Half Dome Village Pathway Lighting Installation (YH 2018)

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During the recent work to rehabilitate the Stoneman 819 Cabin, all of the overhead power and overhead pathway lighting in the cabins-with-bath area was removed. No pathway lighting was reinstalled at that time creating a safety hazard for the guests traveling to and from their cabins at night. In order to mitigate the safety hazard, and provide a clear path of travel for park guests, Yosemite Hospitality would like to install pathway lighting around the cabins area.

The project undertaking includes the installation of thirteen (13) post-mounted pathway lights in the area of the historic bungalows in Half Dome Village. Pathway lighting is needed to provide a safe path of travel for guests accessing their cabins at night. The proposed lighting would be rustic in nature, complementing the historic character of the village. The number of lights has been minimized to the appropriate level that provides safe visibility at night. The subtle wedge design of the post lights is compatible with the historic character of the Camp Curry Developed Area of the Yosemite Valley Historic District and is consistent with post lights installed elsewhere in Half Dome Village. The lights would be mounted on three-foot tall six-by-six wooden (pine) posts anchored with metal brackets to a concrete base block.

The undertaking includes approximately 380 linear feet of trenching that will be 4-inches wide and 18-inches in depth (hand dug). The proposed trenching is located among historic bungalow cabins 1-16. The area receives heavy traffic from pedestrians and maintenance activities and is denude of vegetation with the exception of the mature pine trees. The proposed trenching is in bare dirt and no vegetation would need to be removed.

Battery-operated lights were considered but the contractor recommended that battery-operated lights are not appropriate for this location because they require a solar back-up which would not work in the forested area at the foot of Glacier Point. This area receives little direct sunlight throughout the year, particularly in winter.