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Willmar council approves Robins Island Amphitheatre plans, authorizes bids
Summary
The Willmar City Council voted unanimously to approve plans and specifications and to authorize advertisement for bids for the Robins Island Amphitheatre, citing $2.63 million in regional grant support and a design that emphasizes ADA access and multi-use performance spaces.
The Willmar City Council voted 7-0 to approve plans and specifications and to authorize advertisement for bids for the Robins Island Amphitheatre project.
Shane Stefani presented the city's review of the design and grant support. Engen Associates' presenter described a two-stage band-shell concept: a primary south-facing stage (roughly 32 by 32 feet) and a smaller 20-by-20 stage to the north, with a concrete plaza, backstage/loading dock, artist green room and restroom facilities. The design calls for ADA-accessible concrete paths and site circulation that separates production vehicle access from public access. Stefani told the council the project has secured two grants from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission totaling $2,632,513.
During questions, engineers explained soil-correction options for portions of the site located on previously dredged material. Options discussed included traditional soil corrections (excavation and replacement to depths of 5–9 feet), helical piles or ramped aggregate; staff said traditional soil corrections appeared to be the most economical based on current data. Presenters also described staging and circulation plans to accommodate production vehicles and vendor access, and estimated flat seating for roughly 75 chairs near the stage with expanded hill seating and room for up to about 200 chairs overall.
Architectural materials shown to the council include a copper-colored roof, tan/cream siding, stone wainscoting and exposed roof trusses. The design team said backstage access and two opposing backstage doors will shorten production changeover times. "The main-stage performance area we're looking at is a 32-by-32 performance area," the presenter said.
Council members praised the citizen-led nature of the project and the Rotary Club's role; the motion to approve plans and authorize advertisement for bids passed on a unanimous roll call. The next steps are to place the plans and specifications on public bid and return to council with award recommendations after the bid opening.
