City Council Approves First Two Phases of Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project
October 16, 2019 11:15 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif., – At last night’s meeting, City Council reviewed and contemplated the proposed master plan for the redevelopment and expansion of Memorial Park. Council directed staff to move forward with the design of the first two of three phases of the park to create an inviting, accessible, and thoughtfully designed park.
The Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project is part of the Memorial Park Master Plan, which combines the existing 10.3-acre Memorial Park with the former Fisher Lumber site – a City-owned, 2.9-acre property adjacent to the existing park – into a newly renovated and expanded community park. The need to expand and redefine Memorial Park’s role was determined more than 20 years ago to meet increasing demand for recreational activities.
“City Council is committed to providing safe, accessible, and welcoming parks that encourage outdoor activity, and time spent with friends and family,” said Councilmember Ted Winterer. “This project will expand and rejuvenate our beloved Memorial Park as a recreational hub with a collection of amenities for the community to enjoy.”
Council also directed staff to evaluate issues, including:
- Making the midblock entrance on 14th Street more pedestrian-friendly
- Rotating fields 3 and 4 to increase permeability near the Metro Expo Line Station
- Feasibility of incorporating 16th Street into the park
- Activating the temporary practice field for passive recreational uses
- Adding more flexibility for use and community amenities such as BBQs
- Retaining a dog run
- Considering all recommendations made by the Recreation and Parks Commission
The project’s redevelopment and expansion is focused on maximizing the 13.2-acre site for Santa Monica residents and meeting the following objectives:
- Improve amenities for existing uses
- Increase field space with a focus on diamond sports
- Consider the park’s relationship to the surrounding neighborhood and City context
- Community programs such as the gymnasium, Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL), and fitness facilities
- Integrate components of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plans
- Integrate appropriate buffering along busy vehicular corridors
Construction will take place in three phases to minimize disruption to the existing park. The cost for phase 1 is approximately $25 – $30 million in capital costs with an 18 – 24-month timeline. Phase 2 is approximately $15 - $18 million with a 12 – 18-month timeline.
As part of the project, the City’s Public Landscape Division offices and equipment will be temporarily relocated to a non-aviation site at Santa Monica Airport.
City staff will return to Council in January 2020 for approval with the selected design-build team to provide design and pre-construction services for phases 1 and 2 of the master plan. Staff will also begin preparing the environmental impact analysis.
Memorial Park was established in the 1950s and serves as the primary park for baseball and softball and is home to the City’s only public gymnasium and skate park. The expansion to Memorial Park follows many recent improvements to the City’s parks network, including the new Ishihara Park opening in 2017. The new universally accessible North Beach Playground opened last year and the Civic Center Multipurpose Sports Field broke ground in August and is scheduled to open in summer 2020.
For more information about the Memorial Park Master Plan, please visit santamonicaparks.org/memorialparkmasterplan.
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov