WESTFIELD – The city should be able to enjoy the new gazebo at Park Square this summer thanks to the hard work of students at Westfield Vocational Technical High School (WVTHS).
So far, 130 hours have been spent onsite and instructor Brian Falcetti expects it will be completed in 130 more.
“If the weather cooperates we should have it just about done by the end of the school year,” he said.
The gazebo was much different than the usual construction projects the school tackles. Usually an addition to a residence or a garage is the norm, but the gazebo afforded students the opportunity to delve into some unique construction.
Assistant Instructor Richard LaBay said the roof was a challenge the students met exceptionally well. An inspector said a 2.5 to 3-inch “off” allowance on the diagonal beams in the roof was acceptable but WVTHS students were within half an inch off.
“It’s almost a perfect building,” said LaBay.
Falcetti said there over 140 special cuts required to create the gazebo roof.
While the students always take pride in their work, LaBay said the gazebo project is a special source of pride for the whole school.
“Knowing their work will be seen by so many makes us very proud,” he said.
Four groups of students have worked on the gazebo and the current juniors are going to finish the project.
“It’s a really big deal for them,” LaBay added.
Falcetti said the recent warm spell allowed them to install the windows, and the next step is the doors, then exterior vinyl siding, which will be white.
“After that, the electrical students will come in and wire it. We will put up the interior clapboard and they will install the lighting,” said Falcetti. “Then we will finish up with trim.”
Falcetti is hopeful it will be complete by the last day of school, especially because they already have their next project lined up.
“We have a house project on the docket for September,” he said. “As long as the weather is good, the rest (of the gazebo) should be quick.”
