LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/320919
(Continued on page 22) p l a y g ro u n d 20 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Above More than four acres of an abandoned industrial area used for smelting precious metals in El Monte, Calif., was cleaned up and transformed into Gibson Mariposa Park, a butterfly-themed park that features a splash pad, play structures, basketball courts, a butterfly habitat and an outdoor classroom. Residents of El Monte, Calif., had long envisioned more than four acres of an unused industrial space, once a smelting factory for precious metals, as a neighborhood park. Fifth-graders from Shirpser Elementary, a nearby school, wrote letters to the El Monte mayor and city council urging them to build a park, and the city agreed. The students sent their requests on butterfly-shaped paper, and with the assistance of neighbors and community leaders, Gibson Mariposa, an innovative 'butterfly park,' was born in 2011. The city of El Monte worked closely with landscape architecture firm David Evans and Associates, Inc., and Amigos de los Rios, a stewardship organization that oversees the East Los Angeles County Emerald Necklace park network, to develop a community-based design that would transform the site. The city, its partners, and the Trust for Public Land raised more than $8 million dollars from California State Parks, the local state conservancy (RMC), and the County Open Space District to acquire the land, clean and remediate the site and build Gibson Mariposa Park. This project is a milestone for the El Monte community, which has historically had a deficit of parkland and recreation facilities. Design Upon completion of the master plan, the landscape architect began preparing the design development and final construction documents for the project. Due to limited funding, the landscape architect also provided guidance on how to structure the construction contract and phasing of the project. Significant community outreach and public relations were necessary to ensure the input of local residents and children were considered and incorporated during the project. The landscape architect also provided construction management services and coordination with design subconsultants. The selected theme is on full display throughout the various park sections, which include a butterfly habitat, splash pad, playground, picnic areas, basketball courts, outdoor classroom and stage, restrooms, parking, and open play areas. The project's intent was to create a 4.5-acre facility that exemplified sustainable design principles and outlined a new model for municipal park design featuring a butterfly habitat, culturally relevant outdoor educational areas and innovative play spaces for children of all ages. By Project by David Evans and Associates, Inc. Out of the Cocoon: Gibson Mariposa Park, El Monte, Calif. 20-23.indd 20 5/21/14 1:11 PM