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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Breese Mayor Kevin Timmermann speaks during the second town hall meeting on Sept. 30 at the Breese American Legion Photo by Matt Wilson The City of Breese hosted their second town hall meeting for the proposed new Breese Nature Park Amphitheater on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Breese American Legion.
The City of Breese is applying for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help fund the proposed amphitheater that will be placed at Northside Park. The City of Breese is required to have three town hall meetings as part of the OSLAD grant application.
The proposed nature amphitheater will replace the old stage at Northside Park that had to be condemned due to structural concerns.
The first town hall meeting was in August and was well attended. The second town hall meeting gave more description and drawings of the proposed amphitheater.
The proposed amphitheater will be an all inclusive, ADA-compliant outdoor performance venue designed to provide equitable access and participation for individuals of all ages and abilities. It would be the location for various community organizations, center stage for Christmas festivities and community theater productions.
Cost for the entire project is $1,254,500. The City is Breese is applying for a 50% OSLAD grant.
The dimensions of the stage area are 50 feet by 60 feet and 40 feet by 40 feet is covered roof. The ADA ramps are in the back of the stage.
There will be a back elevation and a side elevation. There is a 16-foot clearance in the front of the stage and a 12-foot clearance in the back.
The area will feature native plant beds to provide food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife and help enhance the natural environment. There will be bio-swales and a rain garden for stormwater management, native plant beds for conservation and habitat, tree planting plan and educational signage.
The existing parking area will be oiled and chipped and they are going to try and put a concrete parking lot in the area.
