Forks Amphitheatre Plans Delayed...Again

Plans for a proposed Forks Township amphitheatre have been delayed yet again.

Late last month, bids for the structure near the municipal building on Sullivan Trail came back -- this time under the $300,000 the township hopes to spend. Initial cost estimates had come back at more than $560,000.

According to Martin Kimmel of the architectural firm Kimmel-Bogrette, the low bid was $229,000.  Add a site wall and brick pavers on one side for ceremonies of less than 150 people and the recommended total comes to $251,794. Landscaping and electrical work still would have to be done by the township at an additional cost.

But concerns were raised at the Thursday, June 2 meeting over a fabric covering for the stage area, prompting the supervisors to vote 4-1 to table the measure until their June 16 meeting. Voting against tabling was Supervisor C. David Howell, who favors the amphitheatre proposal.

“I’m quite pleased with this,” he said.

But Supervisor Robert Egolf said he didn’t see the reasoning for a fabric structure that wouldn’t provide coverage in the rain.

“It’s a psuedo-cover but won’t protect anyone from the elements,” said Egolf.

Egolf said removal of the fabric structure could save $128,000, according to the cost breakdown for the amphitheatre.

“I’ve always been against this design,” said Egolf.  “It doesn’t really function. It’s a piece of poured concrete with some steps and we’re paying for it! When I look at this I see a nice design but I don’t see much function to it.”

Architect Kimmel, meanwhile, said, “I thought we sort of had a victory here. I don’t think you can have a band shell for less. This is a fantastic design.”

Howell and several other supervisors  said they would like to go ahead with the plans so that further delays are avoided.

“We will not be in the economy we are in today and the cost will only go up with inflation,” said Supervisor Lilly Gioia. “We are in the most desirable point to construct something like this.”

“We all want an amphitheatre,” said Supervisor David Billings. “The argument is over the cost.”

“This does not necessarily have to be a fair weather amphitheater only,” said Howell.

“I thought this was the lesser of two evils,” said Supervisor Erik Chuss.

According to Chuss, more than $67,000 has been spent in architectural designs.  A total of $1.8 million from developer donations has already been allotted for recreation projects in the township. 

Plans are also in place for an additional amphitheatre at the proposed 42-acre park at Newlins and Richmond roads.