Taking the Stage
WRITTEN BY NICOLE TAFE / PHOTOS BY PRIMETIME SHOTS
Peters Township welcomes a new amphitheater to Peterswood Park.
This summer, Peters Township residents, friends and visitors can especially enjoy a trip to the park with a visit to Peterswood Park’ s brand-new amphitheater. The park’ s original amphitheater was built around 1988, and was primarily used for concerts in the park and theater camps, with other programs and rentals requesting the space periodically.“ After nearly 30 years, the old amphitheater had seen better days,” says Peters Township Parks and Recreation Director Michele Harmel.“ It had structural issues, no sound and no lights— the space was necessary to replace in order to be able to appropriately program for and make use of.”
Construction of the new amphitheater began last summer and was officially completed this spring. It was designed by Rick Sabeh of Lab 8 Designs Inc. and built by Masco. Planning for the structure was a joint effort among Peters Township Manager Paul Lauer, Assistant Township Manager Ryan Jeroski, Engineer Mark Zemaitis, Park Maintenance Supervisor Jay Mizia, Sabeh and Harmel.
The new structure includes many upgrades— primarily a roof, making for a covered stage. It also includes stage lighting and lighting that shines into the spectator area, in addition to a sound system that can be used for smaller events. Renovated restrooms and a prep room available to scheduled artists are also upgraded features to the area.
With all of these improvements, it’ s hoped that the new amphitheater will be a hot commodity in the township.“ We are very excited about all of the new programs and events we will be offering,” says Harmel, mentioning that there will be regular programs for a variety of age groups offered at the facility throughout the summer and fall.“ We already have many new things planned in addition to our regular Wednesday Night Summer Concerts, including the Sunday Picnic Series Concerts( many with food trucks scheduled to make an appearance), a comedy night,‘ Friday Night Flicks,’ school group performances, theater performances, a teen talent show, Vintage and Bloom’ s Toast to Painting, a senior series, yoga classes and much more.”
Additionally, beer and wine will now be permitted at the events marked with a wine glass on the program schedule. The other programs will remain alcohol free. Interested parties may rent the facility with prior application and payment.
“ This new amphitheater is going to be a great addition to the township,” notes Harmel.“ We’ re looking forward to watching it bring people together to enjoy another part of our beautiful township.” n
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