| Project: |
Vista Hermosa Natural Park |
| Location: |
Los Angeles, California |
| Client: |
Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Los Angeles Unified School District |
| Size: |
9.5 acres |
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Facts:
- First public park built in the densely populated
area in more than a hundred years
- Vista Hermosa is a self-contained watershed. Just about every drop of water that falls in the park either drains into the ground and fills the
underlying aquifer or is captured for irrigation
purposes.
- The native habitat planted replicates the 5
ecosystems of the Santa Monica Mountains which include: Coastal Sage, Chaparral, Grass Land, Oak Woodlands and Mefic.
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Challenge: Transform an industrial site into an urban watershed demonstration project, public park, and recreational facility to be used jointly by the adjacent high- school students and the community.
Solution: This park brings the native California landscape characteristic of the Santa Monica Mountains into the City of Los Angeles and includes the following technological and sustainable features:
- Restoration of native landscape and creation of wildlife habitat in the urban environment.
- Captures, retains or infiltrates 98% of all rain water that falls on the site.
- A 20,000 gallon cistern captures water for irrigation use.
- A 100,000 gallon sub-grade retention basin collects water for infiltration into the soil.
- A green roof at the restroom building.
- Program includes: modern synthetic turf soccer field, nature trails, grotto,
children’s adventure play area and picnic areas.
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