Looks like they are finally getting close to breaking ground on the almost decade long plans to redesign what locals call South Park at Valley Drive and 4th Street in Hermosa Beach. South Bay media has been reporting that the meeting held in City Council chambers at the end of last month to discuss forward progress of the long gestating park plans had community members and residents buzzing when they left. A couple of conceptual ideas were discussed but almost all of the attendees chose the "imagination" theme over a beach theme that was deemed too kitschy.
MIG, the landscape firm that presented the designs, is known for its 'green' projects. The design that was favored includes winding dry creek beds, designed to catch run-off in the rains, and a children’s garden that will give young gardeners a safe way to experience the natural flora of California. A play area for young tots filled with natural elements such as logs, sand and water trimmed by winding edges was envisioned, as well as an area for older children that will have more traditional type swings and playground equipment. At the top of the park's hill there will be a series of bird-cage shaped metal frames with artwork encouraging children to cover the cages with blankets or sheets to turn them into forts or igloos or African huts.
One of the things I loved hearing about was that the various ideas local children have had over the years for improving the park were incorporated into the plans. In a nod to disabled children in the community, there are also activities planned for all abilities such as the pavilion in the center of the park that leads to a play platform accessible by bridge, rope course or 'easy access' ground pathway. There are also plans for a meditative labyrinth maze, an activity that has been shown to be soothing for autistic children. A sensory garden, suggested by one resident's vision impaired child who lives near the park, will also be incorporated.
MIG, the landscape firm that presented the designs, is known for its 'green' projects. The design that was favored includes winding dry creek beds, designed to catch run-off in the rains, and a children’s garden that will give young gardeners a safe way to experience the natural flora of California. A play area for young tots filled with natural elements such as logs, sand and water trimmed by winding edges was envisioned, as well as an area for older children that will have more traditional type swings and playground equipment. At the top of the park's hill there will be a series of bird-cage shaped metal frames with artwork encouraging children to cover the cages with blankets or sheets to turn them into forts or igloos or African huts.
One of the things I loved hearing about was that the various ideas local children have had over the years for improving the park were incorporated into the plans. In a nod to disabled children in the community, there are also activities planned for all abilities such as the pavilion in the center of the park that leads to a play platform accessible by bridge, rope course or 'easy access' ground pathway. There are also plans for a meditative labyrinth maze, an activity that has been shown to be soothing for autistic children. A sensory garden, suggested by one resident's vision impaired child who lives near the park, will also be incorporated.
MIG is going to tweak the plans ahead of the April 1st presentation before the Parks and Recreation Commission and, if all goes well, things could get moving pretty quickly. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that this is finally the light at the end of the tunnel after such a long wait for all of you Hermosa kids, parents and grandparents!
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