The Return Of Robin Hood

After a summer of uncertainty about the future of Robin Hood Dell East, Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park venue will be renovated and is expected to reopen in time for the 2009 summer season.

The facility, with 5,800 reserved seats and 2,500 lawn spaces, was closed this summer, with poor drainage the primary cause of the shed’s deterioration. City crews have gutted the amphitheatre and will install a new drainage system over the next few months, according to KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia.

“As long as you have working drains and a properly maintained paved area, we should have no problems,” project director Eric Iffrig told the radio station.

Renovations will include “new paving throughout the seating area, replacement seating, new aisle lighting for the convenience of patrons. … We’ve also improved the [handicapped] accessibility of the seating area,” Iffrig said.