At the Temple City Council meeting tonight, the Temple Parks Foundation and Temple Founder Lions Club presented the City with a check to construct an amphitheater in Lions Park at the site of the old swimming pool. For the past two years, the Parks Foundation has been raising funds to construct the amphitheater.

“Developing an amphitheater at the site of the old swimming pool will be a great use of the site. It is a natural area for an amphitheater with a sloping hillside into a flat area at the bottom of the hill. In addition there is already some other infrastructure in place – such as an entryway and restrooms,” said Ken Cicora, Parks and Leisure Services Director.

As part of the fundraising efforts, The Temple Lions Club Parks & Charities, Inc. donated $35,000, providing them with the naming rights to the amphitheater which will be named Lions Amphitheater.

“The Temple Parks Foundation has been actively promoting the use of parks to expand our arts and entertainment venues in the city. The old Lions Pool site is a perfect environment for an amphitheater. We couldn't be more pleased to have Temple Founder Lions support this effort. We cannot wait for the first event in the new facility,” said Allan Einboden, Temple Parks Foundation President.

“We are extremely appreciative for the Lions Club support of the amphitheater. This continues the long history of the Lions Club commitment to Temple’s park system and to Lions Park. The Lions are a fantastic group to work with,” added Cicora.

At the City Council meeting this evening, the Parks Foundation and Lions Club approached the Council to request $40,000 to match their $70,000. The $40,000 match would be used to repair and remodel the existing restrooms and entry way for the amphitheater.

“Our hope is that the City Council will equally value this project and agree to restore the existing bathroom facilities, which will cost approximately $40,000. We do not see this as a match for the project as much as we do a commitment to maintaining our existing parks infrastructure,” said Allan Einboden, Temple Parks Foundation President.

Temple City Council expressed their appreciation for the funds raised by the Lions Club and the Temple Parks Foundation for the amphitheater. Temple City Manager, David Blackburn, indicated that the city will look for funds to match the funding that was requested.

“This amphitheater will be a great addition to our parks system. We are excited at the possibilities this new venue will bring to this park and our community,” said John Bailey, President of Temple Lions Club Parks & Charities, Inc. “This unique venue will be perfect for all types of events from concerts and recitals to plays and performances. We applaud the Parks Foundation for taking the lead to make this project occur.”

“It is our hope to complete this project by mid-summer,” said Ken Cicora. “We will be doing as much work as we can by department staff to ensure we meet the budget. We look forward to a great grand opening this summer with the Parks Foundation and the Lions Club.”

For more information about the Amphitheater, please contact Parks and Leisure Services at 298-5690.