Muskoseepi Park Amphitheatre. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

Community

Sexsmith Wellness Coalition looking to build Amphitheatre near downtown

Jul 7, 2021 | 2:22 PM

Members of the Sexsmith Wellness Coalition presented to Town Council earlier this week about potentially building an amphitheatre in the community.

The Coalition asked council to fund up to 25 per cent of the project, while the remainder of the money will come from a federal community grant aimed at promoting arts & culture and getting residents outside post-pandemic.

Sexsmith Mayor Kate Potter says council is supportive of the idea.

“We loved the idea,” said Potter. “The Sexsmith Wellness Coalition came up with the idea and thought it would be a fantastic way to promote arts & culture.”

“We have lots of recreation places, but it would really help grow the arts & culture side of the community and give them a space to use. Council was very supportive and said put in the grant application and we’d support up to a quarter (25 per cent) of the project depending on what needs to be done.”

The Coalition must submit an application for the federal grant by July 23 and will likely learn if it has been approved sometime in August.

Potter mentioned if the Coalition does get the green light, it will be built near the downtown core.

“There is a green space just west of our baseball diamonds and it’s sort of an unused green space. It’s actually in a perfect spot and is an area that can be turned quickly into an amphitheatre space. It’s right in the core area where there’s other activities that go on and it’s a block from our downtown.”

If everything goes according to plan and the funding is secured, construction on the amphitheatre could be built by next year.

“We are hopeful if they’re successful, by next spring or early summer the amphitheatre should be built and ready,” said Potter.

“We are really excited for the potential to see what it can bring in terms of arts & culture to the community and to also give our residents the opportunity to showcase themselves.”