TRANSFORMING AN UNDERUTILIZED AMPHITHEATER INTO A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, located in the Wharf District, is owned and operated by the City of Morgantown, and it includes the Ruby Amphitheater performance venue with capacity for up to 2,000 people.

Strada, in collaboration with Merritt Chase, The Thrasher Group and March Westin worked closely with city planning staff to expand the park’s entertainment programming opportunities and amenities. The design incorporated a locally pre-fabricated shade structure that covers 40% of the audience seating, flexible social seating terraces, and a new restroom facility. A modernized sound system was also integrated within the existing trail network and historic bus depot building which was adapted to support a wide range of events including concerts, weddings, and festivals, along with daily public enjoyment of the park.