RIVERWALK COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve an alternate bench design for the Riverwalk
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Andrew Hynes, P.E., Deputy Director of Transportation, Engineering and Development/City Engineer
Tiffani Picco, Riverwalk Operations Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Riverwalk currently has a standard bench in the Victorian style with powder-coated steel frames and ipe wood slats. Benches with recycled plastic slats in the east extension were tried but had problems in the past with vandalism. The wood slats are easier to sand or stain over the vandalism.
An accessible bench was brought to the Riverwalk Commission as a suggestion from the Accessibility Task Force. This bench is similar to the current Victorian style in that the frame can be powder-coated black and can be ordered with wood slats. It is also the same 6ft length that we currently order.
DISCUSSION:
The state funding associated with the NCC Riverwalk Park requires that the materials used in the project follow the Buy America Act. While Victor Stanley is an American company, some components of the standard Riverwalk bench do not meet the funding requirements.
The accessible bench manufactured by Pilot Rock meets the Buy America requirements. Staff recommends approving the Pilot Rock bench as an alternative for use on the Riverwalk. This new style of bench can be installed at the NCC Riverwalk Park as a pilot. If the bench is well received, it could be considered for other locations along the Riverwalk.