SR-073096-9-A (2)
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City Council Meeting
July 30, 1996
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JUL 3 0 1996
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Santa MonIca, CA
TO Mayor and City CouncIl
FROM City Staff
SUBJECT Recommendation to Approve the Concept Design Plan for the South
Beach Improvements and Phase II of Palisades Park Improvements
of the Beach Improvement Group ( B I G.) Project
IntroductIOn
This report provIdes information about the development of the Concept DesIgn Plan
of the Beach Improvement Group (B I G ) Project and requests City Council
approval of the Concept Design Plan for two components of the project. the South
Beach Improvements and Phase II of the Palisades Park Improvements Staff will
return to the City CouncIl upon completIon of the Design Development phase for
approval of the completed design of these components as well as the design for
the other components of the BIG Project
Backqround
In June, 1995, the City Council approved the award of consultant contracts to
Wallace, Roberts & Todd (WRT) for the desIgn of five capital Improvement
prOjects In the beachfront area renovation of the northern section of Palisades
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JUL 3 0 1996
Park, reconstruction of the California InclIne. widening of the Santa MOnica Pier
bridge, Improvement to South Beach from the Pier to Bay Street, and enhancement
of the gateway where Interstate 10, Pacific Coast Highway, and the PIer Intersect.
WhIle each project contains unIquely dIstInct features, all five share common work
elements, are contiguous to one another and constitute one encompassmg scenic
landscape from Bay Street to the northern City limits The design effort for all five
components Involves collaboration of the landscape architectural firm WRT and
public artist Jody Pmto
The Palisades Park and South Beach Improvements are funded through the
Proposition A - Safe Neighborhood Parks Act which was passed by voters In 1992.
The other three components are primarily federally funded With ISTEA and
Highway Bridge Replacement funds The two park components are on a different
fundIng and deSign schedule than the other three components which are expected
to begin conceptual deSign thiS summer The Concept DeSign Plan that IS
presented to the Council Includes the Palisades Park and South Beach
Improvements only
Conceptual Deslqn Process
The conceptual deSign phase for the Palisades Park and South Beach portions oi
the project began In late February At that time a Boards and Commissions Liaison
Group was established to faCIlitate communication and to keep boards and
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commISSIons Informed about the progress of the project On March 17, 1996, a
Walking Tour of Palisades Park and the South Beach was held to gIve partIcipants
a chance to experience the many different qualrtles and characteristics of these
areas Over 300 people partIcipated In the Walking Tour and provided written
comments at the informational display at the Semor RecreatIon Center or followed
the walking tour and answered the questions In the gUidebook
Followmg the Walking Tour, the desIgn team and CIty staff held mformal
Informational meetings with representatives from the South Beach hotel
commumty, Muscle Beach, Chess Park, and Police, LIfeguards, Park Rangers, and
Beach and Park maintenance staff
On April 17 and 1 B an Open House featuring an Interactive Display of preliminary
design concepts was held at the Ken Edwards Center Over 100 people went
through the exhIbit stations, made chOices among the Improvement options, and
"voted" for their top priorities. On the evenmg of April 18, 1996, about 50 people
attended the CommunIty Workshop and had addItional opportunitIes for diSCUSSIon
and feedback
The design team has used the feedback from the Walking Tour, mformatlonal
meetings, and the Open House and Workshop to help develop the Concept DesIgn
Plan that has been presented to five boards and commiSSions as well as the Pier
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Restoration Corporation and ConventIon and VIsitors Bureau dUring the months of
June and July The boards and commISSions Include the Planning Commission,
Architectural Review Board, Arts Commission, Landmarks Commission, and
Recreation and Parks CommissIon The comments that have been made by board
and commiSSion members and the public dUring these presentations confirm that
the Concept Design Plan IS reflective of the opinions expressed dUring the
community participation process Each of the boards and commiSSions has
endorsed the plan with the Recreation and Parks Commission formally approving
the plan Each group Will have another opportunity to review the final design upon
completion of the Design Development phase A summary of the comments of
each board and commiSSIon IS Included as Attachment A
Desiqn Approach
The underlYing theme of the concept design IS that Palisades Park and South Beach
share the fundamental attribute of "theater." They are places where the rituals of
nature and culture are absorbed and celebrated Like the tides, these
performances ebb and flow according to the patterns of weather, Irght, and human
Impulse The approach of the deSign team IS to facIlitate this ebb and flow, to
create stages for the natural and cultural performances to take place, and to
recogmze the coastline as an Integral part of Santa MOnica's unique CIVIC persona
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Palisades Park. Natural Theater
Palisades Park captures the essence of ebb and flow as a constant reminder of
nature's fragility and change The park design need not create drama, but merely
tap It. BasIc to the approach IS keepmg the design changes understated, yet
effective, as If they were always present
Phase I Improvements to Palisades Park were completed In July, 1994 ThiS phase
emphasized replacement of the deteriorated Irrigation and drainage systems
between the Santa Monica Pier and Arizona Avenue The Jogging path, park
furniture, drinking fountains, concrete fencmg and park and street lighting were
Improved. Phase II covers the park area between Arizona and Inspiration POint It
Will Include Similar Improvements such as Irrigation and drainage systems, park
furniture and IIghtmg, and highlight and enhance key elements such as the Rose
Garden, the Pergola, and Inspiration POint
The key Improvements for Palisades Park, Phase II Include the follOWing
o A return of InspIration POInt to more natural landscaping With
underplantlngs of native and drought tolerant shrubs, picnicking IS
underneath the tree canopy
o New Irrigation and drainage IS Installed throughout the project area to
sustain the landscape
o Lighting IS replaced and added to maintain park safety
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o In narrow sections, a sIngular, decomposed granite path combines the
park promenade and Jogging path to maXimize the areas for
turf and landscape
o Rustic overlooks provide edge access for viewing
o The Rose Garden IS highlighted with new paths and planting
o The Pergola IS restored and enhanced with planting
o Restrooms are rehabilitated.
o The Incline crosswalks are Improved and a new overlook transitions to the
Phase I Improvements
South Beach: Human Theater
As It IS the natural elements which create the "drama" of Palisades Park, at South
Beach, It IS human theater. The beach and the Promenade ebb and flow with the
rhythm of people and their activities - volleyball, gymnastics, chess, skating,
walking, bicycling The recreational elements that already eXist offer the
opportunity to "make" a sIte and become the framework for ImprovisatIOn.
In March, 1994, the City Council approved In concept the Santa MOnica Beach Pier
to Bay Street Improvement Plan The deSign team has used the Improvement plan
as a baSIS for the Concept DeSign Plan With some modification In response to
changes In uses and charactenstlcs of the area
The key Improvements Include the follOWing
o The Promenade curves WIth the patterns of ebb and flow and has new
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paving, lighting, and walls to serve both for seating and as a sand barrier
o Chess Park IS expanded In Its current locatIOn
o Muscle Beach equipment IS replaced and refurbished In Its current location
o A new children's playground IS provided for "adventure play"
o Portions of the Promenade expand to serve as "stages" to the beach
activities
o Bay Street becomes a "cui de sac" drop off for pedestrians and disabled
access and a smoother transition to the eXisting beachfront Promenade IS
created
o Clusters of palms are planted for shade
o Restrooms are refurbished
o A boardwalk extends to the high water line as a disabled
access/pedestrian walkway which terminates the Improvements to South
Beach
Schedule
Dunng the Design Development phase, which will be completed In Fall, 1996, the
design team will develop a detailed final design and detailed cost estimates
During thiS penod, staff will seek approval from the Coastal Commission and State
Recreation and Parks Department Staff has met with Coastal Commission staff to
review the Concept Design Plan. It IS expected that the design for the three other
components of the B.I G. Project (Pier Bndge widening, California Incline
replacement, and Coastal Comdor Gateway) Will be presented at the tIme that staff
returns to the City Council In November. Construction of the South Beach and
Palisades Park Improvements IS expected to begin In late Spnng, 1997, With the
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construction phased to aVOId the busy summer season Construction IS expected
to be completed In Winter, 1 998
Budqet/Fiscal Impact
The South Beach and Palisades Park Improvements are funded primarily with LA
County PrOposition A - Safe Neighborhood Parks Act The South Beach
Improvements have been budgeted at a total of $1 86 million which Includes
design and constructIon management fees, $1 55 million IS currently
unencumbered In Account # 20-740-511-20094-8905-99521 The prellmmary
cost estimates for work shown In the Concept Design Plan fall within the available
budget with the exception of restroom renovation ThiS IS also the case for the
Palisades Park Improvements which are budgeted at a total of $3 1 million; $2 6
million IS currently unencumbered In Account # 20-770-511-20094-8900-99264
Staff IS seeking other sources of funding, an additional $1 7 million has been
Included In the Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996
which Will be on the November ballot If approved by the voters, a portion of
these funds may be used to refurbish and/or relocate the restrooms In Palisades
Park and at South Beach
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Recommendation
1 Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Concept Design Plan
for the South Beach Improvements of the Beach Improvement Group
Project
2. Staff recommends that the City CouncIl approve the Concept Design Plan
for Palisades Park Improvements, Phase II of the Beach Improvement Group
Project
Prepared by'
Barbara Stinchfield, Acting Director
Judith Meister I Beach Manager
Mana de Herrera, Cultural Affairs Administrator
Department of CommunIty and Cultural Services
CraIg Perkins, Director
Tony Antlch, City Engineer
Dave Britton, Senior CIVil Engineer
Mark Cuneo, CIVil Engineer
Department of EnVironmental & Publrc Works
Attachment A
Boards and CommiSSions Comments
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ATTACHMEKT A
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS COMMENTS
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PRESENTATIONS
Architectural Review Board (June 3, 1996)
o Select mterestlng equipment for South Beach children's play area
o Landscape the lifeguard headquarters
o Look at Bay Street as major entrance
o Maintain public sidewalk In Palisades Park In Phase /I area.
o Look at solutions to bike/skaters/pedestrians conflIcts In South Beach.
o How will dedicated benches be handled In Palisades Park?
o Restore concrete fence.
o Ensure strong role of graphic deSign fIrm In the Gateway project (In addition
to the artist).
o Return barbecue pIts to InSpiration POint
o Relocation of restroom away from Craftsmen Arches" to re-emphaslze this
Important feature should be Implemented.
o MaIntain a path through the Rose Garden as well as adding one around It
o Strongly consIder adding lockers or other facliltles on the beach so that
VIsitors who use public transportation, bikes, foot, will have a place to store
their belongings If they want to go to pier or other attractIons ThiS was
hIstorical use.
o DeSign for pOSSibility of addItional erOSion In Palisades Park.
o Add shade on the beach (palms or other compatible trees) at Muscle
Beach, picniC areas, etc.
o Don't wIden path too much In Palisades Park
oRe-design, If feaSible, the turning movements at the foot of the Callforma
Incline
o Find linkages, wherever pOSSible, to connect the five projects and tie
together with unifYing theme.
o Absolutely the right approach of "stealth deSign" and evolution vs.
revolution
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Pier Restoration Corporation Comments (June 5, 1996)
o PRC IS studYing Ingress and egress, we'll need to work together
o Important to tIme construction so not to Impact summer season
o Ensure suffiCient number and adequacy of restrooms
o Address Issue of bikes and pedestnans
o What kind of trees will tolerate beach conditions and give shade?
o Really like the way views and varYing elevations are being treated.
o Consider vIew of PIer through McClure tunnel and either relocate or
upgrade beach mamtenance facIlity
o Improve access to the bike path from the Pier
landmarks Commission Comments (June 10, 1996)
o Pleased to see historical consultant on team and can see Influence In
preserving elements of Importance In Palisades Park.
o For Pier bndge and CalifornIa Incline projects, Important to respect current
appearance and carry that forward.
o Good opportunity to Improve slgnage which IS not currently adequate
o CreatIve Idea to raise heIght of benches In Palisades Park
o Retain h,stone design of concrete fence In palisades Park as deteriorated
portions are replaced
o PIer sign should be retained as part of Pier bridge Widening proJect.
o Very senSitive, understated approach
o Public process has been excellent.
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Arts Commission Comments (June 17, 1996)
o In response to question regarding opportunities for art, public artist and
desIgn team member Jody Pinto explaaned that this project IS perfect
opportunity for artists to learn how public art functIons; how art can be
made that IS seamless. specIfIc opportunitIes Include desIgn treatment of
seatmg r paving, Chess Park, restroom features
o Answer to question at what pOint will Arts Commission get Involved In
details, It was explained that there would be opportunity dUring design
development phase for portions of this project that are mcluded within the
budget as well as an ongoIng opportunity to enhance or enliven the
framework that Will be provIded by this phase of the project
Planning Commission Comments (June 19, 1996)
o Need to accommodate multitude of uses on the Beach Promenade -
pedestrians, bicycles, skaters
o Is there any thought to taking out some of the eucalyptus trees at Inspiration
POint Since It IS very dark?
o How Will redlrectmg path at Pergola Impact ItS original concept of being a
series of snapshots of the beach?
o The plan takes what IS there and takes It a step further
o Need to examine why bicycles are allowed on the Promenade.
o Bay Street should be delineated as a access way to the bIke path; Widening
may help thIS mtersectlon which IS diffIcult and dangerous
o Concern that the logical logging path In Palisades Park which works well
now WIll be recreated; need to tIe Jogging path In park to San Vicente
o Important to enhance the actIvity of Chess Park - they create safety on that
part of the beach
o Recreate some of the exhibItIon activity at Muscle Beach
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o Important to also be able to walk through the Rose Garden.
o One way to actIvate South Beach IS to consider food concessions.
o Plan IS a great opportUnity to keep democratic tradition of beach. Provide
lockers, public storage places for those who come from public transportation
o Important to provIde space for spectators but not big bleachers, rather take
advantage of grade dIsplacements to create seating opportunities; shade IS
Important
o Muscle Beach and Chess Park should be contIguous
o Look at mIxing uses In South Beach area, beach concession Idea could be
carts. Consider appropriate Ground level activities and Impact on residents.
o The detailing In Palisades Park restores elegance.
o Need to consIder long-term planning for California Incline.
o Ensure opportunities for neighborhood mteractlon nodes (nlns)
o Integrate Pollee and security mto design plans
o Take care WIth Imbedding anything Into pavmg treatment.
o Commend the process which has resulted Into a real VISion for this area
Reactivating and expanding Chess Park and Muscle Beach ThIs IS what
makes a city and what makes places
o Native planting In Palisades Park IS Important and needs to be done In a
sensitIve way while malntalnmg the histone character of the Park
Recreation and parks Commission Comments tJune 20, 1996)
o TIe In Jogging path. In Palisades Park WIth San V,cente
o Support Idea to relocate restroom away from Craftsmen arches.
o Bay Street IS dangerous and deSign helps to solve some of the problems but
need further look at how vehIcle drop off and bIcycles will mix together
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o Concern that palm trees wIll obstruct views from LIfeguard Headquarters;
also children's play area should be on north side of restroom to allow
lifeguards to survey.
o Consider moving Muscle Beach equipment to south side of restroom to
ensure access from lifeguard headquarters.
o Need low mamtenance landscaping
o Drainage IS cntlcal element In Park design.
Convention and Visitors Bureau Comments (July 3, 1996)
o Consider Irnklng the study of a ramp from the Pier deck to the 1 550 lot with
the PIer wIdening proJect.
o Evaluate lowering the parkmg rate at the more remote beach lots (ex, South
beach lots) to encourage usage of these lots and dIvert traffic away from the
Pier
o Incorporate Improved directional signage to the south beach lots.
o Elevating benches In Palisades Park to provide an unobstructed view above
the railing IS a good Idea but consider the possible hazard of steps; look at
alternatIve such as moundmg with earth
o Palisades Park IS flat, consider giving more contour and grade changes.
o Concern for coordInating work on Palisades Park with efforts to control
erosIon of the bluffs
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