CORNELIA, Ga. — Cornelia’s long-anticipated amphitheater project is moving into its next major stage as city commissioners have officially approved the design renderings, clearing the way for architects to begin drafting full construction plans. The new venue—set to be named the Kinetic Amphitheater at Donald Anderson Park—is expected to become one of the city’s premier entertainment and community gathering spaces.
City officials plan to put the project out for bid around the start of the new year, with construction targeted to begin May 2026, just after the Cornelia annual music festival on May 16.
“Ideally, we hope to have the amphitheater finished in time for the 2027 music festival,” said City Manager Donald Anderson, who shared updates on the project. “We’re excited to see it moving forward.”
A Venue Designed for 5,000 People
The amphitheater, which will feature no permanent seating, is designed to accommodate approximately 5,000 attendees on its expansive open lawn. Visitors will bring their own chairs or blankets—helping maintain the park’s flexible, natural layout while supporting large-scale events.
Renderings approved by commissioners focused primarily on the amphitheater’s roofline, with additional full-site visuals expected soon.
New Park, New Name: Honoring Donald Anderson
The amphitheater will sit inside the city’s new green space, officially named Donald Anderson Park in honor of Cornelia’s city manager.
“It’s just Donald Anderson Park—no middle name,” Anderson joked. “It’s an honor, and I’m looking forward to a dedication soon.”
The city has already ordered a monument plaque, originally expected for a fall 2025 dedication before restroom delays pushed the timeline into early 2026.
Kinetic Secures Naming Rights
Cornelia’s amphitheater will carry the name Kinetic Amphitheater, following a naming-rights agreement with Kinetic (Windstream). The full official name will be:
Kinetic Amphitheater at Donald Anderson Park
The partnership brings additional investment and visibility to one of Cornelia’s largest public projects in decades.
Phase 1 Nearing Completion: Restrooms Arriving Next Week
One of the last remaining steps in Phase 1 of park construction—the installation of restrooms—is scheduled for next week. The units, built by Steelcell in Baldwin, are prefabricated steel restroom structures made from modified metal shipping containers.
To avoid damage, the contractor postponed laying sod until the heavy equipment needed to place the restrooms could be moved into position.
Once the restrooms are installed, the city expects Phase 1 to wrap up within a few weeks, opening the way for full amphitheater construction.
Accessibility and Future Rentals
The park and amphitheater will feature full ADA access, with handicap parking planned for the depot lot near the splash pad and a completed concrete path leading directly into the park.
Once complete, the amphitheater will not be limited to city-sponsored functions.
“It’s going to be a public park,” Anderson said. “If someone wants to rent the space for their own concert or event, that will most likely be allowed.”
What’s Next?
- Final construction plans drafted by architects
- Bid announcement early 2026
- Target groundbreaking: May 18, 2026
- Anticipated completion: Spring 2027
City officials say additional renderings—possibly including aerial views—may be available soon.
Habersham News will continue to follow the development of the Kinetic Amphitheater at Donald Anderson Park as progress unfolds.
