Posted on Sunday, 10/18/2009 - 10:35 a.m. PDT — by berlin47112
i wonder if there are funds for 3-5 concrete chess tables down town?
they cost around $ 1,200 - 1,500 per table and two chairs each, made of concrete, plus installation.
location could be, by the little parking lot, across the senior center, next to the parking benches, over looking the delta,
or create a section on that big dirt lot across of that empty antioch lumber building. gravel on the ground, steel shade.
how about some stationary barbecues at the new city park, 10th&a street?
that park is the very best antioch has done in many many years.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 439
berlin, I do like that idea and I know it isn't expensive but the question is always $$$$
This is probably something that could come out of RDA money everyone has been talking so much about with the turf fields.
I'm sure one of the things you would hear is the homeless sleeping on it or something like that. But go for it, come to the council and in public comments present your idea.
Regarding the BBQ's.....that is just a mess. Next to our house in the green belt they were blown up, used for free basing, so many things you cannot imagine. We asked that they not be replaced but the broken ones removed so now there are none. Some had been used correctly for a short time. Once again bad people do things to prevent the good guy from enjoying something.
Please folks, we don't need more comments on s/8 or anything else. This is just constructive discussion about chess tables. Thank you.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 660
berlin what a great idea but i think i have a better idea for the tables and this would be awesome what about behind the old campinell between the grass and the wall that meets the water it is a peaceful shady place that people playing chess can enjoy shade, the view and get a chance to talk to walker byes,either way you would get the train noise but i think this area would be great for your idea/cause
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
i love down town.....but there is nothing.....if we want to get people down there, we need to have small resting areas, with a view.
i know where your place is, i was just thinking of my place, because of the senior center. so the old folks just cross the street and can hang out by playing chess or backgammon.
there are actually a lot of people out there to look at the river.
by the way, the table top is only about18x18, so nobody can sleep on it...lol
how about an open air chess contest...?
or a backgammon contest?
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4931
The great thing about Chess is you can play by yourself! I like the chess table idea.
(How about one of those large life-sized checker-boards you walk on too? The community center can checkout the game pieces so people don't try to skip them across the San Joaquin River!).
We can sell T-shirts to get the funds to pay for them!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
berlin, up in Moraga and their park where St. Mary's Road meets Moraga Road they havetwo very large chess boards on the ground and huge chess pieces or checkers that you can checkout to play a game. I passed that idea along to Leisure Services some 6 years ago, but nothing came of it.
Not only would your idea be good (and I like the area between the back of the El Campinal and the RR tracks) plus also at Prewett Park.
That is an excellent use of RDA fuinds and if the current Council hasn't pissed away all the RDA monies on O&M, then it should be pursued!
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
@arne,
don't say one more time prewett park. we need things down town.
and bazooka, the large chess figure would be safe with me, because i would drown because of my weight....yes, the community center could rent things out.
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
But, berlin, I thought you were goig to hold German cooking classes at the new Community Center at Prewett Park! Then you'd be able to go out and have a quiet game of chess which the rollatin cooks? (okay, I probably spelled that wrong
)
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
how about a all day sausage cook-out down town.?
entry/ judging requirement: charcoal grill, sauce, sausage.
open to public, can be sold, but not on a commercial base
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 439
Before you discuss any type of cook off, contest etc., the very first thing to know is the permits. We had people interested in doing a pizza cook off, contest type thing.
Contra Costa County requires a permit.....last price of said permit is $10,000. So if you want to go into this kind of thing you need major corporate sponsors with big money because that is just the beginning. And don't think they are just there to hand out money for just any thing because they are not.
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
@luke711,
you are so right in regards to the permit issue.
we are at a point of over regulation, permits and fees for everything. we are shooting us in the foot.
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4931
What??? The 50 ft replacement hose is missing now too? Glad I have Field Turf and don't have to water the grass. LOL
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 439
"4" We have bocce fields/courts. How many people play bocce? Seems to me there is no difference in "demand". They have tournaments, berlin could be incharge of chess.
There are several nice places a couple of tables could be put in. Bring your own set type of thing? I don't play so I'm kind of winging it here.
Now berlin, you need to gather some facts, maybe with the help if "4" when he comes home for Halloween. Then go to the council in public comments. It's a start.
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
2 chess tables ($1200-1500 each +shipping-since heavy) incl. 2 concrete chairs
1 backgammon table (1200 each + shipping) incl. 2 concrete chairs
people bring their own sets
about 5 grand, and every citizen can use it. + we're getting some people down town.
we just spend $ 16,000 for the restoration of a wall painting down town (there is still a 8-10 ft. missed, pipe)
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: May 2007
Current Posts: 40
Assuming your costs are correct, my experience downtown says that your proposal would be more successful if you would ask the City if they would be interested in the project - IF - the public would raise the money to purchase the tables etc. Partnership projects are always easier to consider.
I'm not sure what these things are made of - but unfortunately graffiti is a problem. Can they be treated ? Maintenance is a whole different issue.
Just my thoughts. I do like the idea. The promenade is really underutilized - so I hope this can be worked out.
Rick
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
@94509,
here are some infos of one of the web sites:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it last?
Concrete is an extremely durable surface. These tables and stools were designed for New York City parks and, therefore, built to last a lifetime.
Does it come in different colors?
The chessboard tiles are green and white marble terrazzo. Because of the organic nature of concrete, colors may vary from piece to piece. Different color marble can be requested, however, there would be an additional cost and the shipping time will be increased.
Is there installation necessary?
The freestanding tabletop weighs 240 pounds and the base weighs 190 pounds. There is no installation other than to place the base and stools on a level surface and put the top on the base which fits together on a metal flange and is secured by a bolt. The fixed table weighs over 550 lbs and the fixed stools weigh over 400 lbs. These products must be installed in a concrete footing and it is necessary to use a mason contractor for the installation.
Where do you ship to?
We can ship to anywhere in the United States and most parts of Canada. The tables are packaged and shipped on a pallet with protection to guard against damage during shipment. For shipping prices please call us at 908-587-0444. Prices will vary depending on the order and the destination.
Are there instructions on how to install the tables and stools?
Yes. You can download the installation instructions
How long does it take to cure?
Once poured, concrete will be more than 75% dry after 3 days. After 30 days concrete is almost completely cured; however, concrete continues to harden for many years after that.
Will it crack?
Our concrete tables and stools will only crack under extreme conditions, such as vandalism with a crowbar! In any normal use they are impervious to damage.
Are the tables and stools sealed to prevent staining?
Professional Water Sealant & Anti-Graffitiant is a "Dual Purpose" silicone rubber sealant which provides invisible protection from graffiti as well as water damage. You can find out more about the sealant we use.
How do you clean concrete?
The concrete is an easy surface to clean. Just use non-abrasive household cleaners. For difficult situations such as graffiti, you can use paint thinner and then paint stripper. You can also obtain a specialty graffiti-removal product from this.
Where can I see the tables in person?
Many New York City parks have these tables and stools installed. Many New York City parks have these tables and stools installed. There is also a list of customers who have purchased our tables.
How long will it take to obtain delivery of the tables and stools?
All tables are custom produced. From the time an order is placed it normally takes 4-6 weeks to make the tables and stools and package them for shipment.
Can a plaque be affixed to the tables?
Many of our tables have been purchased and donated to a school, library, park or other institution to honor a person or even a graduating class. Plaques can be made to be affixed to these tables and we suggest that you contact a local merchant who in the business of making such products.
What if the product arrives and it is damaged?
All products shipped from the factory are carefully examined before shipment to make sure they are in good condition prior to packaging and shipment. If the table or stools arrive in a damaged condition we will replace the damaged piece at no charge.
there were several links to a web site in the faq section, had to delete them
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 660
graffiti wouldnt be a problem if there was a mandatory minimum of 5 yrs for destroying public/private property and for 1st time offenders a mandatory art classes with a degree so these artists could put their art to use and not destroy property. lol
Joined: Mar 2009
Current Posts: 92
Chess does not require concrete equipment. Get rid of the perps and thugs so that you can have regular chess and checker board sets in place, in the park, without this absurd concrete requirement.
Stand up. Make this park, or any other park, for the people and taxpayers. Bowing down to the thugs and perps, and creating concrete crap, is only encouraging the Antioch thugs and outlaws.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1931
First, interest would need to be shown to warrent spending that kind of money. How about going to the recreation department and having someone teach a class in Chess? Then tournaments could be held somewhere downtown between players. All that would be necessary are a couple cardboard boxes for tables and crates for chairs. I have seen chess and backgammon players in other towns just using picnic tables. Just a thought!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4931
I like the whole idea. Concrete is great, because it will last and looks a lot nicer than if people bring in temporary tables and chairs.
I like the suggestion about a dedication plaque to honor someone, or possibly even an advertising plaque from merchants who help pay for them.
The problem, as usual is the maintenance. What if we spill sausage grease on them during the sausage cook-off? Who's going to clean them?
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
@bazooka,
a plaque with Bases Loaded would look darn good. don't you think?
to make maintenance easy, you could stop selling sausages, and a pressure washer will do the rest. i just don't think my new 50ft garden hose is long enough....
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4931
Aha! You're busted! My garden hose was 100 feet, not 50, so you couldn't have stolen it!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 3050
Yeah, but he then stole your replacement hose, which was just 50 feet.