Sculpture Plaza
In 2006, the City Parks and Recreation and DDA held three public meetings to discuss Sculpture Plaza. Below is a summary of the input we received and decisions that were made. Before proceeding with the final drawings, designs were put on the City and DDA website for final comments. Here is a drawing of the final proposed design. Renovation work was completed on the Plaza in late summer of 2007, with the exception of the sculpture, which has been removed for repair and will be reinstalled in May 2008.
Issues discussed and decisions reached are summarized below:
- Sculpture: There was a healthy discussion about whether to keep the sculpture there or remove it, to place it on a pedestal, to light it, to place a fountain around it, to renovate it, or just leave it alone. The final decision was to leave it where it is, to clean off the graffiti and repair the areas where it has rusted through.
- Bricks: Discussion centered around whether to leave the bricks, remove and replace them, that they are slippery when wet, whether or not to add a sidewalk in the most heavily used walking areas, whether to explore if the existing bricks could be altered in some way to make them less slippery, that they are uneven and create trip hazards. The consensus was to reuse the existing bricks but re-lay them to eliminate trip hazards, attempt to find replacements for those that have deteriorated beyond usability, and explore ways to make the brick surface less slippery, at least in the highest use areas instead of placing a sidewalk along the edge of the plaza.
- Seating: There was general agreement that tables with umbrellas should be maintained, but there was discussion about the type of tables, and whether to replace them with a style that won't hold snow, spilled soda, etc. There were requests for more seating, as well as seating that would provide more of a 'community' feel so that park users could socialize, participate in drum circles, etc. and that the seating would enhance those activities. Moveable tables and chairs were discussed as well as adding seat walls around the planting beds, reconfiguring the seating along the edges, and replacing the existing tables with ones that are easier to keep clean. It was proposed that one of the business owners would be approached about participating in an experiment where moveable tables and chairs would be available at the site and locked up at night. The seat wall idea was eliminated as some participants felt that it would make the plaza feel too structured and closed. The idea of a bench in the planting bed was suggested and may be added. The seating on the edges of the planting beds will be reconfigured to reflect the circular nature of the plaza and create a more community feel. The new tables will not have an edge that can collect crumbs or dirt, and have some variety in number of seats for more flexibility.
- Planting Beds: Discussion centered around the types of plant materials, irrigation to help maintain the plants, replacing the dead trees and planting larger caliper trees. Irrigation was thought to be a good idea to help keep plants alive with less maintenance. Planting larger trees was favored by everyone, but their success rate in the long term may not be as great if they are too large as the roots are compromised in transplanting. We will discuss size of trees with the City Forester for a size recommendation, for as large as will have a good chance of survival.
- Shade: There was discussion about adding more shade to the plaza without compromising the open feel of the plaza. Two street trees will be added, one along Catherine, and one along Fourth, allowing for site visibility and retaining the openness of the plaza. The Ash trees that were in the planters will be replaced. There is also shade provided by the table umbrellas.
- Lighting: Discussion included whether to add lighting along the park frontages, what type of lighting would be appropriate: the same as what is currently along Fourth, or a special lighting, and how many to put in, as well as relocating the existing light that is currently in the walking path. Uplighting in the planting beds was discussed to accentuate the plantings and bring a more festive atmosphere at night. Decisions were to add two additional lights, one along Fourth and the other along Catherine, carefully placed so as not to block vehicle sight distance at the corners or pedestrian sight distance in and through the plaza, and to light the Plaza at night for safety but not to make the area too bright or garish. It was decided that the lighting would continue in the same style as those on Fourth, and that the light in the middle of the sidewalk would be relocated out of the walking path. The up-lighting idea was thought to be positive, but should be subtle. An idea to explore solar powered lighting for planting beds was suggested.
- Other items discussed: Idea to add a couple of decorative bicycle hoops was discussed both to provide additional bike parking and to help frame the space without taking away from the open feeling of the Plaza. A couple of new bicycle hoops will be added to the sides of the plaza. A drinking fountain was desired by some participants, including a low bowl for dogs. This was not resolved in the meeting, and probably will not be added at this time. Bright pavement marking for crosswalk should be added to increase safety. This also was an idea that was unresolved. Move the recycling to the alley instead of having it on the street. This will be researched further to see if it is feasible.