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Turntable Park
September 19, 2002 Workshop Notes
Turntable Park subsection links
Turntable Park
| September 19, 2002 Workshop Notes
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General
A group of about 10 people spent over two hours discussing possibilities for the design of the park. Discussion began with the turntable itself, then moved to river views and access, and finally to discussions of the overall park and its connections to Stone Cutters Way. A summary of some of the ideas presented follows.
Turntable Structure
- The turntable structure needs to be retained in its entirety if possible, and be the focus of the park. Modifications need to retain the sense, purpose and presence of the turntable and its function.
- The integrity of the structure is unknown although most parts appear solid. The track is rusted. It is unknown what costs may be involved in stabilizing the structure, whether or not there may be safety issues with regard to deterioration, or what would be involved in restoration of some or all parts of the structure.
- Retain vertical structure if possible (referred to as “the thing” for lack of a technical term) - it is the only vertical element and makes the structure more visible; it has been creatively used for hanging art, etc.; nice form which could be enhanced. May need to remove ladder up side to discourage climbing.
- The diagonal track important part of the structure, expose at least some of the lower round track.
- There was discussion of importing an actual train car to the site; caution was expressed that the train would need to be an example of one that would have actually been there; and to avoid an overdone “theme park” atmosphere in this small space.
- The turntable takes up a considerable amount of space in the park, so there was considerable discussion about how to make the turntable more useable.
- Decking to allow people to walk over the turntable was generally thought to be desirable. A suggestion for retaining the use of RR ties in their actual positions, while creating a safe walkable surface was to add additional decking pieces between the ties that are differentiated (e.g. different color, shorter) from the ties.
- Consider using the turntable for play: sand, climbing, slide; climbable rope mesh as way to scramble over and around the structure.
- The track divides the structure into two sides since the track structure extents nearly to the ground; consider using the two sides differently, e.g. decking on one side, climb down on second; audience/stage.
- Consider covering a portion of the turntable for more space, but reflect lines of turntable or make it visible underneath. The decking might connect with a river overlook (see below).
- iagonal position of track was generally preferred: more visually dynamic, creates more usable spaces; it could be moved to line it up with one of its historic connections (i.e. to one of the two Engine House doors or to the rails running along what is now Stone Cutters Way (this is its approximate present position).
- Provide access to the lower level to view the whole structure. This could be done by partially filling the bottom to make a safe drop, or with a ramp or steps. Prevent access underneath the diagonal track (safety).
- The soil in the bottom of the turntable appears to be very well drained. It has never been known to have standing water.
- The turntable could be used as a filtration system for cleaning runoff before it enters the river.
- Trees are now growing in it which will have to be removed.
- Lighting of the turntable structure would be desirable; possibly low lighting from within, or around the edge.
- “Secretary’s Standards” provide guidance as to how to treat a historic structure. Modifications must “do no harm” to the original structure. Modifications which can be installed and removed without damaging the structure are acceptable.
- Questions still remain as to what will be acceptable to historic reviewers; and what the review process will be.
River Views/Access
- Some kind of overlook or access to the river is desirable.
- Terraces or steps down to river are intriguing, but budgets may prevent this approach; the Carr Lot may be a better place for this kind of direct access.
- An deck projecting over the river was discussed.
- Consider “extension” of track with decking out over the edge to a lookout.
- The edge of the river will be a desirable place so there needs to be plenty of room for people.
- Consider different levels.
- Consider connecting a river overlook with the turntable; the two uses are very close together; decking was discussed as a way to connect the two uses.
- Decking over the river could have spaces to let light down to slope, encourage growth of plants on the river bank.
- Existing trees could pop up through a deck.
- Consider extended walkway along edge of bank past the Pyralisk and River Station. The River Station building was set back 10’ from the bank edge in order to accommodate a future walkway. This would need to be done at the discretion of the building owners.
Overall Park
- Participants noted the lack of green space along Stone Cutters Way. All agreed that trees are very desirable for the space, but there was debate about how much lawn could or should be included in the Park. The designers will develop various options.
- Simple, not too busy or cluttered to focus attention on the turntable.
- Materials and ambiance that recalls the industrial heritage, but which are also inviting and attractive to the public.
- void chaotic “granite yard” theme; it has been done elsewhere.
- Consider curved granite seating that reflects the lines of the turntable.
- The City will be able to provide minimal maintenance; perhaps additional maintenance could be provided by abutting building owners.
- The park should have a strong relationship to the Pyralisk Arts Center; the northeast portion of the park may have a particularly strong connection with the Pyralisk.
- There should be a subtle sense of separation between the Park and the River Station Office building in order to provide privacy for offices at that end of the building.
- The Pyralisk Arts Center envisions the park serving as a stage for various kinds of theatrical and performance events. Providing a kind of amphitheater could be one park concept.
- The possibility of outdoor movies in the old Ben and Jerry’s tradition was discussed with a screen suspended from the vertical “thing” or from the entrance structure of the River Station.
- Consider designing the park so that water runoff is channeled toward trees and plants on the property. Roof runoff from adjacent buildings could also be channeled through a drainage system, or stored in a cistern and distributed during drought conditions. Poor and highly drained soils will make it difficult for trees on the site without an adequate water supply.
- Trees will need to be protected from the voracious beavers that have destroyed many existing crabapples along Stone Cutters Way.
- Lighting will be important to encourage use at night and to discourage inappropriate use. The Pyralisk Arts Center expects to have extensive evening use of the building.
Park Relationship with Surroundings
- A crosswalk connecting the bike path to the park in the center of the park is likely. An existing fire hydrant would need to be relocated to one side.
- There will be a sidewalk between Stone Cutters Way and River Station which will eventually continue along the Pyralisk Arts Center.
For More Information ...
Contact:
City of Montpelier
Department
of Planning and Community Development
39 Main Street, City Hall
Montpelier, VT 05062-2950
(802) 223-9506
planning@montpelier-vt.org
Updated April 2006
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