Revamped amphitheater premieres at Ottawa Park

The structure, built in 1937, was named for Glyn Smith, a standout local athlete and former manager of facilities and special projects for Toledo's former natural resources department.

The $350,000 newly renovated amphitheater at Ottawa Park opened Saturday with the first of its summer concert series.

The structure, built in 1937, was named for Glyn Smith, a standout local athlete and former manager of facilities and special projects for Toledo's former natural resources department.

Mr. Smith was a track star and a member of the University of Toledo football team that was undefeated through three successive seasons. Mr. Smith had been director of the Homer Hanham Boys' and Girls' Club before taking a position with the city in 1983.

He resigned in August 1986 and began work on a master's degree in health and science, but collapsed and died that November. He was 37.

The dedication preceded a rhythm and blues concert that marked the first of weekly concerts at the amphitheater that will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays until Sept. 7.

The weekly series was not held last summer while work was under way for the refurbishing of the amphitheater.

The basic design remains the same, said Theresa Gabriel, director of the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, but was updated, including coming into compliance the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Ms. Gabriel said the architectural engineering work was done as a project of a senior engineering class at the University of Toledo.