Architect Seth Kimball answers questions about Cobb Stadium plans from the City Council. Photo: City of Sanford
By Renée Morin
Public access for all remains a top priority in the redesign of Cobb Stadium, the project’s architect told the Sanford City Council on Tuesday.
Seth Kimball of the Portland-based firm Aceto Kimball Landscape Architecture & Urban Design said the redesign of the popular playing field will take into consideration both requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and public comments during earlier planning sessions.
Tuesday’s discussion was another step in a process that included a session with community volunteers last February, and an initial presentation at the April 7 council meeting. Aceto Kimball, the city, Sanford schools, and members of the community are all involved in this process.
Improvements to the stadium, which is located between Sanford Middle School and Pride Elementary School, will be financed through community fundraising.
Kimball said a challenge for Aceto Kimball was to find a way to integrate a ramp into the stadium structure, rather than requiring several separate ramps. The idea is that “everyone lands at the same spot, and everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the games from the stadium seating,” he said.
According to Kimball, the planned stadium seating will be terraced, and there will be an integrated slope that extends across the terraces and intersects with the middle landing. Next to the center staircase will be integrated stadium seating, with grassy terraces where spectators can set up chairs. A similar design can be seen at the Springvale Recreation Area. The grassy terraces will likely be artificial turf in order to reduce maintenance costs.
Some of Aceto Kimball’s other suggestions for the stadium include additional parking and new lighting for the field and parking lot. A new amphitheater for outdoor classes, and a wooden ADA-accessible playground are also possible additions.
After the presentation, Mayor Becky Brink emphasized that funding the redesign will not be the responsibility of taxpayers. “We’re hoping that this area means enough to the citizens of Sanford to step forward and help do fundraising,” she said.
The next step for the city and Aceto Kimball will be to estimate costs, with estimates likely to be ready in a month’s time, according to Kimball.
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