Title
Review and Approve Design of Solar Walk on Shoreline Trail by Eagle Scout Ryan Liu
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Approve Design of Solar Walk on Shoreline Trail by Eagle Scout Ryan Liu
BACKGROUND
The Solar Panel Walk is proposed along Shoreline Trail which encompasses Bay Farm Island. This project is proposed by Ryan Liu as his Eagle Scout project.
On January 13, 2022, the Recreation and Parks reviewed the Solar Walk proposal and requested that Mr. Liu return with a more detailed proposal on the sign design and budget.
DISCUSSION
The overall project is described by Mr. Liu as:
This project would be to add informational planetary signs to the Bay Farm Shoreline Trail. There would be 8 separate signs, corresponding with each planet in our solar system including the Sun. Each trail sign would be mounted on a metal post with a sign board attached. Each sign board would contain information about each planet. On the Solar walk each planet's actual distance from the sun is scaled down 1000x onto the trail, which would be approximately 2.7 miles from start to finish.
The final draft design and text of the signs as well as the sign specifications are included in Exhibit 1. Each sign includes an image of the sun or planet, information on the size, distance from and rotation around the sun, as well as “fun facts.” The signs are 24 inches by 18 inches and mounted on posts that are 3 - 4 feet high and are a height that is accessible for viewing by people with disabilities who may be seated in a wheelchair. The posts and backing are made of aluminum and painted black which works well in this marine environment. The signs will be digitally made with a graffiti resistant coating. Mr. Liu coordinated with Ben Burressben, a staff astronomer at Chabot Space and Science Center who reviewed the signs for content accuracy.
The location of the eight signs is shown on Exhibit 2 and the solar walk starts near the Bay Farm Bridge and ends at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal.
Mr. Liu has begun fundraising through a GoFundMe campaign, giving out flyers in his neighborhood and at events. He also contacted local and corporate businesses to solicit funds. The total estimated project cost is $5,700 including tax.
Lastly, Mr. Liu plans to work with a team of Scouts to dig the holes and mix concrete to install the signs and his father is a structural engineer who will provide guidance. The Park Maintenance Department will provide a staff person for oversight during the installation.
Staff shared the design with Dawn Jaeger, Executive Director of the Community of Harbor Bay Isle Homeowner’s Association. Her one comment was a question of whether the Recreation and Parks Department wants these permanent fixtures on the Shoreline pathway.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Parks Maintenance Department will be responsible for cleaning graffiti on the signs. If any graffiti is irreparable then the sign would be removed, especially if the graffiti is offensive.
RECOMMENDATION
To approve the design of the Solar Walk on Shoreline Trail by Eagle Scout Ryan Liu.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Solar Walk Sign Design
2. Solar Walk Trail Sign Locations