Date of Completion: 1996 (Ampitheater)
2003 (Shade Structure)

Building Area:
31,746 gross square feet

Contractors:
Shoemate Construction
Innerspace Systems, Inc.
Exerplay, Inc.

In addition to the Garden, the New Mexico Veterans' Park Program also called for an amphitheater and parade ground. The amphitheater is adapted from the ancient Greek theater, modified to be handicapped accessible. The high back wall protects the neighborhood from amphitheater noise, and conversely, protects the amphitheater from traffic noise on Louisiana Blvd. The outside wall is stepped to reduce the scale and allows planting opportunities. Inset tiles commemorate veteran groups and individuals along this wall.

The shade structure covers the benches and the grassed areas that seat a total of 800 people. The steel tube trusses are located on the radii of the amphitheater. The panels are arranged to provide maximum shade at 11:00am on May 30th, Memorial Day in addition to allowing all participants view of the mountains and sky. The powder coated, perforated steel panels allow 32% of the light to penetrate. The visual lightness of the structure is intended to have it float above the seating area. It allows breezes to flow through and cool the crowd. It focuses attention toward the sculpture, "The Fallen Friend" by Jesus Moroles, located on axis with the amphitheater and the Sandia Mountains in the Memorial Garden.