Amphitheater improves seating arrangements for disabled patrons, who will be closer to stage

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Disabled patrons attending events at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater this year will find a pleasant surprise more room.

The amphitheater has added box seating, and two of the spacious boxes will accommodate up to four wheelchairs and four companion chairs, said amphitheater director Kristi Rapson.

"Disabled access for our patrons was not adequate," Rapson said. "Although we met the legal requirements for disabled access, we were not meeting the needs of our guests or the standard of excellence we set in all areas of our customer service."

The boxes are on two concrete platforms were constructed between the facility's permanent seating and lawn seating to the right, and between the permanent seating and picnic tables to the left, Rapson said.

Previously, all the handicapped seating was at the rear of the facility, Rapson said. So when the audience stood up, it would block the view of the handicapped patrons, she added.

"We had not received any complaints, but it was just something I felt we could improve upon," Rapson said.

Patrons will access the boxes directly from the rain shelter concourse, she added.

The architect for the project, Don Cobb and Associates, made sure it blended seamlessly with the existing structure, Rapson said.

"He designed our concession and restroom expansion and added our new spotlight towers last year," Rapson said. "It's even hard for me to remember what is new and what was there before!"

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