WARREN Events to open theater on Aug. 1



Who will operate the facility hasn't been determined.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The long-awaited Riverwalk Amphitheater will open next month with an evening of entertainment.
The opening had tentatively been scheduled for this week but was changed to Aug. 1 to complete work and finalize plans.
Michael D. Keys, city community development director, said one of the concerns with opening earlier was that handrails wouldn't be installed in time.
"The handrails are being put in as we speak," he said.
Festivities will begin in late afternoon and continue through the evening.
"It will be entertainment that's all from the community," Keys said. "It's all local talent and bands from the community."
Plans for a schedule are still being developed and an itinerary will be released later.
Theater seating is carved into a hill. There are water and electric hookups for vendors. A wide concrete promenade was also created.
The plan is to have entertainment at the amphitheater. Councilman Robert Holmes III, D-4th, is working on a plan for summer theater productions from Kent State University's Trumbull Campus to use the amphitheater.
Dr. Daniel-Raymond Nadon, artistic director of Kent Trumbull's Summer Stock, said the possibility of Summer Stock performing its first show at the Amphitheater is being discussed, but some financial considerations must be worked out. "It's very formative right now," he said.
Things like lighting and sound systems would have to be brought in and the theater can't afford that. The funds would have to come from the city or entity operating the facility or from donations.
"We're hopeful," Nadon said
Holmes also is optimistic.
"We should be able to come up with some money for a sound system from some place," the councilman said.
Festivals conducted in the city's downtown also may be moved to the Riverwalk facility.
Who will be in charge?
A committee established to study who should run the amphitheater is expected to make a recommendation to city council. Options include the city's taking care of it, leasing it to a nonprofit board or a for-profit agency operating the facility.
The amphitheater is part of the larger Riverwalk project that is in the works. Another step in the project is restoration of the 1834 Kinsman House, built by Fredrick Kinsman as part of the Simon Perkins Family Farm.
The city is working to secure state and federal grants or donations from individuals to build a shell for the stage, a picnic pavilion and renovation of facilities already at the park.
Eventually, the city hopes to extend the Riverwalk trail through Packard Park and snake it along the river from the city's northern to southern boundaries.
denise.dick@vindy.com

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