Scope
New Outdoor Amphitheater
Completion
2023
Size
3.8-acre complex / 6,650 sf stage
Plain Township wanted to create a “hub of activity” that would unite the community and promote local business. With the recent revitalization of Oakwood Square Plaza in Plain Township, they saw an opportunity to develop an outdoor entertainment venue, creating a “center of town” and bringing together the community while supporting the surrounding businesses. With this in mind, an outdoor Amphitheater was constructed within the plaza.
We designed it so even if there's not an event going on, it still serves as a space to support the businesses at Oakwood Plaza. People can sit on the site and have a drink or enjoy a picnic.
Justin Gantz, Partner | Project Architect at SōL Harris/Day
The amphitheater was designed with good sight lines and lighting, wide concrete pathways, ADA accessibility, weather-resistant materials and a drainage system along with stone and brick walls that blend in with the cultured stone, wood, and brick of Oakwood Square. It also has Douglas Fir wood ceilings to enhance acoustics.
The amphitheater has an elevated platform, covered by a 40-by-80 square foot cantilever steel canopy with a wood ceiling. A sloped lawn in front of the stage seats around 2,500 people and gives the audience the flexibility to sit on blankets, bring chairs, stand, or dance on the grass. Except for some VIP seating, the amphitheater does not have reserved seating.
Other site amenities include gas fire pits, covered shade pavilions, a freestanding restroom, improved parking and wayfinding, and a playground. Even if there's not an event going on, it still serves as a space to support local businesses. People can sit on the site and have a drink, enjoy a picnic, or watch their children on the playground. The amphitheater creates that central community focal point where people can come out and congregate.
Reducing the construction costs and carbon footprint, the amphitheater leverages the existing Township Hall and plaza establishments. Since the Township Hall is located just behind the stage, it is used for the production space needed by performers to wait or prepare before taking the stage, providing them with private restrooms. The facility does not have any built concessions so that sales are directed to the local businesses, reducing construction costs and material usage.
I believe it will enhance the cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Brook Harless, Plain Township Trustee
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