Enhanced Mather Point dedicated Oct. 25

Dignitaries, more attend ceremony

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - The new Mather Point amphitheater and surrounding landmarks became official Oct. 25 following a dedication ceremony at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

A number of officials, from the Grand Canyon Association, the National Park Service, the Salt River Project, the Havasupai Tribe and more were on hand for the dedication. Work on the Mather Point visitor center, another portion of the project, has not yet been completed. The recently completed amphitheater portion of the project was designed as an informal space for ranger programs and viewing of the Grand Canyon and seats between 50 to 80 people.

Susan Schroeder, CEO of Grand Canyon Association, spoke to audience members about the Mather Point amphitheater.

"As we all know, private philanthropy has a long-standing role in preserving and protecting the most significant natural and cultural treasures," Schroeder said. "Grand Canyon National Park has benefited by the generosity of many people. We'd like to thank those people here today. The Mather Point amphitheater and landmark features are both excellent examples of how private funds can greatly enhance the visitor experience for generations to come."

Work on the amphitheater and surrounding landmarks was made possible by the Salt River Project and the company's partners, Schroeder added. Those partners include the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Nevada Energy, Arizona Public Service, Tucson Electric Power and the Navajo Generating Stations.

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Steve Martin talked about the benefits of Mather Point for visitors to the Grand Canyon.

"None of these things are possible without a big group of people working really hard together and a number of those, the Salt River Project, APS, the foundation that was here before the Grand Canyon Association working with us, and we just couldn't do these kinds of things without those types of partners," Martin said. "All of our partners, working with the tribes, we said we really need to do something that's for today and also looking into the future. There was no place for people to really be and have programs from our interpreters, for education or from the tribes, on the South Rim. And what we were finding was there was no real place for people to sit and contemplate the magnitude of the Canyon. When there isn't a program, people are just sitting here."

Martin also recognized Victoria Stinson for her involvement as project manager in the Mather Point amphitheater project. Andy Dufford, of Chevo Studios, also played a large role in the amphitheater's design.

Dianna Sue Uqualla, with the Havasupai Tribe, performed a blessing on a portion of the landmark that honors Native American Tribes affiliated with the national park. The landmark, according to Grand Canyon Association officials, features etchings inspired by tribal members.