Saw a concrete park bench that looked like it was poured by a ghost

I was in Portland last month and walked through a new park near the river. There's this long bench, maybe 20 feet, that's supposed to be a smooth curve. The finish is so wavy and uneven it looks like someone did it blindfolded. You can see every single trowel mark, and one end is a full inch higher than the other. It's been there for six months, so it's not a fresh pour. How does something that bad get signed off on in a public space? Has anyone else seen a public concrete job that just makes you shake your head?

3 comments

3 Comments

ward.olivia29d ago

Was it that new park by the Zidell Yards development? I swear the curb cuts over there look like they were done by a drunk person with a garden trowel. The city spent millions on that area, but the finish work is shockingly bad. Who is the concrete sub getting these contracts, and what inspector is just rubber-stamping this stuff?

the_fiona29d ago

Oh man, @ward.olivia, I used to think it was just me being picky, but seeing that mess totally changed my mind.

the_max29d ago

Honestly, I wonder if the crew just ran out of time and the city refused to pay for a re-pour.