A New Day in the Park

There’s always something new under the sun in North Central Massachusetts — and this year, the newest hot spot is the 300-seat Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater, set comfortably in the Winchendon Community Park.

A grand opening is scheduled for June 10, with lots of music — from country singers to the Winchendon Winds orchestra — along with activities for all ages … and, wait for it … fireworks!

The terraced, stone-wall amphitheater is the latest addition to the Community Park located on Ingleside Drive, just off the downtown district. This spring will also see the opening of a disc golf course, and there are loads of events planned, from concerts to picnics in the park. The town’s Recreation Department has a full schedule of fun planned this year, so you can count on coming back again and again.

The amphitheater is named in recognition of the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, which has given financial support to a host of projects in Winchendon over the years.

According to news reports, the Foundation, established in 1984 by siblings Anna June Robinson and Robert Avery Robinson, gifted the town more than $3 million to put towards a community project that will benefit all residents. The pair had inherited a portion of their uncle’s estate and created the foundation to improve the living standard of residents of Stamford and Worcester, New York, and Winchendon. Over the years, the Foundation has given over $55 million to support Winchendon and the New York communities.

Opening day for the new amphitheater has a lengthy list of entertainers lined up, from The Dance Studio to Faceless Hobos, the Shriners, Eddie Raymond, Cashwood, and Bodega Dog, along with food vendors, a bounce house and more to entertain all ages. Keep up to date on the Grand Opening plans on the Winchendon Community Park facebook page.