The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

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  • The Oak Hill Amphitheater is pictured in an artist’s rendering by Thrasher Engineering. Courtesy Thrasher Engineering

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  • The Oak Hill Amphitheater is pictured in an artist’s rendering by Thrasher Engineering. Courtesy Thrasher Engineering

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August 13, 2012

Amphitheater canopy work continues

By Steve Keenan The Fayette Tribune

OAK HILL — The Oak Hill Amphitheater should have a roof over its head before the month is out.

Oak Hill-based Johnson Construction Company began work last week on a phase of the amphitheater project which will result in a canopy being put in place to provide shelter for performers.

The construction company’s first task was to pour piers to support columns, then construct the roof system itself.

“We hope to get it up and done before the Oak Leaf Festival,” says Jim Lively Jr., whose family has spearheaded the amphitheater/green space project for the city since it was announced in July 2010.

After work on the stage and the grounds was completed late last summer, the Touch of Talent associated with the 2011 Oak Leaf Festival, which featured numerous musical performers, was held there, as was a later concert by Taylor Made. Delays in getting final bids out, as well as the onset of last winter then a wet spring caused delays in the canopy phase. “We finally got all that behind us,” said Lively.

Placing the canopy to cover the stage will add depth to a project that was already a good one, he said.

“It was really nice as it was. Now, it’s really gonna stand out. Hopefully, it will be something to be proud of.”

Lively says the city has appointed a committee, chaired by Josh Jones, to handle operations of the amphitheater, including bookings, publicity and other areas. The goal, Lively says, is to have all events held there to be free of charge to the public. “We really want this to be free to the community.”

“I think it’s going to be great for the community,” he said. “It’s going to benefit and boost the downtown area.”

While all previous work and the canopy project has been paid for to the tune of about $200,000, Lively says any donations from the public would still be welcome to cover any expenses which occur in the future, including finishing work, lighting and a sound system.

At the outset of the project, it was announced that naming rights for certain segments would be available, depending on the level of donation from individuals or businesses. Some of those naming rights are still available, such as the sound system or lighting system.

To add a little flavor to the area, Lively is of the hope that a mural can be commissioned for the side of City Hall facing Main Street and the amphitheater. “City council has not been approached with the idea yet nor an artist found, but I believe it would be a great addition to the setting.”

Also, the addition of a giant screen on which the public could watch movies, ball games or other events would be a positive boost, too.

Those two ideas, if approved, would also involve two further naming rights opportunities, he pointed out.

Lively praised the community for its financial support over the last two years. In addition to large donations, he said “there have been a lot of people who made $100 donations (or that vicinity). Everything counts.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation or to see what naming rights remain can call Jim or Loretta Lively at 304-469-3682 or Oak Hill City Hall at 304-469-9541.

— E-mail: skeenan@register-herald.com

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