An architect for a stunning new amphitheater that will blend art with nature described the "multiple wow factors" of the project, including an oak tree canopy.
Community leaders and others gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the amphitheater at Lowe Park on a picturesque Wednesday afternoon.
Mike Bell, a landscape architect with RDG Planning and Design, described the focal point sculpture - an oak Savannah, which he said is indigenous here. The performances will play out under the sculpture, he said.
The $1.7 million project is nearly fully paid off. The project is paid for by a mix of state, county and local grants or contributions and private donations.
The bulk of the project should be down in October and fully complete by 2014.
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