ReAmp: Let’s Reimagine the Amphitheater Together

If you grew up in Pelham, or even just lived here a few years, you probably have a memory tied to the Oak Mountain Amphitheater. It’s been part of the fabric of this city for decades. But now it sits quiet, and the question is: what comes next?

From July 22–24, the City is hosting ReAmp: Reimagine OMA, a three-day event where the community comes together to help decide the future of the amphitheater property. It’s called a charrette, a fancy French word for a planning workshop, but don’t let that scare you off. This is for regular folks just like us. It's about ideas, not titles.

I’ll be there, and I hope you will be too.

This space matters for all of us

The amphitheater site is one of the most visible pieces of property in Pelham. Whatever we do with it will affect traffic, business, taxes, and how people feel about living here. This isn’t about some “nice to have” project. This is a real opportunity to create something that works for our city now and sets us up for the next 30 years.

We talk a lot about economic development, and we should. But good economic development starts with planning smart and listening to people. If we do this right, we can create a place that draws visitors, supports existing business, and gives our residents more reasons to stay and spend time in Pelham.

Share your memories, too

The City is also collecting photos and stories from people who have special memories tied to the amphitheater. If you’ve got a concert ticket, a photo with friends, or just a story to tell, you can share it on the City’s website as part of the ReAmp process. Here’s a link to the form: https://qrco.de/bg6BZI.

It’s a great way to honor what the amphitheater has meant to so many of us, and it helps remind everyone that while we’re planning for the future, we’re also preserving a piece of our shared history.

Your input really does matter

This is one of those moments where showing up makes a difference. City leaders and a team of developers and designers will be there, but they don’t live in your neighborhood. They don’t shop where you shop, or raise kids in our schools. You do.

So come out. Share your ideas. Tell them what you’d like to see:

• Green space?

• Small businesses?

• A community venue?

• A space for food trucks, art shows, or farmers markets?

  
  

Even if you don’t know exactly what should go there, just being part of the conversation helps move the whole project in the right direction. You don’t have to have a perfect idea, just a willingness to speak up for what matters to you.

Let’s build something we’re proud of

I love this city. I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve raised my family here, and I’ve invested my business here. And I want Pelham to keep growing the right way…with input from the people who call it home.

This is our chance to do something special. Not just a project that looks good in a brochure, but something real…something that reflects who we are and where we’re going.

Let’s make sure we’re part of that. Let’s show up. Let’s speak up. And let’s reimagine the future of the Oak Mountain Amphitheater together.

–Michael Harris