The Rotary Amphitheater was chosen as the 2020 Cranberry Township Community Chest project of the year. The project's first phase, expanding the stage and adding an overhang structure, would be constructed this year. Terraced lawn seating is proposed later.

CRANBERRY TWP — The 2020 Cranberry Township Community Chest project aims to upgrade the township's Rotary Amphitheater, possibly bringing improved terraces, accessible seating and a way to keep the elements from shutting down an outdoor event.

Evan Oswald, the township's assistant project manager for engineering and environmental services, told the board of supervisors at its Feb. 27 meeting that despite the expected high cost of the project, he expects the township will be asked to fund only one phase — which will likely include grading and underground utility work — of the three-phase project.

The project's first phase, Oswald said, is to expand the stage and add an overhang structure, which will be constructed this year.

“More of an overhang structure (makes) the performance area a little bit bigger and better for their viewers,” he said.

It will be ramped up after the township's annual Community Days celebration, which will be held July 9 to 11. At that point, Oswald said, concepts such as a tiered lawn seating area, a gathering plaza and “general improvements” will come closer to fruition.

“There would be a lot of land grading, underground utilities, things of that nature,” he said. “And that would, in turn, set us up for what would be Phase 3, which would be the actual amenities we would install.”

A concrete walkway, along with the seating, would be part of the third phase, he said. Oswald added that a tiered seating area would be a nice amenity for viewers.

“Tiered lawn seating gives people a really nice experience when they come to watch a concert,” he said.

Phase 1 of the project, which adds a stage area and an overhang structure to the amphitheater, is estimated to cost $330,000, according to the presentation. That stage, Oswald said, would be fully funded by CTCC and the Rotary.

During the second phase, valued at $350,000, the township will likely be asked to help provide funding, Oswald said. But the caveat of that request is Phase 3 and its estimated $350,000 price tag will be funded wholly by non-township funds.

The amphitheater is the latest CTCC project of the year, joining the township's public library and the North Boundary Park disc golf course and nature trail as the last three annual works.