County venue nearing first-phase completion
KEARNEYSVILLE — Where once sat a plywood stage with rickety wooden steps, now rises an amphitheater on solid footing, to allow shows of all types to be performed at Sam Michael’s Park. The new amphitheater, which has been under construction for several months, saw the walls and roof go up over the past week, after rain-delay.
The facility, according to Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Myers, will provide a venue for events hosted by her department, as well as a rental option for other entities to bring in entertainers.
The amphitheater, which has been on the park’s planned expansion for several years, has been able to move forward, with the assistance of two separate grants from the West Virginia Culture and History Division, totaling $200,632.
“A ground-breaking ceremony was held in June for the project,” Myers said. “The phase one construction includes the permanent concrete stage with cover.”
Barring any additional weather-related delays, the first phase of the project will be completed this fall, according to Myers.
“We look forward to offering performances in the spring of 2019,” Myers said. “We hope to partner with local nonprofits, as well as rent the field for festivals, throughout the year.”
The funding from the state grant helped with completion of the phase one project; however, additional monies will be needed to move into additional phases. When the project is at total completion, the venue will have additional storage, green rooms, restrooms, concessions and permanent seating for 800. The anticipated build-out is expected to span seven different phases.
Sponsorships are available to help with the construction costs, allowing those who wish to contribute to receive some recognition for their generosity. A complete listing of sponsorship package options is available, by contacting the Parks and Recreation office via their website at www.jcprc.org or by phone at 304-728-3207.