Times Observer file photo The amphitheater located at Soldiers & Sailors Park in downtown Warren is pictured during a Music in the Park concert. The amphitheater was renamed the “JAZz Amphitheater” in honor of Jim Zavinski, who founded the Music in the Park concert series. The capital letters are Zavinski’s initials.

A proposal to construct a covering over the JAZz amphitheater stage at the Soldiers and Sailors Park is expected to move before local officials in the coming months, as organizers look for ways to prevent weather-related disruptions to Music in the Park events.

The project was introduced as an informational update to the Planning Commission during Wednesday’s monthly meeting.

According to Codes and Planning Director Randall Rossey, Bill Thompson, who coordinates the summer concert series, began exploring the idea after several events last season were canceled or cut short due to thunderstorms.

In one instance, musicians were unable to set up before a storm rolled in. Although the weather cleared later in the evening, the performance could not proceed.

In response, Thompson reached out to a potential funding partner willing to contribute toward the design and construction of a stage covering.

While no agreement has been finalized, early discussions included the possibility of a temporary, removable covering, though plans now appear to be leaning toward a permanent installation.

Because the amphitheater sits within a preservation district, the Planning Commission must review the proposal’s design to ensure it aligns with historic and aesthetic standards. The group must consider whether the structure could obstruct views of the river or Hickory Street Bridge, and whether it complements the character of the surrounding area.

The project is expected to first go before the Parks, Recreation and Landscape Commission. If approved there, it would then advance to the Planning Commission for design review before ultimately heading to City Council for final authorization.

Originally, organizers hoped to have the covering installed by the start of the upcoming concert season this summer. However, after evaluating costs and construction timelines, it is now believed the project may not be completed until later in the construction season, potentially making it ready for use next year.

Members of the Planning Commission noted that unpredictable weather can significantly impact outdoor programming, and a stage covering could help ensure more consistent entertainment throughout the summer season.