Florida College Payne Amphitheater
Since 1958, there has been an amphitheater at Florida College. However, the original concrete structure started to break down and eventually was closed for several years.
During our Campus Enhancement Plan® process, one request we heard repeatedly was to bring back the amphitheater. And that is what the College has done.
This rare amenity along the Hillsborough River has been re-imagined with a more environmentally-friendly approach, especially as storm water infiltration and the wetland edge are concerned. Some key design decisions that support this more sustainable approach include:
- pulling the stage structure farther away from the river,
- incorporating pervious surfaces into the seating areas, and
- using a permeable shade structure with a thin nylon fabric that rain will penetrate
The newly named Payne Amphitheater also provides a venue for outdoor classrooms, musical performances, other cultural events and ceremonies as well as providing an ideal space for daily uses such as grab-and-go lunches or meeting up with friends.
The design features tiered seating with synthetic turf and block wall construction, flanked by sloped synthetic turf on the wings for addition seating.
