KINGWOOD — The final big project in the 2016 Kingwood Pool and Park plan is an amphitheater.
“When our park architect toured the property back in 2016, he immediately thought of an amphitheater in the former volleyball pit area of the park,” said Jessica Lipscomb, a volunteer working on the project. “The hillside is perfect for building in bleacher-like seating, and there is easy handicap accessible access from the road that runs from the civic center parking lot to the pool/baseball field parking lot.”
Kingwood Mayor Jean Guillot said the location behind the civic center is a perfect fit for the amphitheater.
“We recently put in a slide and splash pad at the pool.” he said. “Having an amphitheater will be nice. We used to go to the one when we lived in Washington. They would have Shakespeare in the Park, local students would put on plays, there’s a lot you can do with an amphitheater. It’s just one more step to augment our park.”
Lipscomb agreed. She said an amphitheater can provide a lot of entertainment options for county residents.
”We are so excited to see this project reach completion. The space will present so much opportunity for yoga in the park, concerts, basketball, birthday parties, reunions, weddings, you name it,” she said. “The amphitheater design also encompasses public restrooms and a kitchenette.”
Lipscomb said now the work begins to find grant funding for the project. She said she would be happy to share more information with anyone who may be interested in a legacy project. Providing funding for the amphitheater would be a way to leave a lasting gift to the Preston County community, she added.
An update will be needed before finalizing today’s costs, but the 2016 numbers will give the public an idea.
Lipscomb said Omni & Associates’ original estimate in 2016 had the multipurpose pavilion at $300,000; the pavilion amphitheater seating at $50,000; the shelter with restrooms at $150,000; and signage at $15,000.
“We’re trying to get grants for both Brown’s Park and the amphitheater. The more items you add to the park means the more staff you need and that means more jobs,” Guillot said. “Even if you built an amphitheater with grant money you still need someone to do upkeep and to clean it.”
