Title
R.A. LONG PARK PLAZA RESTORATION
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On March 25, 2010, the City Council approved Resolution 1957 adopting the R.A. Long Park Master Plan. This Plan was developed to accomplish three goals: 1) Celebrate the history of R.A. Long Park; 2) Enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety and park access within the Circle; and 3) Increase activity and improve the condition of R.A. Long Park.
The Phase 1 park improvements project was planned to construct a fountain, replace the upper and lower concrete plaza areas, replace the west plaza steps with ADA ramps, upgrade park lighting, repair concrete walkways, and upgrade the existing electrical service. The project was advertised for bids in February 2016; however, the bids significantly exceeded the available budget and all bids were rejected.
After rejecting the bids, staff and the City Council explored ways to reduce the cost of the project and address tripping hazards due to the deteriorated concrete in and around the plaza. Subsequently, the City Council and Historic Preservation Commission agreed to resolve safety issues by removing the upper concrete plaza and portions of the lower plaza, with a commitment to begin construction on replacement of the plaza in 2018. Those plaza areas were removed and replaced with grass.
At a workshop on August 15, 2017, staff presented several conceptual design options for City Council consideration:
1. Replace the upper and lower plaza with historic-finish concrete and install a fountain in the center of the upper plaza.
2. Replace the upper and lower plaza with historic-finish concrete and install a gazebo in the center of the upper plaza.
3. Replace the lower plaza with historic-finish concrete, the upper plaza with grass, and install a gazebo in the center of the upper plaza.
The City Council directed staff to develop a conceptual design for option 3 ...
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