Mesker Memorial Amphitheatre in Mesker Park, a.k.a. Oak Summit Park, on west side of Mesker Park Dr. south of Wimberg Ave. It was laid out as a pleasure park in 1899 with many rides and concessions--it was the property of a street car company but open to public free. George Mesker, owner of Mesker Iron Co., donated the original 40 acres (across the street from Oak Summit Park) in 1900. In 1915 he donated $25k to acquire more land and improve the area. Around 1917 the two parks merged. After another donation upon Mesker's death in 1936, an amphitheater was planned to improve the park and support music programs. Construction was delayed by WWII. It opened June 15, 1952 with Wayne King's orchestra. Over the years the amphitheatre was very popular, but it has fallen into serious disrepair and efforts to restore it have proved expensive, so it currently sits in poor condition.