11.3.1

11.3.1.1 Benches

11.3.1.1.1 Bench Location

standard concrete bench

Benches, as a site amenity, are almost non-existent at Fort Carson. Standard, attractive bench seating must be provided in locations adjacent to major activity nodes and areas where people may congregate for relaxation and socialization. This includes pedestrian nodes along primary walkways, at major building entryways, courtyards, and at bus stops. Bench seating is merely one part of an overall strategy to create an attractive pedestrian oriented environment.

Benches should be located on concrete pads adjacent to walkways. Provide proper clearance around benches, a minimum 2'0" setback from adjacent sidewalks and a minimum of 5'0" between front of bench and any stationary obstacle. Provide appropriate planting treatment for visual definition and seasonal shade.

Benches have application in all functional zones. As a minimum, benches shall be provided in the locations enumerated below and may be provided at additional locations as the need arises.

At least one (1) bench shall be located within fifty feet (50') of main entries of all major buildings in all zones. For buildings with high concentrations of public use and/or high on-post visibility such as Post Headquarters, the Main Commissary, and Evans Army Community Hospital, at least three (3) benches, or as many as required based upon individual facility needs, shall be provided.

A minimum of two (2) benches shall be located in each plaza/courtyard area.

A minimum of one (1) bench shall be located a maximum distance of fifty feet (50') from memorials, monuments, and displays where pedestrian/visitor traffic dictates the need.

A minimum of one (1) bench shall be located within fifty feet (50') of major pedestrian and bicycle path intersection, where volume of user traffic dictates the need.

A minimum of two (2) benches shall be located within fifty feet (50') of all playgrounds.

A minimum of one (1) bench shall be located within twenty feet (20') of all public transportation (bus) stops, except for bus stop locations where permanent bus shelter structures with integral seating have been provided.

One (l) bench shall be located near all other activity "nodes."

Benches shall always be grouped with other site furnishings, such as waste receptacles, and shall be placed adjacent to pedestrian and bicycle paths.

Benches shall be set back a minimum distance of two feet (2') from adjacent pedestrian/bicycle paths and five feet (5') from stationary objects to provide leg room and avoid obstruction of pathway traffic. A paved surface shall be provided upon which the bench shall be securely anchored. The paved surface shall extend a minimum distance of four feet (4') beyond the ends of the bench for stroller or wheelchair parking.

11.3.1.1.2 Bench Design

Where building design and site development warrant, bench seating may be designed as a permanent, integral part of retaining or similar site walls. Forms, materials, and colors shall match those used elsewhere on the wall and/or related building. Integral and freestanding benches shall be constructed to support a minimum of 125 pounds per linear foot of bench length. Benches throughout the installation have not been standardized and a variety of styles currently exist. Any new benches installed in the future shall meet the standards set in the IDG. Freestanding benches shall be designed as follows:

11.3.1.1.2.1 Level 1 Benches

Level 1 benches shall have a formal, substantial design level and shall be used for all benches in Installation Administration & Support Visual Zone D. This type of bench shall typically be six feet (6') long. The end panels shall be reinforced pre-cast concrete with an exposed aggregate standard finish of crushed limestone and natural sand, coated with a clear acrylic sealer. Color of the end panels shall be a natural warm gray. The seat and back shall be a smooth precast panel with a clear acrylic sealer. Precast panel is to be a warm gray color. All metal hardware and fasteners exposed to view shall be steel, painted FSC #30111 (brown) with a matte (low-luster) finish.

11.3.1.1.2.2 Level 2 Benches

Level 2 benches shall be a less formal design and shall be used for all benches in Logistics and Industrial Visual Zone A, Unit Operations and Maintenance Zone B, Recreation Visual Zone E, Airfield Visual Zone F, and Training and Open Space Visual Zone G. This type of bench shall typically be six feet (6') long. Wood slats shall form the seat and back, and may be redwood or cedar finished with a clear stain/sealer. The slats shall be anchored to two (2) surface mounting steel leg/support assemblies. All steel parts exposed to view shall be painted FSC #301 11 (brown) with a matte (low-luster) finish. Wood slats maybe substituted with the alternate recycled bench listed below.

11.3.1.1.3 Bench Standards