Amphitheater answers residents’ desire for more local entertainment
Concerts under the stars, a splash pad and a wedding venue are a few of the anticipated additions to Philip S. Miller Park that will open to the public May 14.
The second phase of the park, which includes the amphitheater, the Millhouse events center and the plaza, is all about community gathering.
The plaza will be the new center of the park and houses group picnic pavilions, an outdoor fireplace, additional restrooms and a splash pad. The Millhouse is an indoor/outdoor events center, which holds up to 125 people. There is also an outdoor pond and water feature.
But the most anticipated is the amphitheater, which will bring live entertainment from around the country to Castle Rock.
“It is an exciting time in Castle Rock,” said Castle Rock Special Events Manager Casey Willis. “Time and again residents have given feedback in community surveys that they want more entertainment options and things to do locally. The amphitheater will not only provide a wonderful place for residents to host incredible events, it will also give us the opportunity to create a different type of concert event in an intimate setting.”
With the opening of the amphitheater also comes the new Celebration Concert Series. The series is part of the town’s first full year of ramped-up community festivals, concerts and activities implemented by Willis.
The series’ first show is Shooter Jennings, the only son of country legends Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, who is touring with his father’s band, the Waymore Outlaws.
Other bands that will hit the amphitheater stage this summer are the Beatles tribute band, The Fab Four, on June 11; the Colorado Symphony on June 30; the Marshall Tucker Band on Aug. 27; and Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas, on Sept. 24. Tickets for the concert series are on sale now at CRgov.com/PSMConcerts.
“The caliber of bands that have committed to come perform this summer represent the town’s commitment to bring high quality, diversified entertainment to our residents,” Mayor Paul Donahue said.
The goal, Willis said, is to provide Castle Rock residents with events close to home. The vision is that over time, the signature-event series will put Castle Rock on the map and generate significant economic impact for the town.
“Over time,” Willis said, “these concerts will draw in people from all over the state who will look to Castle Rock as a destination for sports and entertainment.”
Shanna Fortier
