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Staff unveils Barnett Park improvements and plans to site historic Clock Tower as amphitheater gateway
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Summary
City staff presented designs and a programming plan for Barnett Park that would upgrade the amphitheater's staging and put a redesigned, publicly accessible Clock Tower at a prominent park corner; staff said the bell and historical plaques will be preserved, a public input period is open through the council's April 13 meeting, and no formal vote was taken.
City staff presented a proposal to upgrade Barnett Park's amphitheater infrastructure and to relocate a redesigned, publicly accessible version of the historic Clock Tower as the park's grand entrance.
City Manager Chris Story said the goal is to select a long-term, city-owned location unlikely to be moved again and to ensure unrestricted public access. Staff emphasized they seek public input and are not requesting votes at this meeting. "We intend to go beyond the minimum required by the litigation settlement," Story said, summarizing the settlement language that leaves final site selection to council after a study and public input.
Deputy City Manager Mitch Kennedy outlined operational constraints that have limited bookings at the Barnett Park amphitheater — aging vinyl roof with limited rigging capacity, insufficient backstage amenities and loading-dock access — and said anonymous donors have pledged resources to address a large share of staging and lighting improvements. Staff proposed contracting with an experienced programming partner so the city can present a more consistent slate of shows without large recurring city expenditures; some improvements could be included in the FY27 budget.
Roger Newton, CEO of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, said improved backstage operations and amenities are critical to attract touring acts and recommended strategic promoter relationships: "If the venue can be improved...we will get calls from agents and managers saying you've gotta try this new venue in Spartanburg," he said.
Designer William Gray (Macmillan Pazda Smith) showed renderings that place a broader, interactive clock tower at the corner of the park and preserve existing park features (arbors, the Exuberance statue, plaques and the splash pad). Staff said the bell (purchased in 1881) and restored plaques will be displayed at the Spartanburg County Public Library in the near term and that public comments will be collected for inclusion in a binder for council consideration through the meeting of April 13.
Council members discussed pros and cons of the Barnett Park location: supporters said the site increases visibility and can activate underused park space; critics warned the tower may be less accessible on non-event days and questioned whether it best supports everyday downtown foot traffic and small businesses. Staff said the project would be subject to design-review procedures and further public input before any final decision.
What happens next: Staff will collect public input through the stated comment period, include submissions in council materials, and return to the council for design-review and potential action. No votes were taken at the presentation.
