An amphitheater for outdoor performances is to be built in a 4-acre hillside park in Brewer.
On Tuesday, Brewer City Councilors approved a $265,000 contract with Lou Silver Inc., a Veazie-based construction company, to build amphitheater-style seating at Indian Trail Park, according to documents included in the city council meeting agenda.
The city has allocated $300,000 for the Indian Trail Park Amphitheater Project as part of the fiscal year 2024 capital improvement program. Plans call for adding granite seating, stairs and a paved access ramp.
The sloping park on Route 9 hosted outdoor performances and events for many years, but lacked seating for audiences. The area has its own parking lot and is also connected to a network of trails overlooking the Penobscot River.
The Ten Buck Theatre Company, for example, has used the park for various Shakespeare productions for years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when indoor activities were limited due to capacity restrictions and physical distancing requirements.
“This has been in the pipeline for some time, but there was a question of where to hold it,” said City Councilor Michele Daniels. “Even though it’s a smaller venue, it’s exciting to be able to host arts events in this area more efficiently.”
The seating area and lawns on either side can accommodate 50 to 100 people. According to the city’s contract, construction must be completed by the end of 2025.
According to documents included in the city council meeting agenda, a more formal stage area could be constructed later under a separate contract.
