January 26, 2018
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2018) – The Kentucky Department of Parks has announced the temporary closure of the amphitheater at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg to make electrical and structural repairs. State officials recommended these needed repairs during a recent maintenance inspection of the facility.
Similar safety issues were also discovered last month at the amphitheater at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, leading to its temporary closure as well for the protection of both the public and performers.
“As soon as we became aware of the hazardous condition of the amphitheater at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, we sent our inspectors to the amphitheater at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park,” said Don Parkinson, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “What they reported back to us leaves us no other option but to restrict all access to the theater. We are making certain our guests and employees are not exposed to a dangerous environment.”
An electrical fire in March 2016, exacerbated by deferred maintenance issues at the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Lodge, shut down portions the park’s lobby and restaurant for 16-months.
“Ensuring the safety of all Kentucky State Park visitors and staff is of utmost importance,” said Donnie Holland, Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks. “We are committed to providing our guests with the best possible experience in a safe, friendly environment.”
The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet is collaborating with state and local elected leaders in Eastern Kentucky and Floyd County to develop a plan to complete repairs and re-open the theater.
In 1964, the amphitheater at Jenny Wiley debuted with a production of the musical, South Pacific. The theater has operated seasonally each year since then. Last year, the Jenny Wiley Amphitheater staged 13 diverse productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tarzan, The Addams Family, Madagascar, and A Christmas Carol.
