Friends of the Library present terrace plan; groundbreaking expected in April

Friends of the library volunteers told Staunton City Council on March 27 that a terrace project adjoining the library is moving from design toward construction, with a hoped-for groundbreaking in April.

The project is being led by the Friends of the Library and will be funded in part by a bequest from the estate of Julia Kiesling. Kennen Bowen, a member of the Friends Terrace Committee, said the design changes since earlier briefings include a meandering accessible path that reduces slope and avoids the need for expensive handrails, and a terraced patio with seating and two picnic tables. She told council the shade structure would be a permanent fabric ‘‘sail’’ about 20 feet high at its end and that engineers and specialty contractors are involved in finalizing foundations and material selection.

The Friends say the terrace will provide accessible outdoor programming space, safer circulation for strollers and mobility devices, and a shaded seating area for library users and casual visitors. Bowen said local firms are involved in site work and construction planning, and that Ray Burkholder of Balzer and Associates provided the grading and pathway design. Bowen also named Williams Brothers for tree removal, Valley Landscaping (Caleb Harlow) for hardscape and planting, and Technical Foundations of Sandston, Va., for foundation work. The Friends are working with Guildworks (an out-of-state fabric-structure firm) on the shade sail’s design and manufacture.

Library Director Sarah Skrobus and Assistant City Manager Amanda Kaufman joined the presentation and answered council questions on permitting, maintenance and neighbor outreach. Kaufman told council the Friends and city have completed a memorandum of agreement: when construction is finished the Friends will turn the terrace over to the city, which will assume long-term maintenance. Bowen said permits are in progress and that the group was ‘‘hoping to do a groundbreaking sometime in April’’ and planned a ribbon-cutting when the work is finished.

Council members praised the volunteer effort and the Friends’ preference to work with local contractors where possible. Bowen said site lighting will be low-voltage and downcast to limit light spill toward neighbors, recessed lighting will be included in terraced seating, and the group expects to replace some removed trees and add groundcover after heavy equipment work is complete.

If construction proceeds on the timetable outlined, staff expect the Friends to schedule a ceremonial groundbreaking and later a ribbon-cutting; no construction start date or firm contract amounts were presented to council at the meeting.