Pavers eyed in square redesign
<p>An image of what the Jeff Jones Town Square could look like with green pavers. (Illustration courtesy CTA Architects)</p>
SANDPOINT — City officials are moving closer to a decision that will bring more green to the town square.
The newly-formed Public Works Committee, now consisting of council members Jamie Brunner, Aaron Qualls, and Shelby Rognstad, heard an update from urban forester Stephen Drinkard and Parks Director Kim Woodruff regarding the upcoming changes to the town square. With new trees planted and covered in temporary gravel to avoid the creation of giant mud pit, the committee showed favorable opinions toward pavers as a permanent surface for Jeff Jones Square. However, it will take the full council to approve a final design choice.
According to Drinkard, the lack of natural elements in the square had long been a matter of public concern.
“Over the past two years, I’ve had people tell me that we need some green in the town center,” he said.
With no pressing need to make any changes in the area, however, the project had to be put off — that is, until the square’s trees started showing sign of poor health. Ultimately, they had to be removed in November. In their place, Drinkard and the Sandpoint Tree Committee selected new species of trees with proven hardiness improved their planting conditions. All that remained was to select a surface design choice that could accommodate healthy tree growth while supporting all the current uses for the square.
Drinkard presented two surface options to the Public Works Committee — pavers or grass. While grass was Drinkard and the Tree Committee’s preferred option and achieved their aesthetic and growth goals, the choice nevertheless had its disadvantages. In comparison to pavers, grass presented expense and maintenance issues. Drinkard noted these downsides at the meeting.
“I’m really fine with either option,” he said.
Parks Director Kim Woodruff’s recommendation that the city go with pavers also carried weight at the meeting. According to Woodruff, the imminent opening of the Byway would present additional expenses for the Parks Department, which will handle some aspects of its maintenance. Given that fact, he said the less expensive option for the town square was the most financially strategic choice.
“We’re looking for every possible area to save money and prepare for (the Byway),” he said.
Furthermore, pavers will better serve the Farmer’s Market, which uses the square on Saturdays during the spring and summer. According to market representatives, pavers are a better choice to maintain their booth real estate.