Plain Township Amphitheater to host first concert Thursday

Robert Wang, Canton Repository
·3 min read
The view from the back of the new Plain Township Amphitheater looking out at the grass seating area in Legacy Park. The venue's first public concert is tonight.
The view from the back of the new Plain Township Amphitheater looking out at the grass seating area in Legacy Park. The venue's first public concert is tonight.

PLAIN TWP. − A concept that took at least 15 years to become reality, the Plain Township Amphitheater has its first public event 7 p.m. tonight when the Chicago tribute band Brass Transit performs a free concert.

Rob Steinberg, the township's parks director, said the amphitheater, designed to accommodate up to roughly 2,000 people, passed its sound check and "soft launch" with local country music group The Shootouts. Steinberg has signed up a host of sponsors to help cover the cost of the free shows. And he's organized at least four concerts through the end of September and a live animal show for children.

The amphitheater is already set to host Pilates, Zumba, fitness sessions and children's dance classes during the week.

Rob Steinberg, Plain Township's parks director, talks about the new Plain Township Amphitheater in Legacy Park. The first public concert is tonight.
Rob Steinberg, Plain Township's parks director, talks about the new Plain Township Amphitheater in Legacy Park. The first public concert is tonight.

"I think at this point, we're going to turn on the lights (and) do our best to make adjustments as we go," Steinberg told the Plain Township trustees Tuesday. "We're pretty excited about what we're doing. ... we're ready."

Construction and design of Plain Township's amphitheater

Related: Plain Township trustees select contractor to build Oakwood amphitheater

Justin Gantz, lead project architect of SoL/Harris Day Architecture, said his team designed an amphitheater with good sight lines and lighting, wide concrete pathways, weather-resistant materials and a drainage system along with stone and brick walls that would blend in with the cultured stone, wood and brick of Oakwood Square. It also has Douglas Fir wood ceilings to enhance acoustics. SoL/Harris Day also designed the Jackson Township amphitheater that opened in 2021 in North Park.

Another look at the new $3.36M Plain Township Amphitheater in Legacy Park.
Another look at the new $3.36M Plain Township Amphitheater in Legacy Park.

"We designed it even if there's not an event going on, it still serves as a space to support the business at Oakwood Plaza," he said, adding that people can sit on the site and have a drink or enjoy a picnic.

Walking with his dog Tuesday night to Royal Docks Brewing Co., Mike Schiltz said he hadn't given the adjoining amphitheater a close look yet.

But, "I'm impressed. I think this is good for the community. I think it's a positive development for this complex, which has had a fantastic transformation over the last couple of years," said Schiltz, 54, of Plain Township. "Hopefully it will be a community gathering space. I like how it looks. Visually, I think it's appealing. And I like the location. I think it's fairly central to Plain Township."

Grant Giltz, the owner of Oakwood Square, said, "One hundred percent. (The amphitheater) draws attention to the shopping center. ... I think it looks fantastic. I think the residents of Plain Township will be extremely ecstatic when these event kick off. "

Financing and the vision

The amphitheater cost about $3.36 million, nearly all funded from the $3.6 million Plain Township received from the American Rescue Plan that Congress approved in March 2021.

Rob Steinberg, Plain Township's parks director, talks about the new Plain Township Amphitheater in Legacy Park. The first public concert is tonight.
Rob Steinberg, Plain Township's parks director, talks about the new Plain Township Amphitheater in Legacy Park. The first public concert is tonight.

Trustee Scott Haws indicated beyond the economic benefits, the amphitheater stands to play a major role in the future of the township's identity.

“Everyone know where the center of downtown Canton is and downtown North Canton," he said. "(The amphitheater is) helping us create that central community or point of focus where folks can come out and congregate. ... We haven't historically had that in Plain Township."

The amphitheater's 40-by-80 stage is covered by a wooden overhang. It does not come with mass seating. The audience is meant to sit on the grass, bring their own chairs, stand or dance on the grass. Except for some seating for VIPs, the amphitheater will not have reserved seating. The facility will not have any concessions.

The new Plain Township's amphitheater's 40-by-80 stage is covered by a wooden overhang. It does not come with mass seating.
The new Plain Township's amphitheater's 40-by-80 stage is covered by a wooden overhang. It does not come with mass seating.

The nearby Township Hall serves as the green room where performers wait or prepare before taking the stage and provides restrooms for the performers.

Adjoining the amphitheater is a playground constructed in June for nearly $55,000, funded nearly entirely by a Visit Canton grant.

Adjoining the Plain Township amphitheater is a playground constructed in June for nearly $55,000, funded nearly entirely by a Visit Canton grant.
Adjoining the Plain Township amphitheater is a playground constructed in June for nearly $55,000, funded nearly entirely by a Visit Canton grant.

In a written statement, Trustee Brook Harless said she was "absolutely thrilled" about the new amphitheater.

"I believe it will enhance the cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike," she wrote.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Plain Township Amphitheater to host first concert Thursday