Park Lane steps reopen in Belvedere after concrete replacement project

The newly completed Park Lane staircase — which connects Belvedere and Golden Gate avenues at the southern end of Belvedere Island — includes a concrete platform with an integrated bench. One member of the Parks, Open Spaces and Lanes Committee called it ‘brutalist,’ while a resident said she was concerned people wouldn’t recognize its function. (Ted McDonnell / For The Ark)

Belvedere has completed a concrete staircase along Park Lane, though the project’s concrete bench is drawing criticism for its “brutalist” design and unclear function.

The city’s Parks, Open Spaces and Lanes Committee heard concerns about the bench at its special meeting Aug. 21. The Park Lane staircase, completed about Aug. 15, includes a metal railing and the new bench midway up.

The estimated cost was $113,035, using $38,623 from the city’s general fund, $36,412 from the Transportation Authority of Marin through revenue generated by Measure B — a vehicle-registration fee increase passed by voters in 2010 — and a $38,000 grant from the Belvedere Community Foundation.

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