Roof installation under way on new outdoor stage in Richland

Welders work in the rain Monday installing the metal roof for the new HAPO Community Stage in the southwest corner of the John Dam Plaza in Richland.

The work is part of a new 2,350-square-foot outdoor stage that will be able to entertain between 1,500 and 2,000 people, according to the city.

Spectators will sit in a bowl around the stage for better viewpoints.

The structure will include a dressing room and restroom for performers, storage area and electrical room.

The project had a budget of $807,000, with $600,000 of that coming from 2014 and 2015 lodging taxes. But it got a boost when the state Recreation and Conservation Office pledged an additional $300,000, bringing the total cost to just over $1.1 million.

It is scheduled to be completed in February.

The local credit union is paying $300,000 over 10 years for naming rights.

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Roof installation under way on new outdoor stage in Richland."