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The second phase of construction on the new outdoor stage at Sally Buffalo Park is underway, with project completion anticipated for May
Mark Puskarich, who is spearheading the stage effort, said Phase 1 is nearly complete as the stage base, roof, floor and back walls are installed. Crews are now working on adding the stone veneer to the front facing walls of the stage and on construction of the backstage - an area that will also be rented out for parties and meetings in the future when the stage is not being utilized for musical performances.
The stage is around 45 feet long in the front and 36 feet long in the back, more than double the size of the park's former stage. The old stage, located nearby where the new stage is being built, is only around 16 feet by 12 feet in size.
Puskarich said he and fellow project volunteers are hoping to garner another $50,000-$100,000 in donations by the end of next month to fund the second phase of the project.
He said project organizers are designing plaques to recognize the various levels of donors. The plaques will be displayed on the outside wing of stage right. This is a main reason why the cutoff date for funds is the end of February, as to leave enough time for the plaques to be completed and installed onto the stage prior to the end of construction. The final stonework will then be installed around the plaques.
So far officials have raised nearly $600,000 through grants and donations, which covered the majority of the initial phase work.
Puskarich said a kickoff concert for the new stage is being planned for early June that will feature a "significant" country artist. Once plans are set in stone, an announcement will be made that will entail the exact time, date and artist lineup for the free show.
Officials are also working on a lineup for a summer concert series. There will be seven concerts in total, taking place every other Wednesday evening.
Puskarich noted that there are plans to conduct further work in the coming years around the property grounds surrounding the stage that will further enhance the location.
Anyone interested in donating toward the project can do so by visiting givesendgo.com/httpsvisitharrisoncountycom.