Repairs being made to Anspach Stage at Womans' Club Park in Colfax

Leaks in Anspach Stage at Womans’ Club Park in Colfax are being addressed by the city. At a special meeting Oct. 7, the Colfax City Council approved Midwest Caulking, Inc. to repair the stage at a cost of $5,860.

“They would remove the existing coating on the stage floor, prep and add epoxy to low areas, install a coating system with texture to the stage floor and seal the perimeter wall,” mayor David Mast said.

The city has found there is a leak between the wall and the floor of the stage. Water has been flowing down the backside of the structure causing eroding to occur. On the west side, a couple of the concrete beams are starting to deteriorate due to the leaks which could eventually affect the reinforcement steel. Getting to the steel, “isn’t a good thing,” according to city workers.

To remedy the problem, Midwest Caulking will remove the existing coating on the stage floor and prep it for a new coating. Included in that is adding an epoxy resurfacer to low areas on the stage to prevent the ponding of water. The company will then install a Neogard Pedgard Traffic Coating System with texture to the stage floor. Finally, Midwest Caulking will seal the perimeter to the wall with cove sealant. The work will cover approximately 800 square feet.

The work will have a five-year warranty. There will be a 10 day lead time once the order is put in and weather permitting, could be completed this year. In total, it is estimated to take five to six days to complete the project.

According to Colfax Main Street, the Colfax Womans’ Club was started by Colfax’s prominent women in the late 1800s to provide a group, “to save women from the monotony of housework.” The club purchased a house and property where the current park is located with plans to turn the structure into a clubhouse and auditorium.

Unfortunately, the house burned down and the club later donated the grounds to the city. In the 1930s, the park situated on a perfect theater hill was terraced into an outdoor auditorium complete with a lookout.

Thanks to a generous gift from Karlyne Anspach, in 2004 the original stage was given a much needed remodel. Stone pillars were added along with red artistic metal trellis work, landscaping and lighting.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com