Ajijic Malecon Bench Project

I will count the benches and get an estimate for reburnishing each one (wood, bolts, paint, labor). This will also be an opportunity to provide some work for a few people and a local Ajijic woodworking shop.

CanuckBob wrote:I will count the benches and get an estimate for reburnishing each one (wood, bolts, paint, labor). This will also be an opportunity to provide some work for a few people and a local Ajijic woodworking shop.

If I recall right, those benches aren't real wood: they are another material that supposedly stands up better to rain. I remember that information for when they first installed them. One of the regular workers might know what it's called. Another needy area is on the wood bridge between the Maledon and the main path to the pier. Small place in the middle about to be gone; easy to trip on.

OK, I went and counted them. There are 9 all metal benches which just need sanding and painting, and 67 (yes 67) wood and metal benches that need the wood replaced and the metal painted. It sure looks like real wood to me however I will check that out further.

Now we need to see if there is an appetite to pitch in and fix these. I estimate it will cost about $1000 pesos per bench for paint, wood, bolts, misc. and labor so we are looking at approximately $75,000 pesos.


Per bench breakdown:

Wood - $500 pesos
Paint - $75 pesos
Bolts - $150 pesos
labor - $180 pesos ($60 x 3 hrs)
Misc. (brushes, sandpaper, etc.) - $95 pesos

I will verify these numbers.

I will donate for one bench ($1000 pesos). I will also talk with Harry to see if he can get the muni to pitch in.

So who else is in?

I will give 1000 peso for a bench!

Agree, I think PC/EB is talking about Chapala malecon and Bob is talking about Ajijic, right?

So, the Ajijic benches sound like they.have been well-constructed with quality materials, what has caused them to deteriorate so rapidly?? Are people just vandalizing them and stealing the parts? Or is it just weather deterioration? If its vandalism what's to stop that from continuing with your nice new benches?

It is not vandalism. They are about 7 years old and the sun has taken it's toll. No doubt some people may have pulled off some of the curled splitting wood pieces.

I have contacted Harry and he thinks the Muni will provide the labor which will reduce the cost. I will confirm this once Harry gets back to me.

Well then, GO CB! A worthy endeavor!

I will contact everyone about donations once I see some light at the end of the tunnel. I want to see pledges of at least 50% before moving forward. Thanks everyone!!!!!

CanuckBob wrote:I will contact everyone about donations once I see some light at the end of the tunnel. I want to see pledges of at least 50% before moving forward. Thanks everyone!!!!!

OK, I see there are now two threads, Chapala and Ajijic. How about working together? I think with the generator and paint sprayer and maybe donations of paint from Walmart, the costs could be educed considerably.

I prefer to keep them separated at this point. I will probably approach this in a different manner than you. I plan to have the Muni fully involved.

Harry has confirmed that the Muni will supply all the labor to do this work if we can supply the materials. I will get the Muni to also quote on what they feel the materials will cost per bench as they can probably get better deals that me.

Good plan? Maybe not. Better to provide the materials than to give cash to 'the muni'.

RVGRINGO wrote:Good plan?  Maybe not.   Better to provide the materials than to give cash to 'the muni'.

Who said anything about handing over cash to the Muni? I will be deleting any "side discussions" as I want to stay focused. Naysayers, please start your own thread.

I'll pay for a bench on the Ajijic malecón once you get it sorted. In for a $1000 if that's the amount. Pledged/in.

And thanks!

I will too.  Consider it a gift from a failed fracc.  

I pledge 1000 pesos for a bench on the Ajijic malecón.

Thanks!

EXCELLENT!!! We are up to $7500 in pledges so far. I am going to put together a materials list today and ask the Muni to get a quote so we will know the exact cost. Harry has offered to assist them with this and ensure we are quoting on the proper materials. Please pass this project information along to your friends who may not see it on here. I have also posted it on Facebook but of course only my "friends" see it there.

I will donate 1,000 pesos for a bench

Thanks. Once we receive pledges for around 50% (Approx. $30,000 pesos) I will contact everyone to collect the monies.

This is the materials list I provided to Harry this morning for the Muni to get a quote on.

420 x Wooden bench slats – (230cm Long x 9cm Wide x 2cm thick)
16 gallons x Oil or Acrylic semi-gloss black paint
1260 x galvanized ½ inch x 3 inch carriage bolts and nuts
20 x 3 inch paint brushes
10 metal scrappers
2 gallons paint thinner

I have asked him to ensure the quote for the wooden slats includes staining and pre-drilling.

I am also looking for someone who can speak decent Spanish to accompany me to talk with businesses in Ajijic for donations next week. Anyone?

Re. vandalism, some skateborders used to jump up and slide their boards on the edges. Perhaps an obstruction half way  along the bench?

Good idea. I will mention this.