The Millennium Committee has applied for planning permission to build an interactive fountain and amphitheatre in Hamilton's Par-la-Ville Park.

The Committee, which has been in existence for almost three years, was formed to arrange community projects and events to celebrate the Millennium.

The money to pay for these projects has mostly come from Government coffers, although additional funds will have to be raised from the private sector.

Jay Bluck, chairman of the Committee, told The Royal Gazette that the aim is to provide the community with a venue for outdoor musical performances, poetry readings and other such entertainment.

And he said the fountain will be the main attraction especially for children who will be able to play in the fountain.

Mr. Bluck stressed that the plaza has been designed so that all existing mature trees will be preserved and it will follow the existing contour of the land in the park.

It is anticipated that on the site there will be a touch-screen computer which will provide biographical information on people who have made significant contributions to Bermuda's community.

In this regard, Mr. Bluck is appealing to the public to submit the names of people who they feel should be featured in this unique forum.

The fountain itself will be computer driven and programmable to change the display of water and the music which may be played while the fountain is on.

The disc of the fountain will serve as the place from where performances of music, drama or readings will take place and the seating in the amphitheatre will be suitable for viewing these performances.

Sculptures created by Bermudians, paintings and other visual art will be displayed during the summer on the wrought iron railing which will surround the amphitheatre in pergola style.

It is intended that Reid Street will be closed to motorised traffic during the summer of 2000 and Mr. Bluck said this will fit perfectly with the location of the new plaza and meeting place.

The plaza will contain ramps for wheelchair access and will be handicap accessible.

Mr. Bluck said everyone at the Corporation of Hamilton and the Parks Committee has been very supportive of the idea and the implementation of it. The design was created by Stanley G. Kennedy Design Associates and Barker & Lindberg Chartered Architects.

If planning permission is granted, building will start in early 2000 and is expected to be completed in October of that year.

Other projects that the Millennium Committee is working on are the creation of a series of documentaries on the history of Bermuda, a set of which will be donated to every school on the Island and a party for the showcasing of Bermuda's musical talent.

The Committee has also commissioned the composition of a piece of music by a Bermudian to be performed by the Bermuda Youth Orchestra.

Marking the Millennium: An artist's reproduction of what the new plaza and fountain at Par-la-Ville Park will look like.