Barker Park Amphitheater Expansion
Why Expand the Amphitheater?
The huge success of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat in Summer 2016 underscored the interest in the arts that exists in North Ogden. We sold over 2,000 tickets for a 3-day performance, even with one day rained out! (see expenditures and revenues comparison) This was the first major community play at the Amphitheater, and we realized that there are thousands of people who want to support the arts in North Ogden. Given the level of interest and demand, we want to host more fantastic community cultural events at Barker Park. We also plan to bring in high-quality outside talent to provide entertainment for our community. There will be plays, ballets, operas, musical performances, "Movies in the Park," community celebrations, and other wonderful events to bring our community together to enjoy the power of the arts!
The citizens of North Ogden purchased the land for Barker Park and built the beautiful existing Amphitheater in the early 2000's at great expense. The natural setting of the Amphitheater with mountains on the north and east is unparalleled, and it was designed and built to hold large crowds and with enough electricity and infrastructure to accommodate major shows and outside talent. Unfortunately, however, future phases of construction at the park did not happen because of economic changes, and the stage is simply too small for most types of performances. The lack of storage space, dressing rooms, concession space, adequate parking, a roof, etc. have also been challenges to attracting and hosting performances, and the beautiful Amphitheater has only been used a handful of times over the years. Our goal is to "complete" the past investment and the vision of past leaders for the Amphitheater, by expanding the amphitheater to better accommodate community performances and to provide a venue for outside talent. The expanded Amphitheater will also provide a venue for smaller community events (dance recitals, community performances, etc.), as well as a beautiful space for wedding & party rentals to help offset the operating costs. The expanded Amphitheater will be a cultural and community gem for North Ogden, and tens of thousands of residents will come together to enjoy the season of events each Spring and Summer!
