Volunteers work with Wasilla to construct new amphitheater

WASILLA -- A volunteer crew working with the city of Wasilla is constructing Iditapark's newest feature -- an amphitheater.

The 36-by-48-foot stage being constructed just behind Wonderland Park in Wasilla is coming together. Volunteers from the Wasilla Borealis Lions Club spend a couple of nights a week and even a couple of hours on the weekend working to get this project completed before the snow falls.

A lot of the decisions on how the stage will be used and whether people will pay or reserve or have a first-come, first-served policy have not yet been made.

With grass around the stage and a small hill to watch from, people could bring a picnic basket or lawn chairs to spend a nice afternoon in the park enjoying music, theater or any other number of possibilities. Summertime events like concerts in the park, open-mike competitions and small-stage theater are just a few ideas for the new stage.

"Both small concerts and community theater were identified in the Iditapark master plan as the expected uses for the stage," said Archie Giddings, Wasilla's Public Works director.

The money for this project, which will total about $15,000, came from Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development grant funds, which were specifically obtained for Iditapark improvements, according to Giddings.

This was the last major project identified in the city's master plan that needed to be done and the parks and recreation commission wanted to tackle a volunteer project this year, so this was an opportunity for the city to accomplish both goals.

"The city would like to thank the Wasilla Borealis Lions Club for their volunteer effort in bringing this project together. The amphitheater adds a unique feature to the park where the public will be able to experience outdoor theater and music in the future," Giddings said.

Iditapark is intended to have a variety of attractions for the public -- from the Armed Forces Honor Garden and skateboard park to the Garden of Reflection and Wonderland Park, and now the amphitheater.

"The city hopes the park will enhance the quality of life for the community," Giddings said.

For more information about Iditapark or city of Wasilla improvements, check the city's Web site at www.cityofwasilla.com/publicworks or call 373-9010.

Contact Michael White at mike.white@frontiersman.com.