During the Fall of 2015 and Spring of 2016, the Friends Volunteer Group worked with the DCNR staff to remove the old benches from the Amphitheater and build and install new wood benches with backs. The construction process included removing numerous truckloads of soggy clay to get down to a good base. A drainage system was installed to drain away an underground spring. Many truckloads of shale were brought in for a sub-base for the concrete. Earth-tone tinted concrete was poured with lights installed in the face of each step for both ambiance and safety. New wooden benches were then constructed and installed. Finally, the stage floor was replaced with new deck boards made from recycled material.
This project was almost entirely funded by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park Support Group. It was made possible through past fundraising events and donor contributions. We thank everybody for their past donations that make these types of projects possible. All the money donated stays in the Park for projects such as this.
We would also like to thank the hard-working DCNR staff for their skill and dedication to making this such a successful project.
The picture below left, taken on September 5, 2015, shows the Amphitheater benches prior to project start. The area was usually soggy and wet due to an underground spring. Below right is a picture of the finished project on June 14, 2016.
This project was almost entirely funded by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park Support Group. It was made possible through past fundraising events and donor contributions. We thank everybody for their past donations that make these types of projects possible. All the money donated stays in the Park for projects such as this.
We would also like to thank the hard-working DCNR staff for their skill and dedication to making this such a successful project.
The picture below left, taken on September 5, 2015, shows the Amphitheater benches prior to project start. The area was usually soggy and wet due to an underground spring. Below right is a picture of the finished project on June 14, 2016.
The Amphitheater was rededicated on Saturday, July 2, 2016. The Chairman of the Friends of Prince Gallitzin Support Group, Steve Beals, addressed a large gathering of folks eager to test out the new benches. Steve thanked Park Manager Dennis Miller, the hard-working DCNR staff, the Friends Volunteers, and the many who contributed monetarily to make this project a success. Even Uncle Sam attended the ceremony. Uncle Sam was played by Steve's son Mike Beals and Steve's wife Connie Beals made this excellent costume.
Park Manager Dennis Miller addressed the crowd at the dedication ceremony explaining how the Friends Group and DCNR staff work together on projects to improve the Park.
The Friends Volunteers held the ceremonial ribbon while Chaplain Dave and Beth Garner (Park Environmental Education Specialist) had the honors of cutting the ribbon dedicating the Amphitheater to another 30 years of operation.
Below is a gallery of photos documenting the project from beginning to end. Click on the pictures to view a larger image.