McClain Rogers Park: Amphitheater and Bandstand - Clinton OK

City:: Clinton, OK
Site Type:: Parks and Recreation, Civic Facilities, Amphitheaters and Bandshells
New Deal Agencies:: Works Progress Administration (WPA), Work Relief Programs
Completed:: 1936
Quality of Information:: Good
Marked:: Yes
Site Survival:: Extant

Description

The Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Federal Emergency Relief Admn (FERA), and the Civil Works Admn (CWA) built multiple facilities in McClain Rogers Park in Clinton OK. The Amphitheater and Bandstand was one of the structures built with New Deal help.

Contributor note:

“The amphitheater seats 400 on curved native sandstone benches topped with smooth concrete. They form a semi-circle, sloping down to the southwest to the bandstand. This is an eye-opening amphitheater that remains in use today. Between the rows of seating, narrow areas of grass add to the comfort and acoustics of the arena. Each row of seats has a dedication plaque which has been added as the amphitheater continues to be maintained.

Cedar trees and junipers are planted around the rear and sides of the amphitheater adding to the privacy and acoustics. The bandstand located at the southwest corner has a concrete stage backed with a concrete half-dome. This stage area has three entrances into the backstage area, on both sides and at the middle rear. On the stone wall on the right of the stage, a bronze WPA shield shows the date of 1936.”