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About the Tapp-Elbert Amphitheater
This outdoor amphitheater was created for small concerts and speaking engagements. It is located on the east side of Douglass Park off the N. 5th Street parking area. It has a concrete stage and low back stone wall with electrical. The audience can sit on the grass, bring lawn chairs, or sit on the boulders placed in the lawn in front of the stage.
- Official Name: Wynna Faye Tapp-Elbert Memorial Amphitheater
- Map of Douglass Parkopens PDF file
Rentals
Rental Cost: $50/day
Contact: Parks & Recreation Office, 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Other: Event coordinators may need to fill out a Park Special Use Application as part of the amphitheater rental process. See criteria for Park Special Use Permit below.
Any use of the amphitheater that involves one or more of the following criteria needs to have an approved Park Special Use Permit:
Criteria for Park Special Use Permit
- Event that is advertised to the public
- Event for 100 or more people
- Sale of items
- Wedding
Event coordinators should submit their Park Special Use Application at least 90 days in advance for events that are publicly advertised and at least four weeks in advance for private events.
History
Douglass Park underwent major renovations that were funded in Fiscal Years 2014 (Phase I) and 2016 (Phase II). Included in the Phase I renovations was the construction of an outdoor amphitheater to serve the many community events hosted at Douglass Park that include live music, DJ entertainment, or speeches. Phase I park improvements were completed in 2015.
The amphitheater was named in honor of Wynna Faye Tapp-Elbert, a former Recreation Supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department, with over 30 years of service. She also served as a dedicated member of various organizations and worked as a community activist to better the community for the youth, the African-American community, and reduce crime in the city. The dedication of the amphitheater was held on May 12, 2018 in conjunction with the completion of Phase II improvements, Douglass Park’s annual Heritage Day, and the dedication of the Kelly Baseball Field.
Dedication
Wynna Faye Tapp-Elbert
Date: May 12, 2018
The Tapp-Elbert Amphitheater was dedicated on May 12, 2018 in conjunction with Douglass Park’s annual Heritage Day celebration and the dedication of the Kelly Baseball Field. The amphitheater was named in memory of Wynna Faye Tapp-Elbert, a former Recreation Supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department and community activist. Wynna Faye’s family, friends, co-workers, and community leaders gathered for the dedication. Part of the dedication program included the playing of recordings of Wynna Faye. Dedication speakers included:
- Mike Griggs, Director of Parks and Recreation
- Clyde Ruffin, Ward 1 Council Member
- Daryl Williams, Wynna Faye’s friend and co-worker
- Alma Tapp, Waynna Faye’s sister
- Markisha Young, Wynna Faye’s granddaughter
A dedication plaque on the amphitheater stone wall was unveiled that memorializes Wynna Faye’s contributions to the community. It reads as follows:
The Wynna Faye-Tapp-Elbert Memorial Amphitheater
In Celebration of her Life and Achievements in the City of Columbia
October 25, 1944 – February 9, 2014
Wynna Faye Tapp-Elbert was an extremely dedicated and well-respected citizen of Columbia. As a wholehearted member of various organizations, Wynna Faye worked tirelessly as a community activist to better the community for the youth, the African-American community, and reduce crime in the city. Over the years, her passion for helping others continued to shine, not only through her work as a Community Recreation Supervisor for Parks and Recreation, but through several other organizations, such as The Missouri Ethnic Minority Society and Judicial Law Enforcement Task Force, the Frederick Douglass Coalition (founder), NAACP, J. W. “Blind” Boone Heritage Foundation Board (co-founder), and several other community organizations. Wynna Faye led several activities to better the community, such as Midnight Hoops, the youth baseball league, the S.T.A.R. program, the C.A.R.E. program, Easter Egg celebrations, Operation Toy Drive, Juneteenth, and served as a Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Among her many accomplishments, Wynna Faye received an associate’s and bachelor’s degree from Stephens College and Master’s degree in community development from the University of Missouri. She also collaborated with the Historical Society of Missouri to develop an archive of Columbia’s African-American History.
Wynna Faye received several awards and recognition from various organizations, including the Ethnic Minorities Sections Heroine Award and the Martin Luther King Jr. “Making a Difference” Award. Wynna Faye created and hosted the “Straight Talk” program on KOPN for more than 20 years.
Throughout the years, she worked closely with the Columbia Police Department to build trust from the community and implement ways to better serve the safety of the community. She was an integral part in shaping the history of Columbia and strengthening its future.
Wynna Faye was very much loved and respected by all who knew her.
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