07/22/2026
I'm so glad this parking arrangement was agreed to, along with the continued agreement for side parking for performers' vehicles. Rick is an asset and blessing to our community and a wonderful representative of the Monroe Theatre. I'm looking forward to the theater's grand reopening and all the entertainment and opportunities it will offer. Best wishes to all.
More positive news to share for theatre patrons as we fast approach our reopening on October 9th. This past Monday night, I had called and asked to be placed on the agenda at Woodsfield Village Council meeting to discuss the theatre. Not only do i want to thank the council for allowing me to present my case, but for the outcome as well.
I addressed the fact that we have doubled our capacity at the theatre, and were working diligently, to secure additional parking access for visitors while not imposing on businesses that were open, and also trying to operate during showtimes. I explained that even though we have reached out and gained access to several places to expand parking, the fact still remained that there was still insufficient parking available for handicap. I also stated that there were also zero spaces in front of Monroe Theatre that were dedicated to handicap or disabled individuals, and i presented my suggestion.
I urged council to allow The Monroe Theatre to be allowed to post signs that would earmark ( ALL ) parking spaces directly in front of the theatre as handicap spaces, on days in which we hold shows. Council had a few questions as to how it would work. Council agreed the theatre can provide signage that would be posted during these times, and removed immediately after each event, allowing every space be made available to those in need of that close parking.
Theatre volunteers will help monitor these spaces during these times, ensuring those parking there would in fact be handicapped and have appropriate signage permitting them to park there. Theatre volunteers also discussed the challenge of the back in parking for those persons as well, and their possibly low confidence in attempting to park. We came up with the idea that we would offer a valet type assisted parking attendant that could help them get parked.
We understand this is only a handful of spaces, but its another step in the right direction. I'm very grateful to the council for hearing my proposal, and allowing us to move forward in implementing this much needed parking arrangement. The last thing we want to have is people not coming to shows and events due to parking issues. I think this was a very positive outcome. Along with our decision to purchase and operate a FREE SHUTTE service for designated parking areas, we can now offer a service unlike any other theatre in the Tri-State area. We continue to work hard to ensure that you have the best experience possible when visiting The Historic Monroe Theatre. Thank you Woodsfield Village Council for allowing us to put this in place.
( ADDITIONAL NOTE) - This will ONLY be during theatre show and event times. All other times, signs will be removed, and spaces will return to normal parking spaces as they were.
