According to the Roanoke Times, Salem citizens will soon be enjoying a new amphitheater. The accouncement made this week, comes just a little more than a week after the Roanoke City Council voted to move forward with constructing an amphitheater in downtown's Elmswood Park.

The Salem amphitheater will be constructed in the east end of Longwood Park, to the rear of the Salem Museum. It will not have structured seats for an audience, but will be able to manage a crowd of about 2,000 people. Current parking areas would not change.

Homeowners in both of these cities can welcome the amphitheaters for enhancing entertainment venues in their communities. These additions will help to make the neighborhoods more marketable, bring in visitors, boost local economy and postively impact property values.

"Salem crews plan to break ground in December on a community amphitheater in Longwood Park, city officials said today.

The first phase of the as-yet-unnamed structure – it will stand 26 feet tall, 35 feet across and 15 to 20 feet deep – is due to be completed and fully functional by spring, in time to host its first event, Salem's annual Easter egg hunt.

That phase has been budgeted at just over $48,000 and will be funded by the Salem Jaycees. Several members of the civic organization were on hand to present a check to the city at Wednesday's meeting.

The initial phase, according to Salem spokesman Mike Stevens, 'is not going to cost taxpayers a single penny.'

Jaycees treasurer Josh Gilbert said the group was pleased with their partnership with the city, for efforts such as Olde Salem Days, and it decided months ago to make a donation as a gesture of gratitude.

Future additions such as lights and electricity, a sound system and a backstage dressing room may be added over the course of three proposed, currently unscheduled phases. Those upgrades are projected to cost about $32,000."

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