BAR discusses plans to 'free the fountains' on Downtown Mall by adding tactile warning strips to restore access
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Summary
City staff and the BAR explored options for removing chains and bollards from Downtown Mall fountains and restoring public access by installing detectable-warning strips or tactile pavers that meet accessibility requirements while minimizing damage to historic granite.
Staff told the BAR that the city manager directed Public Works to "free the fountains" on the Downtown Mall—remove temporary barriers and restore public access—for the Mall’s fiftieth anniversary. The objective is to find an off-the-shelf detectable-warning solution that signals the fountain edge to people with visual impairments without permanently damaging Halpern-era granite features.
Staff noted truncated-dome (tactile) detectable-warning products typically require a 24-inch minimum band; members raised concerns about drilling into original granite and the visual impact of concrete or yellow mats. Alternatives discussed included using a contrasting-color thin paver course with truncated domes, glued tactile mats, or stainless steel studs inserted in convenient substrate rather than cutting granite. Participants referenced other cities (including Portland) that are evaluating similar tradeoffs for historic water features.
Board members emphasized balancing the original Halpern design intent with contemporary accessibility obligations. Staff said Public Works is researching options and plans to present findings; if an acceptable technical solution can be implemented, city staff would remove chains and allow public access while preserving the fountain design as much as possible.
No final technical decision was made; staff committed to return with proposals that minimize harm to original materials while meeting detectable-warning requirements.