The Henderson Harbor group plans to build an amphitheater

CITY OF HENDERSON, New York (WWNY) – The sounds of a symphony orchestra or even a music festival could be coming to the shores of Lake Ontario. There’s a new project that could put an amphitheater in Henderson Harbour.

Nestled on County Route 123, over 18 acres of land is owned by the Henderson Harbor Performing Arts Association.

“The real estate is here. We have it. We want to make the most of it,” said Henderson Harbor Performing Arts Association board member John Culkin.

For 25 years, live shows have entertained the public there. Others played a game of cornhole.

But now HHPAA is ready to take its concrete and white tents and trade them in for something bigger.

“We’re kind of envisioning a sort of outdoor amphitheater,” Culkin said.

The amphitheater would be large enough to accommodate symphony orchestras, plays, festivals, etc.

“We have the basics here, and we want to use them and build something that this community can be proud of,” Culkin said.

But before that vision becomes a reality, a summer-long market study is underway by RMS Research and Marketing Strategies of Syracuse to provide demographics for the region and the northern region of the country.

The association partnered with CNY Jazz of Syracuse to complete and publish the study.

A seasonal resident of Henderson Harbor for more than 30 years, CNY Jazz executive director Larry Luttinger says he’s into it.

“When I walked through the property, I was very excited. It’s an absolutely incredible property; 18 and a half acres on a bluff overlooking Henderson Harbour,” he said.

If and when the vision becomes a reality, Culkin and Luttinger say it may be the only one of its kind.

“Our search is not yet complete, but we believe there are no significant waterfront concert facilities on the New York Coast – Lake Ontario or St. Lawrence River at this time. “said Luttinger.

Part of the study is a community survey and it could benefit from the help of residents.

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