Los Alamos Public Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza stands on the parcel of land that could be the future home of Mesa Public Library's outdoor classroom. The classroom would consist of an open-air stage, tiered levels for seating as well as a section with crushed gravel and outdoor furniture scattered throughout the area. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
The results of the survey for the outdoor library classroom are in: people are interested in using this facility.
In fact, Los Alamos Public Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza reported that 71 percent of those who took the survey, which closed March 2, said they would attend events in this space.
"I'm encouraged we got community support," she said.
Giving the community's love for the library, the results are unsurprising, Community Services Director Cory Styron said.
"I wouldn't expect anything less," he said, "People love the library in this community."
"The library serves so many people in our community," Styron added. "It is such a well-loved and well-regarded facility ... it (the outdoor classroom) just makes sense."
What this project would entail, Kalavaza explained, is an open-air stage with a roof. There would be tiered levels for seating, a small area with crushed gravel and outdoor furniture placed throughout the area. This would be located between Mesa Public Library and the Betty Ehart Senior Center.
Kalavaza said the space would accommodate between 50-60 people.
"It's really a lovely space," she said.
While the survey showed favorable results for the project, there is still more work to do to determine if the outdoor classroom is feasible.
For instance, Kalavaza said the contractor, Lloyd and Associates Architects, needs to refine the design based on the survey's feedback. The cost of the project also needs to be calculated. She said the money is expected to come from the Community Services Department's small capital improvement project fund, which County Council approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. However, depending on the amount, it may need to be presented to council for additional funding.
The idea of an outdoor classroom was sparked because several of the library's programs are being held outside, Kalavaza said. This includes Music and Movement as well as activities for Senior Appreciation Night.
Doing these outdoor activities got the staff thinking, "What enhancements will really make this space useable for different types of events," Kalavaza said.
An outdoor stage made sense, she said because it fits into the landscape.
Plus, the improvements will make the area between the library and the senior center safer with special attention paid to ADA accessibility.
"Another big reason is to make the space comfortable and accessible," Kalavaza said.
Styron noted that the project could also satisfy a need identified in the Community Services Department's Integrated Master Plan.
"It came up that we needed to add programming and diversify programming across the community," he said.
The outdoor space would allow for more family-friendly activities as well as serve the nearby Senior Center, Styron said.
While there are already outdoor stages in town such as at Ashley Pond Park and the Co-op park beside the Los Alamos Schools Credit Union, Kalavaza said it makes sense to pursue the new space because of its close proximity to the library, which offers a short walking distance to other amenities and restroom access.
A new outdoor space also offers an opportunity to collaborate with other entities in town, Kalavaza said.
"We would love to work with folks to co-market, co-host all kinds of programs in that space," she said.