Officials are hoping work can begin on a new amphitheatre in Halfmoon Bay's Connor Park this spring.
An on-site information gathering was held March 14 and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been readying itself to entertain tenders for the project's construction.
"Basically this allows them to clean up the area and have sort of a nice community meeting area in the summer time, a presentation area for when the tournaments are on, soccer, baseball or whatever," said Halfmoon Bay director Garry Nohr. "Plus, it's going to be wired for electricity so they can use amplifiers and things. There will be lights there, too."
It is hoped that the project will also serve several practical purposes, like improving the park's accessibility, easing the slope of the field and allowing students at nearby Halfmoon Bay Elementary School to display their artwork.
Funding for the new amphitheatre is expected to come from remnants of the park master plan.
Nohr said he is aware of his region's desire to have a new community hall constructed: "That's my next move," he declared.
The hope is to begin work on the amphitheatre project in late April or May.
The current design of the proposal embraces a sound dampening design so audience members can enjoy the acoustics with limited sound pollution to residents in the area.
Conceptually speaking, the structure would be low-lying with a carefully positioned audio system tuned to maximize audience enjoyment, while reducing impact on surrounding areas.
It is expected that trails in the area will be expanded to allow for wheelchair access to the amphitheatre, which has been designed to accommodate around 80 people.
-"There is some volunteer work coming on this too, because locals are helping out," said Nohr.
Parks planning co-ordinator Sheane Reid said the project could see larger events being held in Halfmoon Bay.
"The school can use the amphitheatre, and it also affords the sports field the opportunity to have larger events there and have it wheelchair accessible," Reid said.
