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Committee narrows pavilion designs to two options for Volunteers Green
Summary
After a presentation by designer John Lynn, the Volunteers Green & Brown's Court Project Committee voted to advance two pavilion designs (a gable variant and a triple-gable variant) for additional design work, playground coordination and costing.
The Volunteers Green & Brown's Court Project Committee voted to advance two pavilion design options after a presentation by designer John Lynn.
John Lynn presented four schematic designs for a new multi-use pavilion and restroom facility ranging from a modest rebuild that keeps the existing band shell to a complex triple-gable pavilion. Lynn said the options were prepared as a design charette to bracket costs and to test flood-resilient detailing — raised concrete for wet areas, wall-hung fixtures and high-mounted electrical outlets — to reduce flood damage risk.
Why it matters: The facility sits within the flood plain of the town park and must balance visibility, usable lawn space for events and playground adjacency with the need for durable, low-maintenance construction that can withstand periodic flooding.
Committee members discussed each option’s tradeoffs: the ‘existing band shell + restroom’ option preserves the current structure but offers limited visual and functional cohesion; the gable option moves bathrooms to improve playground access and provides a projection wall; the shed/contemporary option favors a low profile and possible solar-ready roof; the triple-gable option was the most architecturally complex and costly but offered the most inviting façade and lawn space. The designer noted circulation and sightlines, and said most versions kept structures at least 12 feet from the top of the river bank to allow future access for maintenance.
After members each indicated their top two choices, the committee by majority agreed to move forward with design versions 2 (gable) and 4 (triple-gable). The committee directed John Lynn and his partners to refine the two chosen schemes, to coordinate with the playground designer so the play area fits the selected pavilion footprint, and to return with updated drawings and cost estimates. The committee set a follow-up meeting for March 20 to review revised materials.
Quotes from the meeting: John Lynn summarized the flood-resilient approach: “we tried to keep flood resistant features…concrete up a few feet so if it does flood it’s not affecting any wood structure.” Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the chosen pair: one member said the triple-gable was “the most awesome” option if funding allows, while others emphasized starting with the more cost-effective gable option.
Next steps: Lynn will revise the two selected designs and work with the playground consultant to adapt the play layout; the committee will seek pricing (the committee discussed phasing and whether to price all options or only the two advanced schemes) and report back at the next meeting.
