Saturday, June 25th, 2016
State money to fund Celina amphitheater
Venue will be constructed along Lake Shore Drive
By William Kincaid
CELINA - Mayor Jeff Hazel confirmed Celina will receive state capital budget funding to construct the Harley Jones Memorial Amphitheater in the soon-to-be developed Bryson Park District.
Senate Bill 310 originally outlined $1.2 million for the amphitheater.
"It is official that it was approved, but I don't know that final dollar number yet," Hazel told the newspaper this week. "We have not determined a design yet. That will be done as a collective effort."
Work on the amphitheater could begin in the coming winter or spring, once deed restrictions are set for the Bryson Park District, 8 acres of land along Lake Shore Drive.
"So that money is not coming out of our general fund. That is not money that we are taking away from street projects, police and fire or any other department within the city," Hazel said. "That is money that we're able to receive from a state capital line item."
Hazel speculated that an amphitheater capable of holding at least 500 people would be built, perhaps near the Hot Water Hole. The state, city council members, public and Bryson Trust Fund officers likely will have a say in the design, Hazel said.
"I am very pleased to be able to say that we can do this, and we're happy to do this," Hazel said.
Jones, 82, died at his residence in Celina on March 20. He was known for founding Jones Jeweler in Celina and serving on numerous local and state committees and civic organizations. Named the Mercer County Republican of the Year in 2015, Jones was more than an acquaintance of Gov. John Kasich, State Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, and State Rep. Jim Buchy, R-Greenville, Hazel said.
"And I think it's great for the community to show part of a legacy that Harley brought to Celina and the state of Ohio. To Celina Harley did so many things," Hazel said.
For instance, Jones spearheaded a fundraising campaign to help purchase new Christmas lights for downtown Celina.
"That's the kind of individual Harley was," Hazel said. "He was always giving to his community and if he saw a need and he felt that somebody else couldn't get to it, he was willing to step forward and do it."
