Local HR Leaders Push to Revive Waterville Amphitheater, Cite Need to Get Closer to Their Bosses

WATERVILLE, Ohio — A coalition of local human resources professionals is calling for the revival of Waterville’s shelved amphitheater proposal, arguing that the community desperately needs a place where they can develop closer relationships with their bosses after dark.

The push follows viral footage of a tech company CEO embracing his HR leader at a Coldplay concert, which area personnel directors described as “the most promising employee engagement footage we’ve seen in years.”

“We spend our entire careers asking executives to take a more hands-on approach,” said local HR director Denise Barlow. “Then someone finally does, and suddenly everybody has concerns.”

The original amphitheater proposal became embroiled in public opposition before its promoter walked away in 2023. HR advocates say the debate failed to account for the venue’s potential to bring senior leadership and the people responsible for investigating senior leadership closer together.

“You can only learn so much about your boss sitting across a conference table,” Barlow said. “Eventually, you need him directly behind you.”

Coalition members also believe earlier concerns about traffic were overstated.

“My boss and I would ride together,” said HR manager Michelle Danner. “We’ve already discussed it. Extensively.”

Danner said a local concert venue would provide a welcome alternative to traditional workplace activities.

“I’ve spent 14 years organizing pizza parties,” she said. “I think I’ve earned one evening swaying with the regional vice president.”

The group’s revised proposal calls for corporate hospitality suites, generous wine pours and a strict requirement that all concert cameras remain pointed at the musicians.

“We support transparency in local government,” Barlow explained. “We simply question whether that needs to extend to the lawn section.”

Organizers stressed that appropriate workplace boundaries would remain a priority. Any complaints involving executives would be reviewed by HR, which would already be conveniently seated with the person in question.

“I could look into something immediately,” Danner said. “I wouldn’t even have to let go.”

The coalition emphasized that concerts would be open to employees at every level, although the proposed company outing currently has a ticket budget of two.

Members also expressed support for an annual family night, provided the date was clearly identified before anyone made plans.

At press time, the amphitheater faced renewed opposition from a group calling itself Not With My Husband.

Source references: 13abc’s report on the amphitheater promoter’s withdrawal and July 17 coverage of the Coldplay video. These establish the real events behind the satire.