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Rotary offers $200,000 amphitheater donation behind the library; board accepts concept
Summary
The Rotary Club proposed a $200,000 granite-bench amphitheater behind the library and sought the Select Board’s conceptual acceptance; the board accepted the concept and asked staff to confirm procurement and prevailing‑wage implications.
The Rotary Club of Winchester proposed donating an outdoor amphitheater behind the library — a granite-bench, brick-paver stage with lighting and underground electrification — and asked the Select Board for conceptual acceptance. Rotary said it has retained Zen Associates for design and would fund and manage the project. The club said library trustees and the conservation commission have reviewed and provided positive feedback.
Rotary’s representative presented renderings and a $200,000 cost estimate and said Rotary would handle construction management and some annual weeding/maintenance. ‘‘It was practically unanimous vote to expend the $200,000 on this project, and we look forward to making this happen in the next year,’’ the presenter said.
Board response and next steps: Members praised the design and thanked Rotary, but asked the town manager to confirm in writing whether municipal procurement rules, public-bidding and prevailing-wage requirements apply to a privately funded gift. The board approved the concept and asked library trustees and conservation commission paperwork be provided before final acceptance.
Community context: Board members noted the amphitheater would provide a programmed outdoor venue for library and town events while Rotary committed to limited annual upkeep tasks.
