A group of people set off fireworks on the stage of the Gerry Frank/Salem Rotary Amphitheater at Riverfront Park in the early hours of July 5, blowing a hole in the venue's dome and causing an estimated $7,088 in damage.

Salem Police have classified the case as first-degree criminal mischief. No suspects have been identified.

A City of Salem employee reported the incident to police, stating that surveillance footage captured the group lighting fireworks on the amphitheater stage around 12:23 a.m. on July 5, according to a KPTV report citing the Salem police report. One of the explosives appeared to damage the dome.

The damage was discovered later that morning. City staff were working to retrieve additional surveillance video, and the city obtained a repair estimate of $7,088, the police report said.

The Statesman Journal first reported the damage on July 24. The employee filed the online police report the week after the incident. Police said no suspect information was provided.

A downtown landmark

The amphitheater is a prominent downtown Salem venue funded by the Salem Rotary Club and named after Gerry Frank, a 60-year Rotary member who was part of the Meier and Frank family and later served as chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Mark Hatfield.

Its arched dome was designed by Salem architects CB Two, inspired by the basket weave pattern of the Kalapuya people who historically lived at the Riverfront Park site.

The venue hosts the city's free Concerts in the Park series, which is scheduled to return to the amphitheater on Friday, July 31, with The Druthers performing and food trucks on site. A second concert is set for Friday, August 28. Both shows begin at 6:30 p.m.

The city has not said whether the damage will affect the July 31 concert.

How to help

The investigation remains open as of Monday, July 27. Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Salem Police Department non-emergency line at 503-588-6123.