For more than half a century, the once vibrant amphitheater at Florida College in Temple Terrace, Fla., part of the Tampa metropolitan area, drew generations of students for concerts, celebrations, morning Bible studies, and other civic events.
A central feature of campus life for decades, the amphitheater, situated along the Hillsborough River, gradually fell into disrepair. Erosion undermined sections of the concrete steps and seating areas, making it unusable for students and the public for several years.
To revitalize the amphitheater, DRMP provided site-civil engineering, drainage design, environmental services, and permitting. We were a subconsultant to Derck & Edson, an architectural firm with extensive experience in campus, downtown/urban, and athletic projects. We also partnered with Tierra Inc. for geotechnical services to assist in the design of this project.
Today, the historic amphitheater has been restored and renamed the Payne Amphitheater in honor of former Florida College President Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne and his wife, Marilyn. The new amphitheater design preserves its original gathering space while respecting the site’s history and natural riverfront setting.
The upgraded facility prioritizes accessibility, providing full Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance throughout. It offers wider terrace seating, improved walkability, modern lighting and audio systems, and two additions the original amphitheater never had: a shade cover and a boardwalk for improved pedestrian access to the stage area.
Every project presents unique challenges, and this one was no exception. As project manager, I oversaw the design process to ensure the amphitheater met all accessibility guidelines and environmental regulations, while preserving its historic character and riverfront setting.
Unique Site Challenges
The amphitheater, built in the 1950s, is located on an environmentally sensitive portion of the Florida College campus with challenging site conditions. Key considerations included creating a safe, functional, and accessible facility for students and the public, while protecting the environment and the Hillsborough River.
The steep riverbank grades that accommodated the previous amphitheater were incorporated into the new design and adjusted to meet ADA standards and provide terraces for students. The main stage was shifted inland to avoid wetlands and comply with setback requirements, resulting in an elevated design that enhances views of the river and gives a “floating” effect. The old concrete steps were replaced with wider terrace seating using synthetic turf for low maintenance and improved aesthetics, reducing impervious area compared to the previous design.
From the beginning, we were proactive, holding pre-application meetings with multiple regulatory agencies to identify potential issues. The permitting process was lengthy and required frequent coordination, including obtaining a variance from the City of Temple Terrace and giving presentations to the public, the Hillsborough River Board, and Technical Advisory Council.
Grading, Drainage, and ADA-Compliant Walkways
DRMP incorporated an underdrain system to manage groundwater based on a geotechnical investigation by our subconsultant, Tierra Inc., which identified shallow clayey soils and shallow groundwater. The underdrain collects excess subsurface groundwater from soils to ensure a stable and dry facility.
Using topographic survey data, we performed a grading analysis to determine optimal locations for ADA-compliant ramps and walkways. Once layout locations were finalized, we verified that ramp grades, hard surfaces, and railings complied with ADA and Florida Accessibility guidelines.
Throughout the project, DRMP held periodic design meetings and weekly construction meetings to keep the project on the timeline and ensure quality control.
A Personal Revival
The project also held personal significance for those involved. DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, a Florida College alumnus, assisted on the project with drainage and permitting. He spent time at the original amphitheater during his early days attending the college before completing his Civil Engineering degree at the University of South Florida. For Scott, seeing the historic space revived and modernized was especially exciting.
Pictured (L–R): Scott Garth, Bruno Arriola, and Duke Perry
The Payne Amphitheater, which opened in summer 2025, now serves as a dynamic gathering space. In addition to ample seating, accessible pedestrian paths, and terraces, it also features an “outdoor lounge” on the upper level with tables and chairs, providing students a place to relax, recharge, or enjoy lunch between classes.
This project exemplified DRMP’s core values – expertise and quality – in designing a modern, accessible facility within a challenging topographic and environmental setting, as reflected in its successful completion and availability to the community.
By blending open natural spaces with modern seating, walkable areas, updated utilities for lighting and sound, and scenic views of the Hillsborough River, the new amphitheater enhances the social and academic experience for students and the public.
