Beverly Hills Residents Shape La Cienega Park Renovation Plans

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Envisioning a revitalized La Cienega Park for the community.

News Summary

Residents of Beverly Hills are invited to contribute their ideas for the renovation of La Cienega Park at a Town Hall meeting on September 25. Following community surveys, the Recreation and Parks Commission is set to discuss new features and improvements, addressing accessibility, playground issues, and sustainability through ongoing water well construction. The upcoming changes are an exciting opportunity for the community to shape a revitalized park space.

Beverly Hills Residents Invited to Shape La Cienega Park Renovation Plans

Attention, residents of Beverly Hills! A wonderful opportunity is on the horizon for all of you who love La Cienega Park. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 25, because that’s when you can share your thoughts and ideas at a Town Hall meeting about the park’s upcoming renovations.

Goodbye Gloomy Playground, Hello Exciting New Spaces!

La Cienega Park is about to get a major facelift! That’s right, big changes are coming, and the community is at the heart of it all. The Recreation and Parks Commission met on October 22 to kickstart the discussion about improvements for La Cienega Playground, which is part of their 2024 work plan. According to feedback gathered through community surveys, some exciting ideas are already bubbling up.

But let’s rewind for a moment—here’s what’s been going on. To understand how the community feels, park officials distributed a survey, and wow, did you all respond!

The Community Speaks: Survey Findings

A whopping 570 responses rolled in through postcards and emails, and it seems many of you are eager for change. Here’s what the survey revealed:

Only 23% of respondents said they avoid the park mainly due to the heat or overcrowding.
Half of the respondents—around 50%—visit the park weekly, with the playground being their main attraction.
A significant 70% of you reported experiencing issues that compromise your enjoyment of the park. Common complaints included sand, lack of shade, and outdated playground equipment.

It’s clear that there’s a strong desire for a fitness-oriented playground along with sensory-play elements and perhaps even some cool water features like fountains or splash pads. These fantastic ideas will certainly be taken into account as the community services team creates a conceptual design.

Planning for Accessibility and Comfort

As plans unfold, the commissioners are keen to ensure that the focus not only includes the playground but also addresses ADA compliance for everyone to enjoy. Plus, there’s been some buzzing around the pickleball courts at the La Cienega Tennis Center, and rest assured that noise concerns are being carefully evaluated.

Water Well Construction: A Step Towards Sustainability

300 million gallons annually! The wells will gather water from the Central Basin aquifers and serve not only Beverly Hills but also parts of West Hollywood.

This effort is part of a comprehensive Water Enterprise Plan established back in 2015, aimed at reducing dependency on imported water. Thanks to a substantial federal grant of nearly $1 million secured for this project, work is moving forward.

What to Expect During Construction

If you live nearby, be prepared for some parking restrictions and sidewalk closures in the vicinity of the construction sites. The wells, estimated to cost around $6 million, are projected to be finished by 2026. The Gregory Well is at the northeast corner of the park, while the LeDoux Well is making progress at the southwest corner.

Community Events Bring People Together

Beverly Hills Art Show and the Day of Wellness. Both events received rave reviews and saw a fantastic level of attendance—proof that Beverly Hills residents love coming together!

So, are you ready to lend your voice to the future of La Cienega Park? Don’t miss out on the Town Hall meeting! Your ideas count and are essential in shaping a beautiful, inviting space for everyone in our beloved Beverly Hills.