A major gift to the City of Appleton was a major hit through two full days of live music.
Officials say its deeper community role will take shape with time.
The Miron Construction Amphitheater was put into service for the first time last Friday as Jones Park reopened to the community following renovation. The stage was among the big highlights of an all-around incredible 2019 Mile of Music.
Chad Doran, communications coordinator for the City of Appleton, said the first and foremost goal was to have the venue ready for the downtown’s marquee summer event.
What’s next isn’t so well defined.
“What an awesome image it was seeing that whole bowl filled with people; the acoustics being in that bowl,” Doran said. “It’s really going to be a gem. We knew it was going to be great and we’re open to the possibilities.”
There’s nothing more slated in the short term, though rest assured, the amphitheater will be put to use for events beyond Mile of Music.
It could host events beyond music.
“I think there are a lot of ways it could be used,” Doran said. “It’s going to be cool to see what it becomes.”
He anticipates it’ll host some Appleton Downtown Inc. Thursday concerts, which are typically held at Houdini Plaza. Prior to its closure for renovation, Jones Park hosted one of the events each month.
The 2,600-square-foot amphitheater includes two backstage rooms totaling 500 square feet. Miron Construction donated the facility in celebration of its 100th anniversary. The space also includes a new 3,600-square-foot in pavilion.
From the sound to the enthusiasm of users, Doran said the opening concerts made clear the park space was put to perfect use.
It took hard work to just to get to the starting line.
While Mile of Music was definitely the goal, there were no guarantees the amphitheater would be ready for the festival.
“A lot of credit goes to Miron for not only funding it, but making it happen after the winter and the wet spring that we had,” Doran said. “It was a great all around effort.”
