Designers from Lloyd and Associates presented plans for an outdoor classroom to the Los Alamos Library Board during its meeting, describing a covered performance-style platform and seating area to be built in the courtyard between the Mesa Public Library and the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

The project as presented would include a raised concrete platform at roughly sidewalk level, built-in fixed seating for about 30–32 people and movable furniture to expand capacity; designers said the total usable capacity could reach about 40–50 people depending on furniture and blanket seating. The designers discussed two canopy concepts: a customized “tree post” tensile-fabric design (option A) and a simpler tensile-fabric canopy that the team expects would cost roughly 10%–20% less.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said an outdoor classroom would allow library and senior-center programming that is difficult to stage inside the building — things like messy crafts, small concerts and summer events — and would provide a new shared gathering space adjacent to existing parking and sidewalks.

Design and technical details

Wayne Lloyd of Lloyd and Associates and designer Kaye Lim showed site plans and cross sections of the proposed layout. The footprint sits at the corner of the sidewalk adjacent to the library’s rear entrance and near an existing bioswale and trench drain used for stormwater. Designers said the site’s slope and existing drainage required shifting a trench drain and limited how structures could be sited. The team noted an existing Ponderosa pine near the platform would be removed because it is dying.

The seating concept calls for mortared stone seating with a concrete foundation, decomposed-granite or ADA-compliant gravel in front of the stage, and a storage shed for folding chairs and tents. Designers said power would be run from the library to the platform; outlets could be placed in a low 18–20-inch vertical seating wall to support speakers, movie nights or other plug-in needs.

Cost, schedule and scope questions

Designers provided a preliminary cost concept for the more elaborate option (option A) of about $415,000. "Construction prices have just been skyrocketing," one presenter said while explaining the estimate, and the team described that number as conservative. Designers said option B would be “slightly less” (they estimated a roughly 10% reduction could be possible by simplifying the tree-post canopy concept).

The project’s initial funding allocation from the Community Services small-project budget was $100,000, a staff member said, meaning the current estimate exceeds that amount. Staff and designers said next steps would include public feedback, finalizing the design and determining whether to scale back elements to fit the budget or seek additional funding — possibly through the county budget process.

Other items discussed

- Stormwater and grading: designers said trench-drain relocation and minor grading will be needed to move water away from the platform and seating area. A tree survey will confirm which trees are healthy and whether grading will affect root zones.
- Canopy durability and maintenance: the tensile fabrics proposed are expected to be water-repellent and designed for long life; designers said sails can be removed for winter and that extreme events such as hail can cause damage. Color choice affects fading; designers estimated a high-quality fabric life of around 10–15 years barring catastrophic damage.
- Lighting and restrooms: power would allow for lighting; designers estimated permanent lighting could cost in the $10,000–$20,000 range depending on scope. Restrooms were not included in the $415,000 estimate and would increase cost; staff suggested restrooms could be a later (phase 2) addition.

Public outreach and next steps

Staff said comment boards and printed comment cards would be displayed in the library and White Rock branch within about a week and a public survey would be distributed; staff also said the presentation recording and site materials will be posted online. Designers offered to follow up with the project committee on lighting and other refinements. Staff and board members discussed presenting the project to county management or the council if additional funding is required during upcoming budget discussions.

Quotations

Wayne Lloyd, of Lloyd and Associates, introduced the design team and noted the inflationary pressures on construction costs: "Construction prices have just been skyrocketing... as you can see on this total, it's, we're at 415,000." Gwen (library staff member) described the project's intent as "an extension of the library" and a space for "messy crafts" and small performances.

What remains undecided

No formal funding decision or construction authorization was made at the meeting. The board and staff will collect public feedback, refine the design, determine final costs and then decide whether to reduce scope or pursue additional funding.

Ending

Staff said outreach materials and a survey will be available within roughly a week and that design revisions will follow public comment and budget review.