of the pavilion expressed their concerns regarding the pavilion, which has been constructed in front of the Aurora Fire Tanker Mural, that was commissioned by Don Andrew and completed in 2017 by artist Christian Dallas.

At Tuesday's meeting, a handful of citizens spoke expressing their displeasure with the pavilion obstructing the view of the mural, which represents "gratitude and respect for those who risk their lives to protect." 

The pavilion is built over an existing concrete slab that is often used for various events held in the park. Mayor Patrick Schwing says the design of the pavilion is intended to show as much of the mural as possible, and that no disrespect was intended at all. 

"We tried everything possible to not completely cover up the mural. I love the mural, we are doing our best to make sure you can still see it," said Mayor Schwing. 

Attendees of Tuesday's meeting suggested fixing the mural up or moving the pavilion next to the VFW. 

Mayor Schwing and council members explained at Tuesday's meeting that the mural is deteriorating. Three years ago, the mural was looked at for patching, and it was determined that the whole mural would need to be scraped off and re-done entirely. However, the mural is on a soft brick which makes a complete restoration project very difficult. 

On moving the pavilion Mayor Schwing said, "anything is possible, but let it get finished, if it doesn't' pan out, then we can move it." He added that the pavilion will remain where it is at for upcoming events such as Light Up Aurora. 

"We are just trying to make the city look nicer," added Mayor Schwing.

He added that other improvements have been completed in recent memory, including the installation of lights down Second Street, a park on Market Street, and improvements to the Little League Fields thanks to a $100,000 grant from Rising Sun Regional Foundation. 

"We are looking forward to seeing everybody this Saturday to celebrate the 250th year of the United States with our Fourth of July celebrations," said Mayor Schwing. 

You can view Tuesday's council meeting at Council Meeting 6/23/2026.