The township has submitted an application for a grant that could help in construction of an amphitheatre at Civic Center Park.
The idea of the amphitheatre dates back to the 1980s and was included in the township’s 2005 budget. $100,000 remains restricted for the project, according to Clerk Jill Bastian.
The township has also received about $64,000 in donations for the project, including a $50,000 donation from Pulte Homes, along with the promise of some in-kind services.
Among the items needed for preliminary construction of the amphitheatre, at a total cost estimated as high as $300,000, are a bandshell, proper access and drainage and a hill properly graded for seating.
At their March 17 meeting, the board adopted a 2008 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Resolution and passed a motion to provide a 46-percent local match, should they be picked for the grant.
Their actions followed a public hearing, during which many members of the public supported going forward with the project.
‘We are extremely excited to have the opportunity, hopefully, to use this amphitheatre,? said North Oakland Concert Band Director Annette Kline. ‘This would be a great asset to Lake Orion.?
‘I have to say the conditions for playing here in Lake Orion are sub-par,? added NOCB member George Sinnott. ‘It’s recognized that we do need a facility. In Lake Orion, you’re playing in a field or on a basketball court.?
Sinnott noted that the NOCB will be back at a board meeting this month to present yet another donation.
Though the township approved applying for the grant, it does not prevent them from moving forward on a shorter timeline.
‘It would probably be a year to a year-and-a-half out if you were successful, before you secured the funds,? said Don Wortman, of the township’s planning firm, noting it could be 2010 before the construction begins.
‘Why don’t we just build the thing?? asked Trustee Matt Gibb. ‘I’m not really in favor of waiting until 2010. I’d like to crunch the numbers, spend the $100,000 that’s restricted for the project and go forward with it now.?