At the regular New Paltz Central School District Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 3, trustees passed a resolution by a vote of 7-0 to allow the Duzine/Lenape PTA to begin selling “tribute bricks” to raise funds to build a performance amphitheatre at Lenape Elementary School. The estimated cost of the project at this point is $125,000. It will be funded entirely through donations and fundraising efforts. Project completion depends upon when funding is achieved.
The board authorized the sales of tribute bricks to honor or memorialize individuals only; no businesses or corporations may be named on a brick in accordance with Board of Education Policy 5260.
The 500-seat amphitheatre will be built into the slope of an existing hillside at Lenape Elementary School. Landscaper Mark Masseo — who is working with the PTA on the project — says the site is ideal, with drainage already present.
Students currently have to share indoor rehearsal and performance space with physical education classes, lunch period and band practice. The amphitheatre will serve as an outdoor classroom, a performance space for students, a setting for the annual fifth grade Moving-Up ceremony and a public venue for use by local nonprofits.
In addition to the sales of tribute bricks, there are a number of other fundraising activities in progress, including a “GoFundMe” campaign with a $25,000 goal at www.gofundme.com/lenapeamphitheatre. Volunteer grant writers and researchers are also being sought; contact PTA president Jenn Voorhis at JHVoorhis@gmail.com.
More information and updates are available at the Facebook page established by the Duzine/Lenape PTA for the project: “New Paltz Amphitheatre at Lenape. A PTA supported project.”
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