Gazebo madness
Moderator: Chip
Gazebo madness
The gazebo will eventually have to be rebuilt: soon. What do you want, club members?
Personally, I would like a concrete slab, larger shade area, maybe a steel frame, and on top, an observation deck. That would be a fun place to watch people whack. I would also like a permanent restroom, it would be worth the cost in the long run. And one more random thought, it would be cool to have an awning made from an old hang glider.
Personally, I would like a concrete slab, larger shade area, maybe a steel frame, and on top, an observation deck. That would be a fun place to watch people whack. I would also like a permanent restroom, it would be worth the cost in the long run. And one more random thought, it would be cool to have an awning made from an old hang glider.
Re: Gazebo madness
I love the idea of an observation deck.Lucky 13 wrote:maybe a steel frame, and on top, an observation deck. That would be a fun place to watch people whack.
There's plenty of people here in the club that can assist. But I have a feeling it will need a project plan prior to ever getting it off the ground.
Major Project
Chris,
Don't want to be kill-joy, BUT ...
I remember someone raised this issue about a year ago - needless to say it didn't get too far.
As you can see from the first two responses, your simple idea of rebuilding the Gazebo has now evolved into a structure that needs to support an observation deck, include a permanent toilet(s), and a counter top. Of course you will want complete indoor plumbing, wiring, sewer hook-up, TV with VCR/DVD, furniture, etc. etc. And then I'm sure there will many, many more requests of items to be included.
I can imagine the cost of such a structure - assuming you can obtain the necessary permits for the project. As for people within the club helping - great idea, but I'll believe it when I see it. Let's face it - people would rather fly (and drink beer
) than work all day on this major project for months on end.
As for reducing existing costs by eliminating the two porta-potties - what do you think the cost of having this facility cleaned would be? Currently the existing place only gets cleaned when it rains or the sprinklers turn on.
Hell, I'd settle (and volunteer to help) for replacing some of the bushes !
Just my two cents
Don't want to be kill-joy, BUT ...
I remember someone raised this issue about a year ago - needless to say it didn't get too far.
As you can see from the first two responses, your simple idea of rebuilding the Gazebo has now evolved into a structure that needs to support an observation deck, include a permanent toilet(s), and a counter top. Of course you will want complete indoor plumbing, wiring, sewer hook-up, TV with VCR/DVD, furniture, etc. etc. And then I'm sure there will many, many more requests of items to be included.
I can imagine the cost of such a structure - assuming you can obtain the necessary permits for the project. As for people within the club helping - great idea, but I'll believe it when I see it. Let's face it - people would rather fly (and drink beer
As for reducing existing costs by eliminating the two porta-potties - what do you think the cost of having this facility cleaned would be? Currently the existing place only gets cleaned when it rains or the sprinklers turn on.
Hell, I'd settle (and volunteer to help) for replacing some of the bushes !
Just my two cents
I'd help with any simple plan to get a little more shade. The challenge is drawing up a plan that doesn't cost much, can be done by a work party of the 9 people who're actively interested, and doesnt obstruct current use of the area and the view.
This really should be in "Club Projects/Volunteer Activities." Suggest checking with the BOD about code or "other" land use restrictions that may not be obvious.
This really should be in "Club Projects/Volunteer Activities." Suggest checking with the BOD about code or "other" land use restrictions that may not be obvious.
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JT
Observation Deck... Good!
I really like the idea of an observation deck, too.
I have a question: no matter what we finally decide to build, won't we have to have it permitted since it is a permanent structure? I know we can fake it but if the club gets caught, it better be up to code or it will be condemned. Read: loss of money.
An observation deck would be cool but that does bring up the problem of structural integrity. We'd probably have to have a real foundation with footings and guardrails on top. Tables with umbrellas would be nice if someone remembers to take them down each night.
We need someone in construction to weigh in on this.
Great ideas... what can we really do and how much can the club afford with a lot of help from members for the construction?
I have a question: no matter what we finally decide to build, won't we have to have it permitted since it is a permanent structure? I know we can fake it but if the club gets caught, it better be up to code or it will be condemned. Read: loss of money.
An observation deck would be cool but that does bring up the problem of structural integrity. We'd probably have to have a real foundation with footings and guardrails on top. Tables with umbrellas would be nice if someone remembers to take them down each night.
We need someone in construction to weigh in on this.
Great ideas... what can we really do and how much can the club afford with a lot of help from members for the construction?
Put the observation deck on top of the container. Just need flooring and some railing. It's plenty strong enough. Questionable permit requirements. Agreed very cool idea.
A 8' x 8' structure can be installed without a permit. Maybe two of them?
I already have plans for a Blazona MD 100 (which at 10x10 may fall under Type V permits (over the counter) at LABS:
http://www.modulardwellings.com/flash_content.html
Or: Buy another surplus container and cut windows, doors etc. This could be done off site. There are a couple of of metal workers in the club. Configure the inside. Awning along one side. Deck on top. Cool.
Another solution is to re-hab the existing structure. As long as it is not structural.
If someone gives me the actual plot number of the LZ (or assessors number) and other pertinent information I volunteer to go to LABS to see about what is possible.
A 8' x 8' structure can be installed without a permit. Maybe two of them?
I already have plans for a Blazona MD 100 (which at 10x10 may fall under Type V permits (over the counter) at LABS:
http://www.modulardwellings.com/flash_content.html
Or: Buy another surplus container and cut windows, doors etc. This could be done off site. There are a couple of of metal workers in the club. Configure the inside. Awning along one side. Deck on top. Cool.
Another solution is to re-hab the existing structure. As long as it is not structural.
If someone gives me the actual plot number of the LZ (or assessors number) and other pertinent information I volunteer to go to LABS to see about what is possible.
Another approach is for the club (or a few members) to just buy a few 10x10 portable shade canopies. Store in container . They go up and down in a few minutes. They can be placed wherever needed. I've used them for years at soccer tournaments. Staked down theyre good in wind up to 12-15.
They could be left up over typical summer weekends at the LZ. They cost only a little over $100 each.

They could be left up over typical summer weekends at the LZ. They cost only a little over $100 each.

Last edited by Christian on Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:28 am, edited 2 times in total.
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JT
I like all the ideas posted, but what started the thinking along this line again?
The existing gazebo is not great but it is serviceable. If the wisteria and bougainvilla are trimmed way back and the structure painted white, it wouldn't be so dark and dreary. The North-facing side could be used to anchor a retractable (rolled-up with movable support posts) canvas awning for additional shade.
And it isn't concrete but dumping a fresh load of pea gravel (15 tons would do) could serve as a re-surfacing until the structure becomes too rotten to stand.
Still, an all new setup would be great.
I think the BOD should bring this to the membership at this point to see how much interest there is in spending club money to get this started so that whatever we all choose can be ready for summer. I will write Ken and let him decide how to gauge interest or put it on the new president's agenda.
The existing gazebo is not great but it is serviceable. If the wisteria and bougainvilla are trimmed way back and the structure painted white, it wouldn't be so dark and dreary. The North-facing side could be used to anchor a retractable (rolled-up with movable support posts) canvas awning for additional shade.
And it isn't concrete but dumping a fresh load of pea gravel (15 tons would do) could serve as a re-surfacing until the structure becomes too rotten to stand.
Still, an all new setup would be great.
I think the BOD should bring this to the membership at this point to see how much interest there is in spending club money to get this started so that whatever we all choose can be ready for summer. I will write Ken and let him decide how to gauge interest or put it on the new president's agenda.
I haven't really got an opinion on this issue, but I do have some information:
The last time the BOD talked about redoing the Gazebo, I suggested some of these items. The overwhelming consensus was this: DON'T REMOVE THE WISTERIA. Apparently, it is very popular. At the time, I was concerned that the structure was getting too frail, and wanted to replace it. A full replacement meant removing the wisteria. Most folks wanted to keep the wisteria, so we just added some structure to make the gazebo stronger for a while.
It is my opinion that before doing anything, we need several competing plans, and then we need to have the club members weigh in on it. There seems to be strong feeling about this. Maybe a "sense of the club" vote to see what type of thing is desired first, then a couple of options after we know the general idea of what folks want. It came as a big surprise to me how strongly everyone felt about the wisteria, so I'm just passing this info along so the current BOD doesn't get surprised too.
One last thought. If we have a deck on top, we could have serious safety issues if there is anything on the deck that could blow off in a Santa Ana wind. Whatever goes up there needs to be wind-proof, even in the 80 mph winds that come through the pass. I'd hate to have Erwin smacked by a falling table.
The last time the BOD talked about redoing the Gazebo, I suggested some of these items. The overwhelming consensus was this: DON'T REMOVE THE WISTERIA. Apparently, it is very popular. At the time, I was concerned that the structure was getting too frail, and wanted to replace it. A full replacement meant removing the wisteria. Most folks wanted to keep the wisteria, so we just added some structure to make the gazebo stronger for a while.
It is my opinion that before doing anything, we need several competing plans, and then we need to have the club members weigh in on it. There seems to be strong feeling about this. Maybe a "sense of the club" vote to see what type of thing is desired first, then a couple of options after we know the general idea of what folks want. It came as a big surprise to me how strongly everyone felt about the wisteria, so I'm just passing this info along so the current BOD doesn't get surprised too.
One last thought. If we have a deck on top, we could have serious safety issues if there is anything on the deck that could blow off in a Santa Ana wind. Whatever goes up there needs to be wind-proof, even in the 80 mph winds that come through the pass. I'd hate to have Erwin smacked by a falling table.
Fly High; Fly Far; Fly Safe -- George
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JT