Entertainment Complex Coming to the Pocono Mountains – Billboard

The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are getting a revitalized amphitheater and entertainment destination.

Today (June 14), new real estate development and venue management company, From the Roots, announces the acquisition and redesign of the venue formerly known as Mt. Laurel Performing Arts Center located in the Mountain Laurel area of Lehman Township.

After sitting dormant for a decade, the roughly 52-acre land is being rebuilt into a multi-million-dollar entertainment complex called Poconos Park with a 10,000-capacity amphitheater and a 400-capacity theater.

“This particular property is beautiful and wrapped up in the trees and the Pocono mountains,” says From the Roots CEO/founder John M. Oakes, who adds that Poconos Park is within hours of New York City, Philadelphia, and Newark. “It’s a really beautiful and unique festival and event site. We’re excited about it.”

Poconos Park is set to operate as a boutique festival site beginning later this year. Oakes has produced and worked on festivals including the touring events Mayhem Festival and UPROAR Festival. It can also host touring shows and productions, as well as special events like weddings and corporate retreats. The Poconos Park Amphitheater is an open-air, gently sloping amphitheater that will feature a full fly house for theatrical productions.

The amphitheater can also be converted into a 2,600-seat fully-enclosed venue for year-round performances by closing its “airplane hangar style doors,” according to Oakes. “We can close the doors and turn on the air conditioning for a cool summer show or turn up the heat in the winter and have The Nutcracker,” he adds.

The property will also include the Lakeside Theatre, a 10,000 square-foot banquet hall with a commercial kitchen for on-site catering. The space can be used for its own events or to host private or VIP functions in conjunction with acts playing the amphitheater. The theater is a short distance from the bandshell and guests will have a view of a 90-acre lake.

Oakes says the venue plans to host its opening events later this year, beginning with boutique festivals. Attendees can stay at local establishments for a getaway weekend as From the Roots continues to develop the property to include space for camping and RV parking.

“We’re focusing on people in the greater area that have the ability – from a car or motorcycle standpoint – to transport themselves and want to get away for a weekend,” Oakes tells Billboard. “We’re putting together partnerships and rooming blocks with various hotels and campgrounds and timeshare communities around the area so that we can be part of the Poconos tourist driven weekend destination to get out of the city.”

The venue will continue to undergo several million dollars in future construction and renovation. Poconos Park’s first events are expected to be announced in the coming months.