Groundbreaking set for new amphitheater at Schmeeckle

For the Metro Wire

Work will begin on a new amphitheater at Schmeeckle Reserve on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus with a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Sept. 7.

The Pankowski Friends Amphitheater event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Dr. in Stevens Point. Light refreshments will be served. The public may attend free of charge.

The amphitheater will feature sandstone seating for 200 and a timber-frame stage with a soaring roof. It will be located near the Visitors Center and be used for community events such as the popular semi-annual candlelight hike festivals.

The Rettler Corporation, Stevens Point, developed the site concept design, seating, and landscaping plans and will coordinate the construction. Alliiance, Minneapolis, developed designs for the unusual stage area with a flared roof. Ellis Construction, Stevens Point, is the primary contractor to build the amphitheater.

Funded entirely by donations, this is the first capital improvement project of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/schmeeckle/Pages/friends/amphitheater.aspx