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Library board weighs outdoor-classroom designs after utility-line discovery
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Summary
Los Alamos County Library Board reviewed three revised outdoor-classroom layouts after utility lines forced design changes, favoring options that preserve the sidewalk, add seating and keep an accessible pad; a public listening session will be scheduled before a Council presentation.
The Los Alamos County Library Board reviewed revised plans for an outdoor classroom on the library site after discovery of utility lines required moving the performance area and removing built-in landscape seating.
Beth Stell, chair and senior librarian, presented updated designs prepared by Wayne Lloyd Architects and explained that ground-mounted shade structures and built-in seating conflict with underground utilities, moving the stage area closer to the library and leaving an open, portable-seating area across from it. "These designs are slightly different," Stell said, noting the change was driven by the utility-line discovery and the need to maintain accessible approaches and drainage.
Board members discussed three layout options and associated square-footages presented during the meeting (discussed figures included approximately 441, 514 and 560 square feet for different configurations). Members pressed staff on drainage, sidewalk preservation and whether shade and seating would be permanent or portable. The board confirmed the plan intends to keep the existing sidewalk access to the upper library level and to use portable seating and umbrellas where permanent shade structures are precluded by utilities.
Ryan Parker, a board member, said he preferred the option with more usable area: "I like option 2," reflecting a common preference for greater activity space while minimizing sidewalk impact. Several members also asked for a small concrete pad or offshoot to ensure seamless ADA access for wheelchairs and walkers.
Architectural drawings include a storage shed for portable seating and indicate the stage would have electrical service for performances; the plans do not include built-in audio-visual infrastructure. The board noted the trade-offs between fixed shade structures and portable solutions and discussed the potential to add smaller, removable shade sails attached to existing structures or trees to avoid conflict with utility clearances.
Stell said staff will gather additional input from youth and the public, and a public listening session is expected in March or April to collect community feedback before finalizing recommendations for Council. The work-plan presentation to the County Council is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at the White Rock Fire Station, and staff will incorporate the board’s preferences and public comments into the materials taken to Council.
The board did not take a formal vote on a preferred layout at the meeting; instead, members provided guidance and asked staff to return with consolidated public input and engineering clarifications.
