Landscape Architect & Specifier News

MAR 2018

LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.

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Charles Lewis III Memorial Park exemplifies the role of open space in the pursuit of social and environmental equity. As one of the most park-deficient communities in the city of San Diego, this park offers essential access to open space in the neighborhood of City Heights. What was once a vacant lot and site for illegal dumping has been transformed into a destination for the local residents. It has become a place to come together, socialize, celebrate and play—all building blocks of a thriving community. This three-acre park includes nearly one acre of restored creek habitat, leaving slightly more than two-acres for active uses. The footprint of the park is significantly constrained by an arterial road to the west, a creek channel to the east, and multifamily development to the north and south. The site is also bisected by a tributary of Auburn Creek, effectively creating two independent park sites. The constrained and linear nature of the site presented an opportunity to strategically distribute amenities along a central circulation spine, creating a series of interconnected activity hubs throughout the park. The park epitomizes a community-based grassroots effort. The creation of the park was inspired after its namesake, the late Charles Lewis III, a former city council member who was a consistent and passionate advocate for under-served communities. The park was brought to fruition by the combined efforts of his family, the city and community leaders. The city obtained $2.8 million in grant funding to make the project a reality. The community was engaged throughout the master planning, which included focused stakeholder meetings with numerous community organizations. The community was instrumental in identifying the final program for the park, which included children play areas, a half basketball court, a picnic area, shade structures, a comfort station, flexible turf, off-leash dog run, informal trails and interpretive elements. Installation of a traffic signal with pedestrian crossings 60 Landscape Architect and Specifier News

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