LaFontaine Family Amphitheater

Just in time for the new year, construction on Milford's  newest addition to Central Park, the LaFontaine Family Amphitheater is substantially complete.  Nestled between the Village's downtown shopping district and Southside neighborhoods, the new amphitheater will open with an inaugural concert in spring 2015.

 

"This has been an amazing and rewarding project," said Joell Beether, executive director of the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We are anxious for the amphitheater to open and for the community to enjoy the new venue.  We really are so thankful to all our generous donors, especially the LaFontaine Family, who went above and beyond to see that this project could be completed."

 

More than $450,000 was raised through grants, private donation and in-kind services to complete the 3-phase project, including a $155,000 contribution form the LaFontaine Family.

 

Our Family has lived in The Highland/Milford area since 1977 when I was just 6 months old.  In addition we have owned and operated multiple automotive dealerships in the community since 1984 when we purchased Lee Osborn Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC which was located on Liberty street in Downtown Milford.  As soon as I heard about the AMP in central park, I knew right away we wanted to support and give back to our local community.  It has always been a desire of mine to find a way to recognize my parents continue support of the community for years to come.  So to me it was a perfect fit, and will be an amazing addition to our local community.  We are thrilled to be a part of such a great community project

 

The 18-month community-driven initiative to build a one-of-a-kind multiuse amphitheater began in April 2012 as a joint venture between the Rotary Club of Milford, the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Milford Downtown Development Authority. 

 

"The Rotary Club of Milford is proud to have initiated and been part of the AMP in Central Park project," said Keith Wilson, president of the Rotary Club of Milford. "The entire community came together to make this vision a reality and it's gratifying to see how we've made our already charming town even more beautiful than it was before."

 

Built into the natural landscape of Central Park, the LaFontaine Family Amphitheater fits snuggly into the existing topography of the site, incorporating terraced seating for nearly 2,000 people.  The environmentally-friendly design orients patrons towards the historic Albert Kahn-designed Ford Power House and Pettibone Creek waterfall, while allowing 98 percent retention of the standing poplar trees that form a natural canopy over the park. 

 

Designed by Grissim Metz Andriese Associates  and constructed by  John Stewart and Associates and Margolis Companies, the LaFontaine Family Amphitheater was made by possible by  John Grissim, Chip Mobley and B & M Electric Contracting, Inc., M.J. Whelan Construction, Dave Janette and  Janette and Sons Excavating, Brien's Services and the Milford Downtown Development Authority.

 

"Milford is such a beautiful town, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated and giving community," said Ann Barnette, executive director of the Milford Downtown Development Authority. "The Lafontaine Family Amphitheater would not have been possible without our supporters, contractors and partners. We're very excited to see it open this May and to enjoy the live entertainment in our beautiful new theater."

 

An inaugural concert of the LaFontaine Family Amphitheater is being planned to launch the venue before Milford's highly anticipated Summer Concert Series and Friday Night Live return this summer.