The Rotary Club of 100 Mile House is offering to champion a project to install an amphitheatre in Centennial Park.
Rotary president Craig Lee presented the idea to District of 100 Mile House council on March 10.
“We want to get council’s input or thoughts on us providing to the community a pavilion-type structure down at the park.”
He said the club proposes to bring the project to fruition by the summer of 2016, in celebration of the club’s 40th anniversary.
The local Rotarians will commit to contribute $10,000 and to seek funding for the rest of the approximately $82,000 project over the next year or more.
“We’re seeking council’s consideration, not for any final approval at this point … because we are in such a rudimentary stage of this project. We haven’t done any engineering or structural stuff.”
The club suggested a $10,000 contribution from the District, and the club will also pursue further $10,000 contributions from each of the Rotary District 5040, BC Gaming and Northern Development Initiative Trust organizations.
It would also seek additional in-kind donations from local builders and contractors for the $32,000 remaining in estimated project costs.
The Rotary Club envisions a log structure theme and style, with log support posts, log beams and a wooden roof, but left wide open on all sides, Lee explained.
He noted the club would prefer to build it on a slight rise in the ground for better visibility by crowds.
“We would obviously need to talk about location, going forward, but … we would then put a cement floor on it. So, that would give us a spot for say, Relay for Life or just a festival in the park. It would give them a permanent, stage-type area.”
Lee assured council that the mobile Rotary Stage will continue to be available for events in other locations and for additional space at larger events in the park.
Movable picnic tables, small grandstand benches and other ideas are also being considered, he explained.
Noting he thinks a park amphitheatre is a “perfect venue” and a “great asset for a community,” Mayor Mitch Campsall said he believes council will agree to it in the long run.
“This looks good; let’s make it work. I’ve seen them in a couple other communities … it’s just amazing what they can be used for. What a great opportunity.”
Campsall thanked the Rotary Club for coming up with the idea and for offering to lead the project and fundraising.
At the regular meeting following the presentation, council resolved to support the project in principle and to work with the club on logistics and utility impacts.
