UC Santa Cruz: Ten New Picnic Tables Customed Designed, Handcrafted, And Installed On Campus

Press release from UC Santa Cruz:

UC Santa Cruz Public Affairs

January 25, 2022

It was a rush order, no question about it.

Staff got to work. One task force formed to select suitable locations while others started searching for appropriate high-quality tables in kits that could be shipped in a reasonable time frame. But after an exhaustive search—hundreds of leads were explored— it became clear that wasn’t going to happen. Either quality tables weren’t available or the cost was prohibitive. 

“It’s the most rewarding project I’ve done up here,” said carpenter Randy Denham. 

“It took a lot of effort, a lot of conversations,'' added Dave Jessen, Structural Trades superintendent. “It’s a tribute to the experience that a lot of these folks have.” He credited administrative support for helping ensure the project came together quickly. “When we came up with this design and then the material lists, we had to order all the hardware; they turned that around so fast.” 

The whole campus community benefits, she added. “We have such a beautiful campus. Tables like these help facilitate our engagement with the environment and with each other.”

Working with a Felton lumber yard, buyers procured western red cedar from the Pacific Northwest. Necessary hardware was located, purchased, and delivered in record time. 

Painters oiled the finished tables and benches. The sign shop created inscriptions for each table. Each table will also bear a bronze plaque made from reclaimed material and cast by sculpture instructor Sean Monaghan. The plaques have been picked up and will be installed in the next few weeks.

“We’d like to build more,” Dehnam said. 

The newly built tables can be found in pairs at Quarry Plaza, Science Hill, Digital Arts Resource Center, Humanities, and Classroom Units. 

This press release was produced by UC Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.