Will the Greenfield Amphitheater Enhance Wilmington’s Music Scene By Jeff Reid

Even before Woodstock, the word “summer” was synonymous with carefree days and nights spent pursuing the ultimate music experience . . .  the outdoor concert. Is there anything better than a perfect summer evening inviting us to let go of our work schedules and frantic pace of life? With the completion of the Greenfield Amphitheater renovations, area residents will now have a chance to do just that and enjoy the vibe that many of the nation’s great outdoor venues offer.

Originally built in 1962, the amphitheater, the longtime home to Shakespeare on the Green which hosts productions each June, had become a forgotten venue for many older area residents and completely unknown to newcomers.  However, with the passing of the 2006 Parks and Greenspace Bond, monies became available to upgrade the facility and the City of Wilmington is counting on all of that to change.  Since August 2007, the renovation process has been under way. Amy Beatty, Recreation Manager of the City of Wilmington Parks, Recreation and Downtown Services, gives us the details of the new look.

Stage with Band Shell and Adjoining Stage house:

Previously, the “stage” was a concrete pad which did not allow for a whole lot of production value.  More importantly, it left performers and their equipment vulnerable to the weather. Now we have a band shell that will protect performers from the elements.

Food and Beverage Area:

Previously, food and beverage operations were very limited at the amphitheater.  Users had the option of bringing in an outside self-contained concession or they could sell food and beverages themselves out of the ticket booth, which was not in a condition that allowed for permitting by the health department.  That meant only packaged snacks and drinks could be sold. Now we have an area designated for food and beverage.

Perimeter Fencing:

Previously, the grounds featured sections of split rail fencing, which did not encompass the entire facility.  This resulted in wide open accessibility, making it difficult to manage events at which a gate is charged.  Users were forced to hire security in order to manage crowd control.  This was a cost preventative measure for many prospective users.  With the new design, users won’t face that problem anymore.

New ADA Accessible Restrooms and Technical Booth:

Previously, the restrooms were located at the top of a hill, in a building that also housed the ticket booth and technical area.  This meant that for every event held at the amphitheater, additional facilities had to be brought in, in order to adequately serve the public. The ticket booth has been relocated and the formerly shared building has been renovated and is now devoted solely to house technical equipment.

With a seating capacity for nine hundred and scheduled to open in June, the Greenfield Amphitheater will be utilized as a venue for musical performances of all genres, theater productions and festivals. The renovated facility will be a huge step forward in providing area residents with a setting that will capture the outdoor summertime vibe.  But will it also fulfill the continuing need to attract quality and successful productions for the Wilmington area? Only time will tell.