The Airport Conversion Project Is Expected to Span Five Planning Phases, With the Goal of Adopting a Preferred Design Scenario by Late 2025
Santa Monica officials unveiled draft guiding principles for the city’s Airport Conversion Project at a community event on Dec. 7. The event, held at Memorial Park Gym, attracted residents eager to weigh in on the transformative plan to convert the airport site into a new “Great Park” once aviation operations cease in 2028.
The guiding principles, developed through extensive community outreach, outline a vision for sustainability, cultural vibrancy, and economic feasibility. Over the past several months, city planners gathered input through surveys, workshops, and pop-up events, as stated in a City post. These principles will serve as benchmarks for success and guide future design scenarios during Phase 3 of the project.
The draft principles emphasize ecological restoration, inclusivity, and financial sustainability. City planners envision a park that integrates natural habitats, supports biodiversity, and showcases sustainable infrastructure. The space is also intended to foster creativity, provide inclusive amenities for all ages and abilities, and reflect Santa Monica’s layered history and cultural identity. Economic feasibility remains a cornerstone, with a focus on balancing project costs and long-term operational funding.
Attendees at the Dec. 7 event explored detailed descriptions of each principle and provided feedback that will inform the final proposal, the City post described. City officials plan to present the finalized principles to the City Council in early 2025.
The Airport Conversion Project is expected to span five planning phases, with the goal of adopting a preferred design scenario by late 2025. City leaders described the effort as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to create a landmark park that aligns with Measure LC’s requirement to prioritize public use of the site.
Additional details about the project are available at smacproject.com.
