The City of Santa Monica invites community members to Airport Park this Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., to share their ideas for the park’s future expansion on 12 acres of non-aviation land at Santa Monica Airport. The event will feature a presentation by architect Mark Rios at 11:15 a.m. followed by opportunities to provide input on key park features, amenities, and materials. Participants can also meet with the Rios Clementi Hale Studios design team and other project consultants.
The expansion of Airport Park follows a directive from City Council on March 24, 2015 to develop recreational uses on two non-aviation parcels with a focus on sports fields to meet a growing community need. It is one of a number of park projects currently in the pipeline in Santa Monica, including:
Ishihara Park that is currently under construction on Exposition Blvd.,renovation of the northeast quadrant of Reed Park, which will break ground this summer, the recent kickoff of the design and rebuild of the Clover Park restrooms, and the upcoming launch of feasibility and design of a sports field at the Civic Center.
Council further demonstrated the City’s commitment to parks by approving more than $8.5 million in funding for open space projects in the 2016-18 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
Airport Park is currently a four-acre park located at 3201 Airport Avenue along the southeast border of Santa Monica. It currently features a soccer field, walking path, picnic area, and dog park.