Waite Park Officials Discuss Next Steps in Amphitheater Project

WAITE PARK -- Waite Park officials continue to weigh in on the next steps and direction to take on the potential amphitheater.

During tonight’s (Wednesday) work study meeting, members of the Waite Park City Council and Park Board discussed what amenities, venue size and entertainment are best for the future project.

Some of the ideas brought forth on how to use the amphitheater include community theater groups, national and local bands, weddings, movies and city events.

Waite Park City Administrator Shaunna Johnson says because they haven't worked with amphitheaters before, it's nice to collect as much information on possible to make the best decision.

"It's best to look at these kinds of projects, go out and determine which ones have done it well, and also if they had to do it all over again what would they do differently," says Johnson.

The city wants to turn a piece of Quarry land along 17^th Avenue and Parkway Drive into a park.

According to a recent market study, the site has many amenities such as parking, lots of space and scenery which would make it an ideal location amphitheater and there is a market for one in the area.

While no official action was taken the council and park board agreed to bring in an expert, which Johnson says will help with the decision making process.

"We have gotten in touch with someone who we think will be helpful to us, and to bring her in to have a discussion on what the next steps are," says Johnson.

Johnson says if they have a plan in place within the next several months construction could begin as soon as 2017.