The Boone County Community and Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with the Boone County Parks and Recreation Commission, will hold a public meeting to obtain in-put on the proposed outdoor amphitheater planned for WaterWays Park.
The meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, at the Boone County Commission meeting room, third floor of the Boone County Courthouse Annex in Madison, immediately after the regularly-scheduled meeting of the Boone County Parks and Recreation Commission.
The county development office is partnering with the Boone County Commission and the Boone County Parks and Recreation Commission on the project with the goal to bring more cultural and performing arts events and activities to Boone County, which hopefully will result in more tourism opportunities and visitors to the area.
“We need for the public to have a say in what type of cultural and arts activities and programs that could be developed,” said Larry V. Lodato, BCCEDC director. “Several funding sources have been identified, and most of the agencies require public comments and ideas. The project is contingent on securing funding.”
From Memorial Day weekend to mid-August, WaterWays Park attracts over 50,000 visitors who come to enjoy the many water park amenities, according to county officials.
County officials agree that the park is under-utilized, and more attractions would complement the park.
In the past four years, WaterWays added new paved walking trails and a combination soccer/football facility.
They believe an amphitheater could be a great addition to the park, and many local arts and civic organizations have voiced their support, Lodato added.
Triad Engineering Inc. of Scott Depot has developed a Master Plan for a 400-seat amphitheater. The site construction cost for the seating areas is estimated at $370,000.
The Boone County Commission also has committed to providing $25,000 in funding as well as the utilization of its maintenance staff as “in-kind” labor to build the seating areas for the amphitheater.
The proposed amphitheater would be located about a half mile from the entrance of the Water Park.
The original plan calls for 400 seats made of durable plastic with arm rests and self-rising seats.
Accessible ramps and seating areas also will be provided along with a grass seating area and a general seating area that will allow for future seating expansion.
There will be room to park approximately 75 to 100 vehicles, and if additional parking is needed the existing parking area at the pool complex will be utilized.
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