Rocky Mountain National Park celebrated the reopening of the Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater on Aug. 14 after major repairs funded by a $25,000 gift from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, according to a press release from the conservancy.

The upgrades, completed by park facilities and interpretation staff, included replacing lighting and handrails, repairing stonework, repainting accessible spaces, fixing rodent damage and installing a new fire ring. In addition, new audio-visual equipment will come to the amphitheater in 2026.

Ranger-led evening programs, a longtime park tradition returned this summer after being on pause since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the East Troublesome Fire. The restored amphitheater hosted free Friday and Saturday programs for up to 130 visitors each weekend to learn from park rangers about wildlife, ecology and the park’s history.

“Education is so important and is such a key part of the National Park Service mission,” said Chris Berry, an agent for Simcha Rudolph’s Charitable Fund whose donation made the repairs possible.

National park Superintendent Gary Ingram credited the Conservancy’s support for accelerating the project, helping restore a gathering place central to the park’s educational mission.

“From their inception in national park campgrounds, these ranger-led programs are at the heart of the National Park Service’s mission,” he said. “Due to Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s support and the work of dedicated and talented park staff, we were able to complete this project at a faster pace than if we were to go at it alone.”