Community responds with thoughts on Hall Theatre property
March 8, 2023
Adriana Keeton
Though it is still undetermined how the downtown Hall Theatre property will be utilized after demolition, the following community members have submitted the following suggestions.
"I think a small park-like setting with some shade trees and picnic tables or benches so people in the center of town can have a place to eat lunch outside and the older people can enjoy a place to sit and rest or have a place to visit with friends and passersby." -Tami
"I think it would be nice to see a small event park with tables and benches for people to sit at and eat. With a plaque in honor of the Hall Theater, it was such a great place for so many that it’s so sad it’s gone. This could also add to the chili cook-off events. And maybe encourage more things to take place in our town. We need more things to do and also bring in more business. Use it to build our town instead of taking from our town and its memories." -Barbara
"More parking for the square." -Katherine
"I think a community parking lot there would be very handy. The Farmers market would be able to be there. Food trucks could frequent that spot. The chili cook-off and dogwood car show would all have more space. I think there are a lot of ways that spot could benefit the community. Some towns do Ice-cream socials. And a city-wide sale could be centered there. The possibilities are endless!" -Scott
"Design and install a small theater that could be utilized for live music by local bands throughout the summer months and during the Fall Festival, aka chili cook-off. It would be great to spend a Friday or Saturday evening listening to live music on the square. You could still call it the HALL THEATER." -Joe
"I think it would be nice if there were a small theater on the square, something like Stained Glass Theatre in Joplin." -Jeremy
"Parking." -Jamie
"How about a park? Call it Glen Hall Memorial Park. It could be used for lots of things, would be a pretty addition to the square, and would be useful too." -Bobbie
Though it is still undetermined how the downtown Hall Theatre property will be utilized after demolition, the following community members have submitted the following suggestions.
"I think a small park-like setting with some shade trees and picnic tables or benches so people in the center of town can have a place to eat lunch outside and the older people can enjoy a place to sit and rest or have a place to visit with friends and passersby." -Tami
"I think it would be nice to see a small event park with tables and benches for people to sit at and eat. With a plaque in honor of the Hall Theater, it was such a great place for so many that it’s so sad it’s gone. This could also add to the chili cook-off events. And maybe encourage more things to take place in our town. We need more things to do and also bring in more business. Use it to build our town instead of taking from our town and its memories." -Barbara
"More parking for the square." -Katherine
"I think a community parking lot there would be very handy. The Farmers market would be able to be there. Food trucks could frequent that spot. The chili cook-off and dogwood car show would all have more space. I think there are a lot of ways that spot could benefit the community. Some towns do Ice-cream socials. And a city-wide sale could be centered there. The possibilities are endless!" -Scott
"Design and install a small theater that could be utilized for live music by local bands throughout the summer months and during the Fall Festival, aka chili cook-off. It would be great to spend a Friday or Saturday evening listening to live music on the square. You could still call it the HALL THEATER." -Joe
"I think it would be nice if there were a small theater on the square, something like Stained Glass Theatre in Joplin." -Jeremy
"Parking." -Jamie
"How about a park? Call it Glen Hall Memorial Park. It could be used for lots of things, would be a pretty addition to the square, and would be useful too." -Bobbie
Post publication recommendations:
" I believe a covered parking garage for employees only that work around the square would be great. That would free up parking for those needing to tag their vehicles in the license office, people meeting with commissioners, voting, and people eating at Whitley’s daily." -Mandi
"The old theater could make a wonderful large pavilion for outdoor events, music, movies, small area for parking a food truck or two. Even could be used for farmers market on scheduled days and times. Use it for outdoor activities, God knows we can use more relaxed activities and get togethers." -David
" I believe a covered parking garage for employees only that work around the square would be great. That would free up parking for those needing to tag their vehicles in the license office, people meeting with commissioners, voting, and people eating at Whitley’s daily." -Mandi
"The old theater could make a wonderful large pavilion for outdoor events, music, movies, small area for parking a food truck or two. Even could be used for farmers market on scheduled days and times. Use it for outdoor activities, God knows we can use more relaxed activities and get togethers." -David