The City of Evansville is seeking proposals to renovate and reopen Mesker Amphitheater. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:
Parks and Recreation Director Danielle Crook asked the Parks Board today (Wed) to seek proposals for the facility that’s been closed since 2012:
"This is simply putting it out there to see what comes back. It is exploring possibilities. There's no guarantee that anything will come back."
But Crook suggested there’s no way of knowing if you don’t reach out:
"And see if there are interested individuals, groups, entities, parties willing to dive deeper into that."
The outdoor theater on Mesker Park Drive opened in the early 1950’s and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell. and Neil Young.
But in the past 13 years, it has fallen into decay and needs major renovations.
Mayor Stephanie Terry promised residents the city would look into a possible reopening.
Potential developers have 60 days to respond.
In other action, the Parks Board agreed to seek construction bids for a new park at 4th and Main streets, adjacent to the Vault on Main project in Downtown Evansville.
The site is expected to be ready for construction in October.