This spring we have been given the gift of time (thanks, COVID-19) - at least we're choosing to look at it that way. Repairing the concrete patio outside of the Dining Hall has been a project on our To Do List for a while.
The thing is - you need the right timing and conditions to do a project like this - ideally no guest groups on site for 2-3 weeks in a row, temperatures warm enough to do concrete work, and contractors available to do the job. When we have extended times without guest groups (November and December), it's too cold; when it's warm enough (April - October), we have guest groups here
....except for now.
Right now we have a window of time with the right temperatures, contractors available, and no groups coming in April thanks to COVID-19. While this is not our first pick of timing financially, it seems unwise to not grab hold of this gift of time. The patio is becoming more of a safety hazard and we are just not willing to risk waiting any longer.
The thing is - you need the right timing and conditions to do a project like this - ideally no guest groups on site for 2-3 weeks in a row, temperatures warm enough to do concrete work, and contractors available to do the job. When we have extended times without guest groups (November and December), it's too cold; when it's warm enough (April - October), we have guest groups here
....except for now.
Right now we have a window of time with the right temperatures, contractors available, and no groups coming in April thanks to COVID-19. While this is not our first pick of timing financially, it seems unwise to not grab hold of this gift of time. The patio is becoming more of a safety hazard and we are just not willing to risk waiting any longer.
Additionally, how often have you gathered outside on this patio before or after a meal? This area is used by guest groups and summer campers to gather formally and informally, have Bible Studies, play games and more. Our desire is to make this area more functional: enlarging the patio area, adding more wooden and moveable benches (instead of the stationary planters), so there is more versatility for smaller and larger group sizes as well as having space for more picnic tables so that people can eat outside and enjoy God's creation. We also plan to enlarge the unloading zone on the east side, maybe even include handicapped parking, to provide improved guest accessibility in this area. The Menno Haven Board of Directors said go for it and so we're going for it!
The pictures below will show you what has been going on throughout the Patio Renovation. Take a look!
The pictures below will show you what has been going on throughout the Patio Renovation. Take a look!
April 2-3, 2020: Preparing the area for the concrete contractors
- removing the steps, clearing the patio, and digging up the telephone line
- removing the steps, clearing the patio, and digging up the telephone line
Monday, April 6: Concrete contractors arrive and start their demo
Tuesday, April 7: Preparing the northwest side for concrete
Wednesday, April 8: Pouring concrete on the northwest side
Thursday, April 9: The second day of pouring concrete
Friday, April 10: Day three of pouring concrete & moving the Memorial Tree from the east side of Lakeview Lodge
Time-lapse Video of Week of April 6
Week of April 12: Moving dirt, prepping for concrete, finishing the retaining wall, and a Snow Day.
Week of April 19: The last cement pours, starting the new deck stairs, and encasing the beams in cedar.
Week of April 26: Finishing the new deck stairs and cedar work at the patio
Week of May 3: Working on the cement wall and doing ground work
Week of May 10: Digging trenches for utilities and spreading black dirt
Week of May 24: Pouring the sidewalk and planting grass seed
Week of May 31: Putting down first load of gravel and painting the east wall
Week of June 7: Grass is growing and pressure washing
Week of June 15: Installing lattice around the stairs
August