Waite Park Officials Views Amphitheater Concept Plan, Design Phase Could Come Next Month

WAITE PARK -- More light is beginning to shed on the Waite Park amphitheater project.

During tonight's (Monday) work session, Oertel Architects presented their final concept plan for the project.

Oertel Architects President Jeff Oertel says the preliminary concept plan calls for seating capacity of 4,000 people, about 400 parking stalls, bathrooms and concessions and a 20-foot stage.

Oertel says there are several items needed to be discussed before the plans goes before a council vote, including sloped seating, a larger canopy and a bigger stage.

No action was taken, however the council did suggest Oertel Architects provide a list of official costs, and building designs be brought at their next meeting.

At the moment, construction for the amphitheater is estimated at about $6-million, but could be as high as $8-million depending on the additional suggestions the council needs to consider.

The concept plan will be brought to the council at their August 1st meeting. If approved, the city can go into the design phase of the project.

The proposed amphitheater site will oversee a piece of quarry land along 17th Avenue and Parkway Drive.