‘Transformative’ Clearwater project hits milestone

Imagine Clearwater, the $84 million redevelopment of Coachman Park, reached its highest point Friday as construction crews set the new amphitheater’s canopy in place.

Clearwater’s communications department reported that over 100 local dignitaries and city and construction staffers attended a Topping Out ceremony Friday afternoon. Ruth Eckerd Hall will operate the 22,649-square-foot bandshell with 4,000 seats, 3,600 square feet of VIP space and an 869-square-foot balcony.

Its lawn can also accommodate another 5,000 people.

An aerial rendering of Imagine Clearwater with the bandshell to the far right.

A city release stated the ceremony was a celebration of the progress made by staff, its design partners at Stantec and Skanska’s construction team. Mayor Frank Hibbard and other attendees signed the canopy piece before workers placed it on the structure’s highest point.

“We’re proud to work collectively with the City of Clearwater and Stantec to bring Imagine Clearwater to life,” said Chuck Jablon, vice president of construction for Skanska, in a statement. “Our dedicated tradesmen and women are ecstatic to support the future of our community through transformative public spaces such as this incredible project.”

That “incredible project” is nearing completion after over 150,000 work hours. City officials expect the 19-acre redeveloped park to open in July.

Imagine Clearwater will feature a pirate-themed playground with $1.2 million in equipment, a splash pad with 68 nozzles and four vertical fountains, a 320-foot-long lake with a pedestrian bridge, two covered picnic pavilions, a bay walk promenade overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and a bluff walk connecting the park to downtown.

A rendering of Imagine Clearwater’s splash pad and park.

There are also another four acres of flexible event space, and 19 acres of park space. City officials planted 817 new trees and were able to save some from the old park.

Environmental sustainability is also a key focus for Imagine Clearwater. The bandshell will feature 133 solar panels, and workers will install seven underground refuse bins for trash and recycling.

A provided fact sheet noted that project designers increased permeable areas by three acres, and reduced impervious “vehicle use area” by five acres.

Like its predecessor, Coachman Park, the new waterfront amphitheater will anchor the development. According to Imagine Clearwater’s dedicated website, the venue “will accommodate a year-round performance schedule that promises to continue the City of Clearwater’s reputation as a premier location for diverse live entertainment.”

Spearheading that effort is Ruth Eckerd Hall (REH). The Clearwater City Council chose the local entertainment stalwart to operate and manage the amphitheater over a partnership between OVG360 and Vinik Sports group in May 2022.

A rendering of the completed bandshell.

At the time, Hibbard credited REH’s stable leadership tenures and track record of enduring economic highs and lows – including the “Great Recession” and Covid – for earning his confidence.

“Ruth Eckerd Hall has been in the community for 40 years,” said Hibbard. Growing the Hall, the Capitol Theatre, education programs in 28 schools, Coachman Park, Tropicana, downtown Tampa Super Bowl, Ladies Final Four – they did a concert in St. Louis for the former (NFL) Rams for goodness’ sake … these folks aren’t going anywhere. They’re the fabric of our community.”

It took nearly seven years to get to this point. Clearwater voters approved six city charter amendments in March 2016 that set the stage for redevelopment. Council members approved the Imagine Clearwater plan that November.

According to the Imagine Clearwater website, over 700 people provided feedback to help create the project’s plan. Construction crews broke ground on the site nearly five years later, in September 2021.

A Christmas tree and American flag sit atop Imagine Clearwater’s tallest point.

Council members approved a contract with REH in December. The organization must provide at least 35 events annually, and the city will present another 10.

Watch a time-lapse video of workers lifting the bandshell canopy frame into place below: