That it’s long overdue hardly dampens our enthusiastic
”
Hooray!
”
for the coming facelift that will be given to an outdoor venue
that contributes to making Gilroy great.
Seating, retaining walls and a new shade sail for amphitheater
That it’s long overdue hardly dampens our enthusiastic “Hooray!” for the coming facelift that will be given to an outdoor venue that contributes to making Gilroy great.
Thanks to the generosity of Don and Bill Christopher, wisdom and dollars from Garlic Festival Board of Directors and the cooperation of City Hall, the amphitheater at Christmas Hill Park will get a facelift in time for this year’s garlic bash, July 29, 30 and 31.
The crumbling railroad ties which are the foundation for the retaining walls along the amphitheater’s side, as well as the wooden bases for the tiered grass seating areas will be replaced. All the hook-ups and a platform for sound equipment will be set in place midway up the seating area and a huge, new sail-like shade covering will be installed.
It should be absolutely magnificent. The amphitheater setting has always been beautiful whether filled with Little League players at Opening Day ceremonies or packed with Shaboom devotees on a sunny Garlic Festival Saturday. But poor maintenance and downright neglect have haunted the venue for a decade.
$350,000 and a common sense project plan will get the job done
Thankfully, the Christophers – $200,000 – and the Garlic Festival Association – $150,000 – have come to the community’s rescue with an infusion of cash. Moreover, a common sense approach to the project has been crafted that will keep the costs down and renovation moving full speed ahead. Garlic Festival Executive Director Brian Bowe will serve as project manager and all the wheels from plans to contractor are already in motion.
Of course, the major renovation opens the door for creative thinking: How can the community fully utilize the venue?
Well, just to get the juices flowing here are a few ideas, a number of which could be championed by city parks and rec:
– Outdoor summer movies on a huge screen – picnics welcome.
– A Taste of Gilroy event featuring local restaurants with a sampling of their food, promotional materials and menus.
– A wine and art pairing – perhaps run via a partnership between the Visitor’s Bureau and the Arts and Culture Commission.
– Live theater performances. Maybe it’s even feasible to have shows under the lights.
The point is that the amphitheater is a terrific asset for this community and it should not merely be used well during the three days of the Garlic Festival.
Hats off to the Christophers, the Garlic Festival Association and the city for working to bring the amphitheater back to life.
It’s up to the community now to keep it active and make full use of a Gilroy park facility gem that provides such wonderful opportunities.
