In recent history, the property where the Town Square Park and Amphitheater now stands has served many purposes. It was once home to an IGA Food Store, complete with a meat locker plant in the basement. Later, it became the site of Crow Lumber and Hardware, followed by Boyer Lumber and Hardware and Coy Drug. After Coy Drug relocated, Boyer Lumber and Hardware remained until a fire in the late 1970s destroyed the business. In the years that followed, the property was used as a parking lot and eventually became a vacant space – a reminder of the businesses that once stood there.
The Washington County Commission purchased the property in 2014. Despite this, it remained an eyesore in the heart of Potosi until 2021, when the current Commission granted County Clerk Jeanette Allen permission to pursue the development of a park. What began as a simple park concept soon grew into a vision for a park and amphitheater. However, the Commission was committed to ensuring that the project would not rely on Washington County taxpayers for funding.
The County Clerk’s office took the lead in securing grant funding and launching a community-wide fundraising effort. Their work resulted in the award of a $350,000.00+ Land, Water, and Conservation Fund grant through the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, more than $200,000.00 was raised through generous sponsorships and donations from local businesses, organizations, and citizens.
On March 20, 2026, the Washington County Commission proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, dedicating the Town Square Park and Amphitheater to the citizens who made it possible.
The Washington County Commission purchased the property in 2014. Despite this, it remained an eyesore in the heart of Potosi until 2021, when the current Commission granted County Clerk Jeanette Allen permission to pursue the development of a park. What began as a simple park concept soon grew into a vision for a park and amphitheater. However, the Commission was committed to ensuring that the project would not rely on Washington County taxpayers for funding.
The County Clerk’s office took the lead in securing grant funding and launching a community-wide fundraising effort. Their work resulted in the award of a $350,000.00+ Land, Water, and Conservation Fund grant through the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, more than $200,000.00 was raised through generous sponsorships and donations from local businesses, organizations, and citizens.
On March 20, 2026, the Washington County Commission proudly held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, dedicating the Town Square Park and Amphitheater to the citizens who made it possible.