Summer fun at the new Pier Plaza

By David Felton, On-line Forty-Niner

June 4, 1998

Beachcombers have more options this summer than surfing, swimming and volleyball.

The new Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach will soon offer an eclectic blend of music, art, and theater to entertain Southern California's vast array of sun-worshippers.

Located on Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the plaza, comprised of a amphitheater, festival seating, and a 40 foot mural, spills on to the beach creating an iridescent transition from the man-made environment of the downtown.

Friday will kick-off a nine-day celebration showcasing a wide spectrum of Huntington Beach talent.

Events will range from jazz, classic surf rock, and funk, to a multicultural arts festival.

"Our intention was to develop a public space where the

community and visitors could enjoy themselves."

 

- Michael Mudd

Cultural Services Manager

The project is a milestone for a city that has never incorporated art into its commercial development.

"Developing a project with a city without a public arts program was challenging," Public Art Manager, Ann Thorne said. "The Community Services Department and the City Council were really open to the idea."

Two Southern California artists, Lloyd Hamrol and Terry Schoonhoven, worked intensively with the master planning firm of Purkiss Rose to incorporate their concepts into the design and construction of the project, creating the first artist designed site for the city.

The amphitheater is constructed of rocky mountain quartzite, a stone of varied coloration which appears to undulate like the ocean waves.

Skilled stone masons were used to meticulously lay stone slabs that seem to spill out upon the plaza.

The amphitheater is a unique and functional artistic site.

Upon completion the amphitheater will provide seating for over 300 people.

"Our intention was to develop a public space where the community and visitors could enjoy themselves," Cultural Services Manager, Michael Mudd said.

The amphitheater will showcase a diverse number of shows throughout the year and will always be free, Mudd said. Pier Plaza has set an exciting precedent for the city.

For more information, one may call the event hotline at (714) 374-1777.