Bellevue riverfront land purchase makes way for park expansion, music venue

Tom Dupont always knew that when he was ready to sell his riverfront property, he wanted it to go to the City of Bellevue.

Dupont, who is now in his 60s, was 19 when he purchased the property, located off Frank Benke Way and Van Voast Avenue.

The time has come, and Dupont’s land will help the city expand Bellevue Beach Park — and even add a music venue.

“I’m to the point where it’s just too much to take care of,” Dupont said. “I’m trying to unload some things, and ideally, I thought the city would be the best thing, add it to the park, it just makes it that much bigger and beautifies the city, right? I think since they put this park in here, the city started to boom.”

The house attached to the riverfront property will be removed. The one across the street, also owned by Dupont, was part of the city’s purchase and will be converted into bathroom facilities. Dupont has owned that home since he was 21 years old.

Altogether, the land is about one to one and a half acres, which the city bought for $850,000.

“It really makes a difference having these kinds of features with people, people like a place where they can have green space to go and enjoy themselves, have their lunch down here,” Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves said.

Cleves said the city has signed the deal, but the official closing date is Sept. 10.

The land is full of mature trees, which Cleves said will all stay.

The property along the riverfront is flat and has room for an outdoor music venue or amphitheater of sorts. The current space used for outdoor concerts during city events, such as the Bellevue Farmers Market, is a tent set up by the public works department each year. The Bellevue Beach Park also hosts concerts once a month during the summer months.

“We really wanted to essentially make this better for our citizens and for our community and for our staff that helps to put on our events down here,” said Bellevue Assistant City Administrator Sam Shelton. “The hope is we have an easement in which we’ll be able to bring vendors and stuff on the property, have them over here, keep that street open [Frank Benke Way] and create a permanent structure.”

The city has loose ideas about what they want on the property, but no official design plans.

Cleves said the city plans to see if someone wants to sponsor the project and have it named after them, or try to obtain a grant to fund the project.  

Cleves said the property has access to the Ohio River bank, and the city also discussed the possibility of installing a kayak ramp there.

Once both properties are empty and before they are torn down, the Bellevue Police Department and Fire Department will be able to use them for drills and training purposes.