An artist’s rendering of the amphitheater is shown.
Courtesy of Anne Decker
LIMA — The Lima Rotary Club met Monday afternoon to discuss updates in the City of Lima and the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater. Ohio Representatives Bob Cupp and Matt Huffman were present alongside Mayor Sharetta Smith to share the new happenings in Lima.
“The foundations are in for both the restrooms and amphitheater,” said Tracy Sanchez, committee co-chair. “The storm sewer system, the sanitary system, and the water service are complete. The next step is masonry. Alvada is getting geared up to start that construction phase. The completion date of phase 1 remains in January of 2023. Last week the City and architect met to go over the phase 2 rebid of the park or the south end of the project. The project is set to be completed by late spring/early summer of 2023. Abe Ambroza and the Civic Center is planning a big grand opening celebration on the first Saturday in July of next summer.”
“Every two years there is a capital budget of state dollars used for tourist development,” said Huffman.
“There is around $3.5 billion in the State Capital budget,” added Cupp. “$191 million is used for community projects scattered throughout the state of Ohio just like the amphitheater. They play an important role in the improvement of the quality of life in the city and the surrounding counties.”
The Rotary Club has received $1.5 million in donations, $1.25 million from state funding and $800,000 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
“The amphitheater is now 100% funded,” said Sanchez. “I wanted to thank Senate President Matt Huffman and Speaker Bobb Cupp. If it were not for them this would not be completely funded. The current fundraiser is for enhancements such as a jumbotron tv on the side of the stage and enhancements for the arts such as special lighting and a maintenance fund for the future.”
The Lima amphitheater is located between Elm St. and Spring St. It will host not only plays but other activities such as concerts, festivals, or even picnics.
Sanchez encourages citizens to visit the grounds and see the updates to the land. The amphitheater is set to be complete in the spring/summer of next year.
