A city jewel with new polish: Clinton’s unique amphitheater hosts more than just graduations
CLINTON, Okla. (KFOR) — Graduation from high school is one of life’s milestones.
Last May the Senior Class gathered at McLain Rogers Park to receive their diplomas in a tradition that dates back at least 40 years, and one that Clinton Public Schools Superintendent Tyler Bridges is looking forward to again.
He describes, “reserving the first few rows of the amphitheater for our grads and then kind of a free for all after that for the thousands of people that attend graduations here.”
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Sitting right along old Route 66, this park has a history almost as long as the Mother Road itself.
The park is named for the 1930’s mayor who got it built despite Depression era opposition from his own city commission.
“They tried to throw him out,” chuckles current Mayor David Berrong.
He walks this bandshell stage with pride now knowing it’s one of only venues like it in the state.
Describing the bandshell acoustics, he demonstrates, “If you talk right about here, you can transmit without a microphone.”
The New Deal Works Progress Administration spent five years building this park, completing the bandshell in 1936. It remains a jewel in the city’s crown.
“We see ourselves as trying to focus on our assets,” states Mayor Berrong, “and this is an asset.”
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There were a few years when leadership in Clinton didn’t have a good direction to take this 3,000 seat amphitheater.
They did stage a production of ‘Oklahoma!’ here in 1988, and there was always a high school graduation.
But Mayor Berrong and City Manager Robert Johnston put their heads together.
“It’s really neat to see,” says Johnston. “We have some re-investment.”
The city won a grant from the Levitt Foundation which paid for a backstage restoration.
This summer, concerts are coming back to the bandshell.
“We’re just bringing this place to light,” continues Berrong, “and offering consistent entertainment in all different kinds of genres like music and concerts.”
History will echo for more than a hundred ‘Red Tornado’ seniors on May 17th, 2024, but those echoes will mix with so many more going back at least 85 years, and not a bad seat in the house.
For more information on the amphitheater at McLain Rogers Park and a concert schedule you can visit there Facebook page by clicking here.
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