The Comcast Amphitheater is part of new, accessible park currently under construction in Springfield.
Springfield, Ore. — Nov. 17, 2021 — Four large poles that signify the start of construction of a new community amphitheater will be hoisted from the ground with a crane on Tues., Nov. 23 at 8 a.m. and positioned in their permanent location inside the Arc Park, a state-of-the-art play space under construction now at 4181 E Street in Springfield.
The Arc Park will provide people of all ages and all abilities the freedom and safety to explore, play, and imagine together. The $2 million dollar project will be one of the only inclusive and fully accessible parks in the Pacific Northwest. The Arc Lane County broke ground on the park in February, and the amphitheater is a key component of this first phase of the park’s construction, with completion targeted for January 2022.
The Comcast Amphitheater will be a two-story, fully accessible theatrical castle complete with an expansive stage. Surrounding the amphitheater will be small playground, a sensory garden and lawn for a variety of activities and events, such as music and art therapy, exercise classes, and community plays and entertainment. Comcast, a major contributor to the park since its inception, is looking forward to the community build that will provide a safe place for people to gather.
“After two years of isolation caused by the pandemic, having a safe space where people of all ages and abilities can gather will be a tremendous gift,” says Rebecca Brown, director of community impact for Comcast. “We are excited to be a part of this amazing project that will reset the bar on what inclusive play can look like and bring the community together again.”
The Arc Park will include ADA-accessible play structures, smooth pathways for easy transitions for people who use wheelchairs, water and sand play areas, family-friendly restrooms, picnic areas and sensory areas with interactive activities.
The Arc is currently spearheading a television, print and digital marketing campaign to raise funds for the accessible turf that will be featured in large sections of the park. Community members can donate by texting PlayYourPart to 63665 or scanning the QR code at left. The Arc is also hosting hard hat tours of the park every Tuesday at noon. To register for a tour, contact Jo Ann Henderson at 541‐521‐9304 or send an email to joann.henderson@arclane.org.
The Arc Lane County, a grassroots nonprofit, provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families living in Lane County. The Arc envisions a world in which all persons have the support they need for personal development, independence, and interdependence with family and friends, and inclusion in the community. Learn more about The Arc Lane County at www.arclane.org.