WALNUT CREEK AMPHITHEATER PROJECT
October 2006 Update
The second phase of the Walnut Creek Amphitheater Project has begun! The grading has started for construction of the audience seating. Additionally, utility work and the construction of the concession & restroom facility will soon be underway.
June 2006 Update
The first phase of the Walnut Creek Amphitheater Project is complete with the construction of dressing rooms, performers' restrooms, scenery storage, and amphitheater lighting and plumbing rough-in to finalize the structure with its main stage and roof. Funds are needed to complete the remaining phases of the project which include the concession plaza with public restrooms, permanent seating area, site lighting, expansion of parking lot, and landscaping. Only when these phases are complete will the amphitheater be usable and open to the public.
The site is located on 108th Street, just south of the new Papillion/LaVista South High School. It is the area’s first outdoor performing arts center, located in an ideal natural setting for not only concerts, but theatrical productions. The site includes the amphitheater with a stage large enough to house a symphony orchestra, dressing rooms, performers’ restrooms and scenery storage. Fixed seating for 600 and the grassy slope for hundreds more will accommode large audiences. A concession plaza will provide public restrooms, a ticket and concession booth and an eating area. The parking lot will accommodate 230 vehicles, which will have two entrances from 108th Street. Overflow parking will be provided at the site and at the high school parking lot adjacent to the amphitheater.
A variety of activities will utilize the facility ranging from concerts of all types to stage productions including musicals, drama and many other presentations. There will be admission charges, depending upon the event, as well as free concerts and activities. Many groups in the Omaha area have shown an interest in performing in the amphitheater, including a community theater organization currently being formed.
To date, over $1,200,000 has been raised toward the $1.6 million goal to make the facility usable. The Peter Kiewit Foundation and Midlands Community Foundation have awarded $225,000 in challenge grants with a September 2006 deadline towards the total goal. A total of $255,000 is needed to be raised to qualify for the grants. It is our hope that continuing donations will help complete all phases of construction this year.
The Papillion Area Concert Band is the 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit agency soliciting funds for the amphitheater project. Ken Molzer is the founder/director of the PAC Band and serves as the Project Director of the Walnut Creek Amphitheater Project. Larry Jacobsen of Schemmer Associates is the project architect and the general contractor is Peter Kiewit Construction Company. A development/lease agreement has been signed with Papio-Missouri River Natural Resourses District (NRD), the City of Papillion and the PAC Band. Upon the annexation of the Walnut Creek Recreation Area by the City of Papillion in 2007, the amphitheater will become part of the city parks system with a board of directors and an executive director managing the facility.
Checks are made payable to the Papillion Area Concert Band and sent in care of the Walnut Creek Amphitheater Project, P.O. Box 460963, Papillion, NE 68046-0963. For more information, email Ken Molzer at kmolzer@yahoo.com, phone 402-331-6684 or call Sue Smith at American National Bank 402-339-3935.
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See drawings & photos of the Walnut Creek Amphitheater |
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See a map of the Walnut Creek Recreation Area |
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If you would like more information on the Walnut Creek Amphitheater, or would like to get involved, send an e-mail to Mr. Ken Molzer. |