BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - An upgrade to Sleepy Hollow Theatre Park, consisting of two 20-foot side stages, is expected to be completed by June 1, according to the organization’s executive director Susan Lundberg.
The project, part of a growing vision to make the park and the children’s theater a tourist destination, is one of many upgrades that have taken place over the past five years - and there is more to come, according to Lundberg.
“We want to make this an attractive area. This will be one of a kind for North Dakota,” she told the Bismarck Tribune (https://bit.ly/1IQ4Q86 ). “This is all for the purpose of enlarging our communities and state. We want this to become a major tourist attraction in the capitol city.”
A new $250,000 lighting tower project, as part of Sleepy Hollow’s master plan, also will be installed this summer at the 35-acre park, 2889 E. Divide Ave. in Bismarck.
Cost of the side stages for the children’s theater will be $380,000 and will be paid for via grants, corporate fundraisers and private donations. They will enlarge a main stage installed in 2012 for $450,000, which was first used during the 2013 season.
The stages will be designed so a pavilion can cover them in a future project, according to Lundberg, explaining the structure will be a three-season facility for meetings and the organization’s programs.
As the old stage was made of railroad ties, which were rotting, the new stage was necessary for the program to move forward, according to Lundberg, adding that the new stage wings will allow cast members to be invisible from the audience until their performances begin and will keep sets to the side until needed. They will also be handicapped accessible.
The new lighting system, replacing rented scaffolding, is to be installed in May and June.
“It will be state of the art with catwalks, safety features and other enhancements,” Lundberg said.
“We’ve been quietly growing. In order to raise funds, you need to lay good groundwork so you can grow and let people know you are a community asset,” said Lundberg, adding that the program drew 400 children participants and 10,000 attended performances last summer. “We have enlarged our facilities, enlarged our programs.”
Previous projects:
- In 2011, the group added a backstage building to allow for storage of production sets and technical equipment. Cost of the project was $40,000.
- The gazebo next to the stage was moved to southwest of the parking lot in 2014. Lundberg said this allows two events to be held at the same time, such as a wedding or concert at the gazebo, and a play production at the stage. Cost is $60,000.
- In 2014, Sleepy Hollow oversaw the addition of two pergolas, consisting of two triangles with seating areas and walkway at a cost of up to $20,000.
Future projects:
- The $3 million pavilion planned to cover the stages will have catwalks for lighting and scenery, and a security door with a front enclosure, according to Lundberg, adding that funding will determine when it can be built. “It will be a very attractive architectural piece. It’s a work in progress. It’s a terrific naming opportunity,” she said.
- Sleepy Hollow organizers also want to grade the grass seating area of the park for a better look at performances. The project’s date is still pending.
- About $20,000 worth of trees will be planted this spring through a state forestry grant and Sleepy Hollow funds.
- About 750 illuminated lights will be added to the park in May for a cost of $30,000.
- New turrets with flags are under construction at the entrance of the park to welcome visitors. Cost is still being determined.
- At the Feb. 19 Bismarck Park Board meeting, Sleepy Hollow Board members asked the park district to improve the parking lot because people are randomly parking everywhere.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com
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