NEWS RELEASE

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gretchen Leslie
DCNR Press Secretary
(717) 772-9101

DCNR SECRETARY HELPS TO DEDICATE NEW AMPHITHEATRE AT DELAWARE CANAL STATE PARK

EASTON (July 18, 2003) — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today helped to dedicate a new outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the Delaware and Lehigh rivers at the northern end of Delaware Canal State Park.

The Fowler Family Amphitheatre, which seats about 50 in an open-air arena, was constructed this spring and summer using a donation from Bethlehem resident and philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler.

“Here, in this perfect setting overlooking the rivers, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the important role our waterways played in the industrialization of this nation,” Secretary DiBerardinis said.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to Linny Fowler, whose remarkable generosity is not only appreciated by DCNR, but also by the thousands of people who will enjoy the Fowler Family Amphitheatre over time. It is clear Linny has a deep commitment to teaching our youth and others about our history, culture and natural resources.”

Alvin H. Butz Inc. of Allentown constructed the amphitheatre using a series of low-profile stone walls set in a circular pattern around a central stage. While seated in the theatre, visitors look out onto the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers. Project work included excavation, clearing, sidewalk and stone wall construction, electrical services, lighting and landscaping. Siegel & Palombit Architects from Worcester, Pa., designed the amphitheatre. DCNR’s Bureau of Facility Design and Construction coordinated the project’s design and construction.

“It’s important for our children to understand the value of our natural resources and their role in history and culture,” Mrs. Fowler said. “The setting of this amphitheatre, with its backdrop of the rivers, adds excitement to the learning experience that is hard to duplicate anywhere else.”

Secretary DiBerardinis praised the efforts of the Historic Delaware Canal Improvement Corporation (HDCIC), an organization formed in 2000 to raise funds for canal restoration projects and enhancements to the state park. The group has raised $2 million, including the Fowler donation.

Park staff will use the amphitheatre for environmental education programs, performances and learning. It will serve as an outdoor classroom for the proposed River Center, a $2.5 million visitor and education building currently in design. The Center, to be located on the site of the former Canal Museum, will house Delaware Canal State Park environmental education staff and exhibits, as well as serve as headquarters of the Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park.

Delaware Canal State Park, stretching 60 miles from Easton, Northampton County, to Bristol, Bucks County, protects the Delaware Canal—the only remaining continuously intact remnant of the 19th century towpath canal era. In addition to being a Pennsylvania state park, the canal is a National Historic Landmark, and the towpath is a designated National Heritage Hiking Trail. The canal also is a vital component of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park.

For more information about Delaware Canal State Park, call (610) 982-5560, or log onto the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: “state parks.”

2003