Why is a new Pavilion needed?
The existing 1915 Pavilion replaced an earlier, smaller shelter that was built in 1897, the year the park was created. The existing structure has been a focal point of activity over the decades as it has played host to many dances, concerts, weddings, reunions, and other large gatherings. While the current Pavilion has served the Community well for many years, age and deterioration have taken its toll on the existing structure. While a significant renovation in 2006 replaced the dance floor and an addition provided new bathrooms, kitchen, and storage area, the foundation, walls, and roof system are still the original 1915 construction. The City conducted a structural assessment in 2012 that highlighted several of the architectural deficiencies:
- The facility foundation has significant seasonal movement that impacts the floor and structure. Based upon the original building drawings, the exterior footings are approximately 2’10” below the top of the slab. The new dance floor installed in 2006 also provided a glimpse of the underlying soil conditions as the project necessitated the excavation of three to four feet of poor soils before the floor was reinstalled. Poor soil conditions combined with shallow footings result in significant seasonal movement that results in floor damage, beam misalignment, and roof leaks.
- The facility was designed only for seasonal use. The facility has traditionally only been rented from mid-May to mid-October. While the facility has some venting equipment and hanging heaters, it lacks any effective temperature control or insulation. The 2012 report concluded that retrofitting the existing facility for year-round use would require significant energy and structural upgrades and was likely not feasible.
- The walls, windows, and other building components have experienced significant deterioration. The original exterior walls are cast-in-place concrete and have experienced degradation due to years of water infiltration. The windows are single pane windows and do not meet energy code requirements. The windowsills have also experienced significant rot from water leaks. In 2019, a wood beam above the south porch succumbed to years’ worth of water damage. The exterior stucco and wood trim are also in need of repairs.
- The facility lacks any fire alarm/sprinkler system or security system. If built today, the Building Code would require facilities of this size and function to have a fire alarm and sprinkler system. In addition, the current facility lacks any kind of security or camera system.
