Palmerton’s newly remodeled bandstand has been damaged within days after the iconic structure was rededicated.

Joe Federanich, on behalf of the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, as well as several other organizations in the borough, told borough council on Thursday that one board inside the bandstand was broken.

Federanich asked council whether there were any signs that could be put up outside the structure, for which a rededication ceremony was held on Sept. 11 in the borough park during this year’s Palmerton Community Festival.

“I’d just like to keep people out of there that don’t belong (inside of it),” Federanich said.

Councilman Richard Nothstein said he believes there should be a form of signage installed that would serve as somewhat of a deterrent.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell said that kids have been known to sit inside the structure.

But, Federanich said there are countless benches in the park for people to sit on rather than inside the bandstand.

Federanich said he called the police department and that an officer came over but since there were no signs, there was nothing he could do.

“My thing is you have this structure that’s in this historic district,” he said. “I thought if you wanted to use the bandstand, you had to come (to borough hall) and have it approved.”

Resident Raberta Hans suggested there were boxes that could be purchased to put over top of an outlet which she said would keep the kids out of the structure.

It was then suggested that putting up a chain would serve as a deterrent, a concept Councilman Kris Hoffner said he was in favor of.

Hans noted if there’s no real consequence, kids are not going to stop from going inside the bandstand.

However, resident Clare Papay noted they aren’t breaking any rules, as it’s the same rules for the bandstand as it is for the rest of the park.

Resident Marj Federanich said it’s her belief that if a child is in the bandstand with a bicycle or a skateboard, then they are in violation of the borough ordinance.

Hausman-Sell said she doesn’t believe putting a sign up is gong to deter them from going inside.

Marj Federanich asked why a sign couldn’t be put on a pole close to where the bandstand is located.

The consensus of council appeared to be to install signage and put a chain across the structure.

The Donald and Mary Behler Foundation stepped in with all of the funding for the construction costs of the project.

Before that, Joe Federanich said it had been over 30 years since any improvements had been made to the bandstand.