An engineering, design, and planning firm is recommending the fairgrounds grandstand in Trenton be closed to the public because of a number of safety concerns. The report from Olsson Associates of Kansas City says the structure should be closed until the conditions are corrected and the structure meets required standards.

The report says the cost of the repairs and reconfiguration to bring the grandstand into compliance would be prohibitively expensive, and the replacement of the structure is the only realistic and viable option.

An office leader and business development manager for Ollson Associates, Darren Hinnen, gave a report at this week's Trenton Park Board meeting. In addition to the Park Board, representatives of the city of Trenton, the North Central Missouri Fair Board, and the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce were in attendance. Among the Fair Board members in attendance was presiding Grundy County Commissioner Rick Hull.

Hinnen cited numerous problems and said there are critical safety issues, describing the structure as having "fatality potential". Inspection of the grandstand was done on April 2nd with the report issued earlier this month.

It is believed that the steel dates to the 1890's. The grandstand was constructed in the 1930's using Salvage Bridge steel.

The Park Board has recommended demolition of the grandstand, with any revenue from scrap metal going towards assisting with other seating, indicating that further decision-making on this topic needs to be done quickly, with the annual North Central Missouri Fair coming at the end of July.

Since the meeting, the city of Trenton has announced that it is seeking bids to DEMOLISH the grandstand. The bids are due the morning of Monday, June 25th at 10:30 at Trenton City Hall, where they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be considered at that evening's city council meeting.

The requirements for the demolition require the work to be completed by Monday, July 16th. Contractors must submit proof of insurance, or certificate of intent, to include a minimum of $300,000 of liability insurance and workman's compensation, if applicable, and list the city of Trenton as an additional insured. A minimum of three references is required, as is an itemized listing of equipment to perform demolition activities.