The Opportunity 

John C. Fremont Park has long been one of Fremont, Nebraska’s most culturally significant spaces. But like many urban parks, infrastructure improvements were needed to support the community’s growth. When the city engaged JEO to develop a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the amphitheater emerged as the project that could anchor the park’s revitalization, support current programming, and give the community a true gathering place.

The Approach 

The amphitheater and auxiliary building feature an outdoor performance venue, green room, public restrooms, and vendor concessions space with integrated native landscaping and infrastructure improvements that support the park’s long-term growth. Motivated by a desire to create a facility rooted in place, the project draws inspiration from the rich railroad history of Fremont.

Materials were intentionally selected to meet maintenance criteria and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the venue. Masonry, steel, and heavy timber, coupled with weathering steel scrim walls featuring a perforated historic Fremont plat map reflect the community’s history and create a visual identity for the project. A local metal fabricator was engaged during design to discuss details and logistics of the decorative scrim, ensuring the design feature was as cost-effective as it was impactful.

The Impact 

Construction began with a groundbreaking in August 2025, with completion anticipated in summer 2026. When finished, the amphitheater will serve as a centerpiece for community events, performances, and everyday gatherings for generations to come.