Eagle Scout project proposal to build an amphitheater at Deer Run Park

MILLERSBURG - Holmes County Life Scout Brenna Barbey's plan to construct an amphitheater on the grounds of Deer Run Park is moving forward with an unexpected financial boost from Millersburg Village Council.

Barbey introduced her initial plan for the outdoor theater in the park at an April council meeting, and her proposed project was met with great enthusiasm.

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She has since had her Eagle Scout project approved by the Boys Scouts of America, had some price estimates of the project and relocated the original plan to a different site at Deer Run Park that is more conducive to an amphitheater setting.

The site originally considered had too many trees that would need to be cleared away which would drive up the costs.

The new area she found for the project is on the hillside beyond the outfield fence of the Little League baseball field, just beyond the edge of the disc golf course. It is a hillside that would provide a natural amphitheater setting with some cultivation.

Village Administrator Nate Troyer said that the proposed area is a natural, cleaner bowl shape already, as opposed to the previous location.

Three options for the Eagle Scout project at Deer Run Park

Barbey presented three plans to council.

"Project A is the original project I presented," she said. "It is a seven- to eight-tier amphitheater at 30-feet wide that will fit about 80 to 100 people. The tiers would use limestone blocks from Melway Paving, and the stage would be brick."

The estimated cost for Project A is $40,000. She has contacted Fryburg Excavating about helping with the project. The excavating costs are estimated to be about half the cost of the project. She noted that the land is flat across the top of the proposed amphitheater, which would make it handicapped accessible.

"There could also be a path to the stage, which would enable you to wheel in carts for music and such," she said.

An alternate plan, Project B, is also a seven- to eight-tiered theater with no block, all grass on the hillside.

"That would cost about $20,000 less than Project A.

The third option, Project C would be just a brick stage in front of a mowed area of the hillside.

Councilman Bob Shoemaker said he prefers Project A because inclement weather such as rain would make it a slick, sloppy mess.

Council member Kelly Hoffee added that she likes Project A and thinks it would require less maintenance for the village.

"I am very impressed with the work you have put into researching this project so far," Hoffee said.

Fundraising for the amphitheater at Deer Run Park

Barbey contacted a company in Wadsworth that sells bricks with names on them.

"If someone donates $150 for a brick, a portion goes to the brick and the rest goes towards the blocks for each tier," she said. "One brick (sold) would pay for about three blocks and the brick.If 300 people bought bricks, that would pay for the project at $40,000."

Councilman Brent Hofstetter noted that a recent Lions Club Hometown Heroes project honoring veterans did great, taking off through social media.

"If you get a Facebook page and do fundraising with social media, you could end up with a lot more response than what you're thinking," he said. "I think the brick idea is a great one."

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Troyer asked if she could begin her project, which is targeted to be done before winter, as Project C with a goal of fundraising money to bring it up to Project A.

Barbey expressed concern about not being able to raise enough money to cover the total cost. She doesn't want to be stuck in between project A and B.

She has set up a webpage for the amphitheater: amphitheater: https://www.facebook.com/project.amphitheater/

Village Clerk/Treasurer Karen Shaffer pointed out that the village had money for the hanging flowers in town, but because of a problem with the flower baskets this spring and summer, there is money available that already has been budgeted, somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000.

Barbey said she also has approached a couple businesses seeking funding, and has raised about $5,000 in pledges so far.

Councilman Brad Conn asked if she could come back to the August council meeting and share an update on her fundraising efforts.

— Reach Kevin Lynch at 234-249-5294 or klynch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Scout plans to build an amphitheater at Deer Run Park