The city of Benwood got a $25,000 boost on Thursday, April 28, 2022 to its efforts to construct an amphitheater at Benwood Park.
State Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, and Delegate Charlie Reynolds, R-Marshall, presented Mayor Walter Yates with a $25,000 Local Economic Development Assistance Grant from the State of West Virginia.
The city’s budget for the project is $100,000, and the grant will help to offset costs, according to Public Works Director Dave McLaughlin.
Money will be used to complete construction on the amphitheater, which is expected to be ready and open to the public by Memorial Day, he said.
He estimates work on the structure to be about 50% done. Remaining work involves completing the physical structure of the amphitheaters, and running power lines and placing light poles at the site.
The amphitheater is located on the former miniature golf course at Benwood Park, and will serve as a focal point as visitors enter Center Benwood from W.Va. 2.
“We really appreciate the grant funding. It is helpful to Benwood,” said Councilwoman Lori Longwell. “We also appreciate what Del. Reynolds and Sen. Clements do for the city, and for West Virginia.”
Her husband, Police Chief Frank Longwell, predicted the amphitheater will be “a hot spot” in Benwood for festivals, weddings and other events.
“It’s a wonderful day when we can get money for projects,” he said. “We couldn’t do things like this without grant funding.”
Benwood already has ordered a new oversize 30-foot-by-50-foot flag for the 100-foot flag pole that stands over the amphitheater. The flag is being produced by Wheeling Tent and Awning at a cost of $2,100.
Frank Longwell said he hopes the city will be able to string the lights for a giant Christmas tree in the amphitheater similar to the one at Oglebay Park’s fountain last year.
McLaughlin said once the amphitheater is open, there will be music there each Saturday during the summer to coincide with night swims at the nearby pool. The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce already has scheduled the first event for the amphitheater, a music night on Friday, July 29.
