XENIA — The front stage of the Blue Jacket amphitheater at Greene County Parks & Trails’ (GCP&T) Caesars Ford Park, 520 Stringtown Road, has been demolished as the unsafe structure was preventing the park to be redeveloped for future use to benefit the general public.
General contractor Rezod LLC brought down the unsafe structure on Monday and Tuesday.
Ownership of the site reverted back to Greene County approximately ten years ago and the amphitheater and related structures were deemed structurally unsound at that time, GCP&T Director Chrisbell Bednar said. The amphitheater, two stage structures, tunnel and tack room/bunk house will be removed.
Other structures, Bednar added, will be salvaged.
The dining hall, which is the former Frisch’s dining fly salvaged from the Xenia 1974 tornado, as well as the gift shop, restrooms, concession stand and pole barn will remain for possible renovation. An interpretative sign will be installed to honor the efforts of First Frontier, Inc., and Blue Jacket.
Bednar added that although change is hard, the park agency is excited about the possibilities Caesars Ford Park holds for the community.
“Although it is bittersweet, Greene County Parks and Trails is looking forward to redeveloping the park and the adjacent Caesars Ford Reserve so that all residents can access this beautiful area of Greene County. The parks, when combined, offer more than 260 acres of prairies, riparian corridor, cultural history and endless possibilities.”
For more information, contact GCP&T at 937-562-6440 or email [email protected].
