The final steps in restoring a historic amphitheater
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) —
Humans have cherished entertainment as long as we’ve been around, – from sports and art to music and shows.
Colorado National Monument’s amphitheater — sitting atop a precipice with astounding views –has been bringing locals entertainment and education under open skies for almost a hundred years. First opened in the 1930’s, it’s first and only renovation
Interpretive program manager Kate Thomas with Colorado National Monument tells me this glow-up is finally a venue everyone can enjoy.
The venue has u-shaped barriers designed to stop wheelchairs from rolling down the slope.
One of the coolest improvements, Kate tells me, is the projector, which flips up when not in use to let the crowd see the stunning book cliff view resting behind.
Even with all this change, CNM made sure some original pieces stayed put, like the wooden benches.
5 years ago, CNM’s only official friends group picked up where ccc workers left off. The amphitheater recently fell into so much disrepair it was completely abandoned and unused–so CNMA committed to bring it back, contributing $740,000 dollars.
CNMA’s operation manager and artist in residence John Lintott tells me grants, gift shop proceeds, and the annual plein air project are a driving force to fund programs like the amphitheater.
The national park service matched the three-quarter-million-dollar contribution, pushing project costs to nearly 1.5 million.
CNM hosts music, talks and spectacular stargazing.
It’s taken years to finish but come spring new generations will re-discover this historic amphitheater and create their own unforgettable memories under the sun and stars.
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