CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Central Park Amphitheater Ad Hoc Committee
MEETING DATE: August 21, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Mariana Mitchell, Community Services Manager REVIEWED BY: Jonathan Nicks, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Review and provide direction on establishing a new purpose for the Central Park Amphitheater Ad Hoc Committee, focused on the vision and initial programming.
DISCUSSION
At the February 21, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council requested a future agenda item to consider establishing a new purpose or mission for the Central Park Amphitheater Ad Hoc Committee related to the vision of the planned programming once opened. An Ad Hoc Committee must be composed of less than a quorum and be established for a limited or single purpose that would be dissolved once specific task was completed.
The Central Park Amphitheater started as a simple shade structure project. However, City Council had a vision for a more iconic centerpiece to the City’s most utilized park for citywide special events that would also be the backdrop to the future home of City Hall. At the February 6, 2019, City Council meeting, an Ad Hoc Committee for the design of the Central Park Amphitheater was created. The Ad Hoc Committee was comprised of two City Councilmembers and two Parks, Recreation and Trails Commissioners.
The Ad Hoc Committee met on several occasions with the design team and City staff to determine the conceptual design of the Central Park Amphitheater which was approved by City Council on March 3, 2021. Upon completion of the full design and engineering, the Ad Hoc Committee met once more in May 2022 to review updated engineer’s estimates on the overall cost of the project.
After releasing a Notice Inviting Bids on two separate occasions, City Council awarded and approved the necessary contracts to begin construction of the Central Park Amphitheater on December 6, 2023.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Central Park Amphitheater Ad Hoc Committee
August 21, 2024
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On track for a Summer 2025 grand opening, staff are diligently working on establishing the facility use policies related to the use of the Central Park Amphitheater. Similar to policies relating to facility and field use, City programs and events would be given priority, followed by resident non- profit organizations, residents, and then non-residents. Community Services has worked towards formalizing partnerships with local non-profit organizations by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as exemplified by the recent approval of the MOU with the Arts Council Menifee who have expressed interest in partnering with the City on programming the amphitheater.
It is anticipated that upon completion of construction, Citywide special events would return to Central Park and summer programs such as concerts and movies in the park would also be programmed. Additionally, there would be opportunities for partnering with local school districts, non-profit organizations, and other governmental agencies for community programs and events.
After a full year of programming, staff anticipate analyzing utilization to determine opportunities for additional partnerships and/or contracted services to bring additional entertainment options.
City staff are open to additional comments and recommendations for the future programming of the Central Park Amphitheater.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. However, any future action on this item could result in additional fiscal impacts, based upon the parameters of any projects or programs that are developed and recommended by the Committee. Future programs and projects would need to be assessed and budgeted for in the corresponding years’ budget.
ATTACHMENTS
None.