Walking down those steps now should be easier for people who may appreciate a handrail.
Albany’s newly reconstructed Monteith Riverpark has been outfitted with one additional feature: A handrail in the middle of the somewhat unusual, long series of steps down toward the stage.
City Manager Peter Troedsson told the city council about it in his weekly report on Friday:
“After some attendees at last summer’s River Rhythms series complained about the shallow grade stairs in the newly renovated park, building maintenance staff coordinated the installation of a handrail. That work is now complete. The railing cost $12,000, paid out of Parks and Recreation funds.”
Parks and Recreation publicized the railing on Facebook this week. On Friday I learned more about it and rode the bike to the park to take a look.
Rick Barnett, the facilities and park maintenance manager, told me the railing was installed by Sheet Metal Solutions, and the exact cost was $11,261.
“The design of those steps is legal in all respects but somewhat unusual,” Barnett said in an email. “During concerts people would be looking towards the concert stage or seating areas and not notice the steps and fall. We ended up putting cones down the center of the steps during concerts so people would recognize they were there.”
As a permanent solution, he added, the railing is designed to make it obvious there are steps and useful in case someone needs the railing.
“It was designed in sections so that it was easy to get across the steps and so that we didn’t create a very attractive skateboarding feature,” added.
When construction of the park was still under way, I had reported on those steps and wondered about why they were included in the design,and how they fit in with handicapped access.
The city explained at the time, and Barnett again pointed out that the grassy hill was too steep for a standard sidewalk without steps. And as for ADA access, there are smooth concrete walkways along the edges of the park, where the gentler slope makes it easier to walk or roll up or down. (hh)
The railing is in sections to discourage skateboarders, among other reasons.
That’ll be a snowboard rail next time it snows. The upgraded park and stage look great.
I appreciate that the hand rails were paid for out of Parks and Recreation Funds. Translation OUR TAX DOLLARS.
I appreciate that the Parks and Recreation Department were able to fit this unplanned for expense into the budget so quickly. Thank you! It is definitely an appropriate use of our tax dollars.
They were claiming to be underfunded, so this would be a devastating blow. They can’t keep up with pruning the trees that have branches blocking the bike lanes, possibly causing a cyclist to lose an eye while looking down to pick their way through the debris.
Yeah back again. They should pick up the charge for the power line burying! just sayin
Why the steps in the first place. If you’re determined to pour concrete just pour a flat slab so people don’t have to look down to keep from falling while trying to watch the concert. Poor decision at best
The steps were built because the slope of the lawn was considered too steep.
One Saturday morning, shortly after this area was opened back up, I was standing up while gently coasting my road bike down this new concrete path observing a few kids playing on the structures in the new playground. As I contemplated the fact that this was actually a good use of my tax dollars, I suddenly and VERY unexpectedly encountered the first step. As my handlebars rolled forward from my awkward weight distribution, I banged down about three more steps before getting the bike over in the grass and not becoming to much of a spectacle and sort of saving my dignity. Needless to say, the handrail is a welcomed addition!
Now they need to paint it yellow so it’s visible lol. Why wasn’t this paid for out of the funds that paid for the remodel. Parking in downtown is such a hassle that I have switched my dentist. It was to hard to find Parking to get to advantage dental so I won’t do any business downtown unless I absolutely have to. After getting dental work done there is no sense in walking a block or two. I don’t know how many residents have chosen not to do business downtown because of parking or just traffic in general. Lights are not even in sync. I can travel from I-5 to L.B.C.C. almost faster then getting in and out of downtown.
Now they need to paint it yellow so it’s visible lol. Why wasn’t this paid for out of the funds that paid for the remodel. Parking in downtown is such a hassle that I have switched my dentist. It was to hard to find Parking to get to advantage dental so I won’t do any business downtown unless I absolutely have to. After getting dental work done there is no sense in walking a block or two. I don’t know how many residents have chosen not to do business downtown because of parking or just traffic in general. Lights are not even in sync. I can travel from I-5 to L.B.C.C. almost faster then getting in and out of downtown.
So they spent $21 mil to beautify the park and put those awkward steps in for what? So people trip and fall and bicyclist can’t use it as a path? So they add another $12,000 for a handrail. Ridiculous. Money should of been spent putting the staging area above flood zone and or making it waterproof. $21 mil spent and that is what the tax payers got. What a joke