Plans to demolish and rebuild the city Amphitheater at Goudy Park in Wayne didn't come a moment too soon.
City Building and Engineering Director Mike Buiten spoke to members of the Wayne City Council at their recent meeting and explained that an inspection of the amphitheater by structural engineers would be required as plans included using grant funding to raze and reconstruct the facility in Goudy Park on Wayne Road in the city. The inspection was necessary, Buiten explained, to ensure that the project could move forward using grant funding.
Engineers reported a serious risk of collapse at the structure and determined it a threat to public safety, according to a statement from officials.
Engineers discovered significant erosion of the ground surrounding the open reservoir underneath the existing amphitheater. If left unaddressed, this situation not only poses a threat to public safety but also undermines the structural integrity of the amphitheater itself, officials said.The city has installed protective fencing at the site warning residents of the hazardous area.
The amphitheater and picnic area will remain closed until officials can determine the best option to move the project forward.
While the amphitheater and picnic area remain closed, the park area will continue to be open for everyone to enjoy, officials said.
The Rotary Club of Wayne will continue to host the scheduled concert at the park, but the footprint will be a bit different with the staging area on Second Street.
“As we learn more about next steps with the amphitheater, we will share that information with the public,” officials said in a prepared statement.
