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sr-101210-8aCity Council Meeting: October 12, 2010 ,,pp Agenda Item: ~'~"T7 To: Mayor and City Council From: Susan Cline, Acting Director of Public Works Subject: Concept Design for the Palisades Garden Walk & Town Square Project Recommended Action Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Review and provide input on the proposed design concepts for the Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square Project. 2. Approve the recommended design direction. 3. Direct staff to move forward with Schematic Design. Executive Summary On June 22, 2010, Council approved a community engagement strategy for the design of the Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square Project and directed staff to proceed with its implementation according to the timeline set forth in the report. Staff and the City's design consultant James Corner Field Operations held the first community workshop on July 24, 2010 with over 200 community members participating in an active hands-on process to envision the important elements of the park. From the emerging community vision, staff and the consultant team established programmatic recommendations that were incorporated into three conceptual design options. The three conceptual design options were brought back to the community at a workshop on September 19, 2010, jointly convened by the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning Commission for review and input. Based on the discussions and survey results received from the Commissions and the community; staff recommends that Council provide input and approve the recommended general conceptual direction for the design of the park and direct staff to proceed with Schematic Design and the additional community review activities included in the project's approved community engagement plan. Background On June 28. 2005, Council adopted an update to the 1993 Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP), including creating Palisades Garden Walk, a new six-acre park north of Olympic Drive, west of Main Street, south of the Interstate-10 Freeway, and east of 1 Ocean Avenue, with an additional one-acre Town Square in front of City Hall that is oriented to civic and community activities. On April 13, 2010, Council- awarded a design contract to James Corner Field Operations. A key factor in the selection of James Corner Field Operations was their commitment to engaging the public in the planning and design of public open spaces and their creative design approach. On June 22. 2010, Council approved a community engagement strategy to ensure the park design reflects the diverse interests and perspectives of the Santa Monica community. Improvements to the surrounding streetscapes and freeway capping are an integral part of the CCSP. Planning and Community Development is working with the project team to coordinate design efforts for the adjacent streetscapes and provide a pedestrian entrance at Ocean and Colorado Avenues to improve the pedestrian connections to the new park. The new pedestrian access includes a widened sidewalk over the freeway, for which the required Caltrans review process is underway. Community Engagement Strategy This multi-pronged strategy uses electronic communication, stakeholder group liaisons, educational activities for youth, joint meetings of the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning Commission, visits to other advisory groups and regulatory commissions at key intervals, and multiple community workshops. A project website (http://www.smciviccenterparks.com) was launched to provide an online platform for information sharing between the project team and the community. The website contains project updates and news, project team and contact information, a photo gallery, online surveys, reports related to the project, and information on the overall Civic Center Specific Plan. Since June 2010, staff has made 23 appearances at various business, neighborhood, and special interest groups within the city to bring attention to the project and provide opportunities for additional public input. Presentations were made to these community 2 stakeholders that explained the location of the project, introduced the design consultant to the community;. and highlighted the schedule of upcoming public engagement opportunities. These appearances are critical to the success of the community engagement strategy because liaisons from these stakeholder groups will serve as important communication links between the evolving project and this wide range of community groups, ensuring that project information and updates are communicated throughout the community. In addition to the community engagement strategy, James Corner Field Operations has met with staff from Public Works, Community and Cultural Services, Planning and Community Development, and the Office of Sustainability and the Environment to share ideas and ensure proper coordination between the new park and other adjacent Civic Center projects that are moving forward. Discussion Surveys The community responded to the survey by submitting 435 responses either electronically or via paper collection at the outreach event. The responses were graphed to show the popularity of some choices over others. The summary found that most respondents would describe Santa Monica as: • Committed to being green and sustainable • Diverse and inclusive • Vibrant and active • A close community within a large scale urban context • A beautiful place with significant contextual assets that include the beach and the Santa Monica Mountains The survey results were an important basis for the consultant in developing the design concepts. 3 Community Workshops On July 24, 2010, the first of four community workshops occurred at the site of the Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square. Over 200 community members attended and participated in a number of activities designed to elicit thoughts, creative ideas, and suggestions on what their favorite existing features are on the site and what they would like to see with the newly designed spaces. The workshop was well received by the community. The design consultant, James Corner Field Operations, has prepared a report titled Concept Design Community Outreach Summary Report that summarizes the information gathered at this community workshop as well as the survey results. This report is available online at http://www.smciviccenterparks.com/storage/CDOutreach Report.pdf. The second community workshop on September 19, 2010 was attended by approximately 120 community members. This workshop also served as a joint meeting. of the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning Commission. At this workshop, James Corner Field Operations summarized the results of the community input that had been received to date and presented three design concepts for the park. Following the presentation, all workshop participants were invited to break up into smaller discussion groups to look closer at the options and provide input on each scheme. Questions asked of the participants included: • What most excites you about each concept? • Do you have any concerns about the design? • What other ideas do you have? At the end of the small group discussions, a representative from each group presented a verbal summary of the group's main thoughts to the workshop participants. Participants were also given an opportunity to complete a written survey. The presentation and survev are available on the project website. The workshop concluded with comments from both the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning Commission. 4 Overview of Presented Concept Schemes Concept 1- "The Arroyo Wash" THE ARI_~ RQY~ 4VA$t~" ~ ~~r t. Three Amigos Central space 2. Ocean Avenue Trellis 3. Man Street Treifis 4. Tovm Square Water feature 5. Acacia Garden \ 6: Umbrella Pine Trall ~ - ]. Oak Hill 8. Live Oak Lookout i 9. Hillside Amphitheater+Stage 1- iD, SeaLn9 Steps J~ ti Monty / Rcnic Point t20utdoor Cafe 13Chez JayParking ~ i `' ~-~' ~ ` F3 _1 L WMSipEET ~` oa aon +we 1 ~ uoa wtwly '. W?: obmine s deeubdm y amlulectunlfenNre water (eatun ~ I The "Wash" scheme is represented by a variety of fluid pathways and hills that appear to organically emerge from the entrance of City Hall, extending outward toward the City, Pier, and beach. The linear topography of the scheme is striated with a diversity of pathway widths for different potential uses, contrasting with newly created "hills" and overlooks with a maximum height of 15 feet. Water elements appear to originate in the Town Square and extend into the serpentine, flowing topography of Palisades Garden Walk. A large open space for events is placed near the center of the park site with the "Three Amigos," which are the three large ficus trees currently in the proposed location of the Olympic Drive extension toward Ocean Avenue, marking the center. Three forest types are grouped over the site: acacias, native oaks, and umbrella pines. Along with the relocated existing ficus trees, these trees create different tree canopies for a variety 5 of shade experiences. "Monty" (the large Moreton Bay fig tree) is preserved in place within a picnic grove. The Town Square and Park are linked by an overhead cable trellis consisting of lighting and vines which, as proposed, could extend from the front of City Hall across Main Street and through Palisades Garden Walk to the Ocean Avenue edge. A "tavern on the green"-type dining facility is incorporated. Concept 2 - d "The Arroyo Ravine" The "Ravine" scheme is primarily a wide pathway between two powerful landform "hills," narrow at the entrance on Ocean Avenue and Colorado Boulevard and widening to a plaza on Main Street. Each hill is a long ramped landscape leading to an overlook with one oriented toward City Hall and the other toward the Pier and beach at a maximum height of 20 feet. This scheme features a stony landscape made up of stepped gabion walls (cages filled with densely packed stones) with an amphitheater-like space that accommodates built-in seating and terraced planting. The proposed landscape is two- 6 sided with north and south facing slopes represented by different plant species with a water element that will channel stormwater. This scheme features planted walls, terraces, grasses, various Mediterranean plant specimens, and native species. In this scheme, the Three Amigos are relocated to the center of the park. A plaza connection to a "tavern on the green" is indicated with a large exterior dining court shown. A generous grove of trees bracket the Town Square, defining its north and south edges with seating on either side while maintaining an open view to the fagade of City Hall and reflecting a similar gathering space mirrored across the street in the park. Concept 3 - "The Arroyo Dune" THE ARRO DU! i. Event Path Entry 2: Ocean View Hill 3. Water Garden + Boardwalk 4. Climbing Wall 5: Play Space 6. Yoga Garden ~: Morty.Garden: e. Amphlfheaiar+Event Space 9: Towh Square Gardens ~- 10. P'icnicCxove V .Three Amigos Garden t a.o~idoor cote 13:CFIez JaY Parking ~. ~~L _~ T I /// UI .s } I ~ ~ ~~~ Ky"'~ . _~ _ 9 ®- ,::.j_ OF ~ IWB ~. be¢CYmYY ~. Olanlln9 ~-r M1culatloe j ertM1rle[Wtalf~aWn w welm leeW~e k- ~~i~ o~ ~r V' 'Y'om°7 ~u~ i ~_ ~.__®:__v1~ ~ GCFAHAVENJE The "Dune" scheme is an animated and playful arrangement of earthwork forms and garden areas described as "rambles and niches." The pathways are programmed for seating, strolling, and people-watching while landscaped areas are confined to the specific puzzle pieces of varied topographic forms and overlooks of a maximum height 7 of 15 feet and contain multiple plant species. Numerous canopy shade trees are distributed uniformly across the site. This is the shadiest of the three schemes and provides most potential for more intimate gathering. The Three Amigos are relocated toward the Olympic Drive edge of the park, commanding a prominent location opposite the Village. The edges of the park are designed to respond to different conditions and welcome visitors in a number of different ways and in multiple locations giving the park a permeable character. The scheme represents a park without a specific "center" and rather a number of different centers that provide a variety of spatial and horticultural experiences within the landscaped shapes. Community Responses to the Design Concept Options Following the breakout discussions at the September 19, .2010 workshop, the community and the Commissions joined together to verbally share the conclusions from each discussion group. The general consensus of the community members attending the workshop was that together the "Wash" and the "Dune" organizational schemes held the most interest, along with some of the more exciting design elements from the "Ravine" scheme, such as the tall overlook facing the Pier and beach. The most favored characteristics, present to some .degree in all three schemes, included (in order of preference): • Dramatic topography • Woodland planting and meadows Viewing platforms and overlooks • Social seating • Intimate gardens • Specimen trees and botanical displays • An outdoor cafe • A gathering space for events. The issue of bicycle access through the park was of particular interest to workshop attendees. Of the 68 written comments received, 14 respondents, or 20%, mentioned 8 bicycle usage in the park. Of the 14 respondents, ten deemed the need for dedicated paths in the park for bike use only to avoid conflicts with other park uses very important. The "Wash" was preferred for its connectivity, elegant and soft geometry, greater ratio of planting to paving, three groves of canopy trees, central open space, and the light- weight cable trellis to connect Town Square to Palisades Garden Walk as well as to create park gateways. along Main Street and Ocean Avenue. Areas of concern and further consideration were the scale of the central space, the need to ensure connections across the site and to adjacent areas and future projects including but not limited to the Village and the Civic Auditorium campus, and creating more opportunities for intimacy and play. The "Ravine" was the least preferred scheme overall, but was liked for its drama and height that allows for views to the ocean and its incorporation of water as an integrated design element. Areas of concern were the large amount of paving, steep constructed edges, safety, and maintenance. The "Dune" was preferred for its intimacy, playfulness, range, and diversity of uses supported by its spatial organization that allows for many rooms, high ratio of shade canopy, and its varied and thickened perimeter. Areas of concern were the use of wood decking, cost, the lack of a large central open space, safety, and maintenance. Survey results from the workshop participants showed that the steel cable trellis shown in the "Wash" scheme was "liked" and "strongly liked" by 69% of people responding, especially the. trellis along Ocean Avenue and at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. Of those surveyed, 73% of the community also liked and strongly liked the "Wash" water feature at Town Square. Both of these features tie the Town Square to the park in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. 9 Responses to the Concept Design Options by Commissioners from the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Plannina Commission Each of the Commissioners in attendance responded with -his or her comments. In general, the Commissioners were pleased with various .aspects in all of the concept options as well as the individual design elements. The Commissioners agreed with the community that the organizational concepts of the "Wash" and "Dune" schemes were preferred while some individual elements in the "Ravine" scheme such as the high overlooks, water elements, and plant palette could be incorporated. Some topics that were of special importance to the Commissioners included lighting for aesthetics and security, emphasis of native and drought-tolerant plants, and maintenance issues concerning some of the suggested materials. Based on the Commissioner comments regarding bicycle circulation, the issue of bicycle paths within the park, as opposed to using dedicated paths adjacent to the park, needs further refinement and discussion. Recommended Concept Direction Over the next few weeks, the City's design team will continue to synthesize all of the comments received from the public and quantify information from the surveys that are distributed at community events and posted online. Based on the preliminary input received to date, staff recommends that Council provide input and direction to the design team to proceed with further development of the "Arroyo Wash" scheme while incorporating some of the more positive design elements of the other schemes. This will include refining the circulation pattern to ensure connectivity, adding dra"ma and height attributes from the "Ravine" scheme, and incorporating more intimacy and playfulness attributes of the "Dune" scheme. Next Steps Based on Council input and direction on the proposed design concept, the following events will be scheduled: • Landmarks Commission: A review of design concepts is scheduled on October 11, 2010 to provide input on historic compatibility for different concepts for Town Square, which is located on the City-Designated Landmark City Hall property. • Presentation of design concepts to Arts Commission on October 18, 2010. 10 • Presentation of design concepts to the Architectural Review Board on November 1, 2010. • Third community workshop and joint meeting of the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning Commission to review Schematic Design on November 13. 2010. • Presentation to Council on the Schematic Design at the December 14, 2010 Council meeting. • Fourth community workshop to present design development on January 31, 2011. • Presentations of design development to Landmarks Commission, Arts Commission, Public Art Commission, and the Architectural Review Board in March 2011. Specific dates have not yet been set. • Presentation of design development at the April 4, 2010 Council meeting. Financial Impacts & Budget Actions There is no budget/financial impact associated with this action. The Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square Project budget is $25 million and is funded by the Redevelopment Agency. Prepared by: Jean Bellman, Architect Approved: usan Clm Acting Director of Public Works Forwarded to Council: ~.. Rod Gould City Manager Attachment: A -Executive Summary of the Concept Design Community Outreach Summary Report 11 ~ -~ ~ ~ ~ ~ executive summary. 4 survey. 5 workshop stations. 73 on-site comment cards. i 9 A~1~ Appendix 1: Survey Results. 21 Appendix 2: Workshop Stations. 93 Appendix 3: Comment Cards. 107 C47`~3 UAL Concept Design Community Outreach for Palisades Garden Walk + Town Square consisted of a quantifiable survey and on-site Open House and Workshop held on July 24, 2010. Feedback has been solicited on a range of topics including park uses, park themes, challenges, opportunities, and the site. Results from 435 surveys and approximately 200 community members who attended the open house are summarized below. Data analysis and comprehensive additional comments can be found in a series of appendices attached to this summary report. lJses A clear majority of both survey respondents and workshop attendees envision Palisades Garden Walk as a place for passive recreation with "Areas for Picnicking, Lounging, Silting, Reading, Relaxing and Viewing" as the primary use. Survey respondents rank "Path4vays for Walking, Running, and Cycling" and "Areas for Cultural Events" as second most desirable uses, while workshop attendees favor "Horticulture and Display Gardens," "Public Ar#," and "Cates." For Town Square, both survey respondents and workshop attendees identify "Areas for Organized Civic Events and Activities" as the park's most important use. The design team will develop alternative design schemes, which all support passive recreation for Palisades Garden Walk and flexible civic event space far Town Square. Various ratios of additional uses will also be explored. Ti,emes "Sustainability and the Environment" is identified by survey respondents as the most important design theme to be explored for both Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square. Workshop attendees, however, identify "Views and Topography" as the most important theme for Palisades Garden Walk and "Civic Engagement and Public Discourse" for Town Square. Additional themes including "Innovation and Progressive Design," "Access and Connectivity," "Coca! and Site History," and '`Identity and Destination" were identified and will be incorporated into concept design schemes for both parks. ~haiienges The most significant design challenge identified by survey respondents for Palisades Garden Walk + Town Square is "Designing a space that works for multiple uses at different times of day." Based on other comments and explanatory feedback, implicit. in this challenge, is concern for the city's homeless population and its use of the parks. Another significant challenge identified for each park is parking availability, traffic, and noise associated with adjacent roads and vehicular circulation. While parking is not in the scope of this project, this challenge is being addressed by the city through larger scale planning initiatives that consider the entire civic center campus. ~ppmr#u~ai#ie~ The two most significant design opportunities identified by survey respondents are "The Creation of a New Destination in the Hear[ of Santa Monica' and "Strong Adjacent Destinations." These and other design opportunities will be capitalized upon in the concept designs for the parks. ~i#e Community members provided valuable feedback on the future physicality of the site-- its context; its edges, and its core. Comments include the desire for wind breaks and buffers to block noise from adjacent roads; the desire to protect existing trees, provide additional shade, and maintain flexible open space; and, the desire to provide both visual connections to the ocean and city hall as well as physical connections to the site's adjacent destinations. Santa Monica residents are playing a critical role in the design of Palisades Garden Waik + Tovvn Square. Their valuable and extensive feedback will be used by the city and the design team to inform project program and concept designs, which will be presented at a second Workshop to be held on September 19, 2010. Concays4 Desegn G®mmunity OuBCeacH Sa~mmary Report 435 surveys containing i 2 questions were submitted both electronically (utilizing survey monkey} and via paper collection. To represent the data for questions 2, 3, 6 and 7, responses are graphed from most popular on the left side of the page to least popular on the right. Actual number of responses to these questions has been graphed; however, popularity has been determined by weighting the value of individual responses. A value of 4 waaassigned far'bery important" rankings, and a value of 1 for "not important". The total number of responses was then multiplied times its respective value (1-4) and then divided by total response to produce weighted values for each response. Questions 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, and i 1 required respondents to select one response out of a series of options. In order to represent the data, a percentage value has been assigned to each response to assess its popularity. Summaries for each of the responses are below: Question 70 'Fo gef you started, #hink about what best characterizes Santa ~+3onica anal complete the sentence below. Santa Konica is...? Many community residents expressed their desire to have the Civic Center Parks reflect the character of Santa Monica. Narrative responses to this question varied significantly; however, a number of trends and shared values can be extrapolated from the 388 responses and will help shape design thematics for the project. Mosf residents would describe Santa Monica as: • committed to being green and sustainable. • diverse, inclusive, vibrant, and active. a close community within a large scale urban context. • a beautiful place with significant contextual assets that include the beach and the Santa Monica Mountains. The comprehensive set of individual responses can be found in fhe first part of Appendix 1. jaRnes er9res2r gaeld ®perd#'safs5 I ."alisades Garden Vdalk+ lawn Square San!a :Voniw ~usstion 2: for ~.WL3SA®~5 ~aA~® NJ:~L%{SiY~ i), p3sass rats ts~s foi30vving i3S~S, from not 9n'9~80rtant t0 vary )Hn~Ortan$: Respondents were asked to rate uses for Palisades Garden Walk bawd on the categories identified in the fable below. The responses show chat a majority of respondents believe ''Areas for picnicking, lounging, sitting, reading, relaxing and viewing" and "Pathways for walking, running, and cycling" are the best uses for the site. Cafe and refreshments, received the lowest-ranking of all possible uses with 4he majority of respondents (53.9010) ranking this as "not important" or "somewhat important" Significant other comments related to USES included support for shaded spaces; an amphitheater for events, viewing spaces; quite spaces for meditation, and family oriented spaces. Support was expressed for and against active recreation, high speed circulation, playgrounds, and large (and potentially noisy) events. ~aAt^li~ ~1r~f 3(?t3 r.Ot im~portarot '" sarn~~h4at important 2F~ irnportar<t Si~C'! ~n3~/ lGrEt A ~~ ~ I atj 1€ y ~ 1 ~ s ~ , I p{ ~ , ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. ~~ 1~ ~ ~~ ~ . ~ i .l r $ ~~ Li ~. o .> _ ~n ` 3 ~a > - ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ c ~ ,~... ~ . m ~. ~ w 4 ~ ~ ~ v ~. _ ~~ } 41 ~ 3 ~ n ~ T!D r S. ~ n. ~ K 4~ C 1] y y. S~ ~ ~ ~ ~ N ~ y a ?'~ - ~ 3 tyl 2 0 vi "~ 3 ~ :a Concegak Design Goerzmunity Aaa~reach Suaxrmarg EEePOr4 S. ~oP 7®N ~QiJAF2~ C~l~~ 2), Please refs fhe 3ollowing t8~~~, from not imPoPtanf very imPortan#: Respondents were asked to rate uses for Town Square based on the categories identified in the table belodv. "Areas for organized civic events and activities", "A gateway and main entrance to Ciiy Hall", "Areas for sitting, reading, and viewing", "Areas that enhance and complement City Hall and its history", and "Areas for informal gathering" all received high ranking, with approximately 704'0 of all respondents specifying these uses as "important" or "very important." Public Art was also seen as important. "Water Feature" received the lowest ranking. Significant other comments related to Town Square USES include the need for shaded seating and the importance of preserving and not overshadowing city hall's historic nature. tff~C ~LlY ~1~ .C`,.rea3farurganiz=~~rvric 't.reasthatanhanre ;.gataasayan~main F€Qrtiruhurean;r ev?nU and a~riiies and ~mFbrrw_nt City antran~ to City F'aii tlisplay gar-fans Hall anti ~ hu-tort' fames Carnes 4fei81 a~erdttans ~ Palisa?es GarGen 4Valk+ To:m Scuare Santa h-0enica €raasfar~itfing, traasfarinfarnral Ruhticart L`erararfzatura. reading and via9wing gathering 4.7isere are many ®P~~~7ClNi`ClE~ #ar palisades Carers ~Jaiic arsd Sa+,vas Square. hic9s a# the #oi8ovving is the greates# ~~~~~TliNl41' (seiect cease}? Respondents were asked to identify the biggest opportunities for Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square. The overwhelming majority of respondents indicated that the two. bigges# opportunities for the sites were the "Creation of a new destination in the heart of Santa Monica" and "Strong adjacent destinations". The next highest ranked opportunity was "Integration into existing pedestrian and bike networks." Many respondents also found the relative flatness of the site as an opportunity to create elevation changes that provide users a great view of the ocean, beach and pier. In general, additional comments focused on the desire to have a park that is both environmentally sustainable and critically rooted in the looal culture. >~tii S;t.831~~ ~~ `<a. : a; ~ ~ ? U¢ m~_ ~ - ~ ~ .~ 3 G ~ -,.:~ Am c y. ~. 8 Cn¢scept aesigre C®snm¢anikg aukreaCFf Summary R~pos@ 5. share are asrany C6iALL~~~~~ for i9alasades harden V+/alk and i°own ~riuare. Which of the following is the greatest ~iiALi~~~~ (select one)? Respondents were asked to identify the biggest challenge for Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square. "Designing a space that works for multiple uses at different times of the day and week", "Parking availability", and "Traffic" were identified as the three greatest challenges for park design. Significant other challenges identified in the comments included maintenance and the negative perception of a threatening homeless population. ~t+'~ ~bB~9 AMY 8r} `. f$a &Yb~i, ~, " ;i~ ~~~ see; t t , s? ~ >~ ~: .. ~~`A ~ , ° G327 .~ $ $ 4~=7 c c'° t~ ~!}~>~22}. ~ >~ ~~ ~ - ` ~y , Q , I~'.etrr Safari =sr~m+n3 a3Tnpxru ~~vo=t'ahi&iy '. Pa~..Rn tia(n2n# att,3~wrJU~t4y~+h rw~ .EMIR "'P ~i©x aBl. 3ib~f~p Gk5 39{~Tt? [}p~p36Y]a Ra".25f'sB e 3n~E.m7a ~m -.p ~w3Y (k3Ji .;v~6r muia2la~~saY.'. IRFE^~tk1h3~~f. ~i 61v~IYTl»`,t{.,: jamea CarvteP fie9C1 ®~eYaiaan5 I Pall=-ades Carden Walk+Twm Square Sa'Ita Mcoira 9 &. far ~~LisA~~S ~A~®~~ 7AIAL~ (slY~ 1), please rate the fallawing Tli~ri~ fleet you would iilre to see explored, from not important #a very important: Respondents were asked to identify the most important themes they would like to see explored for Palisades Garden Walk based on the categories identified in the table below. "Sustainability and the Environment" was the highest ranked tfieme with 55.4% of respondents ranking it '`very important." "Views and Topography," "Access + Connectivity," and "Innovation and Progressive Design" also ranked; on average, as being important. Abroad range and comprehensive range of other comments are included in Appendix 1 of this report. 5°I9C UAY rr3t important som.~r~ha+. irr?portant ~ important 2G~ 'eery irtiportari 754 ~~_. "v~ F.u. > . T'x 4N Y~ yr ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ] ~ ~ CC ~jt~ 1 r ~ f~v~ 4 W y , ! - n 4 y ~ t,. f T r~ ~ > ~ ~ + ~ ~ ~ a ~ ~+! ~' ~ ? c ~ 6 ~ S m a~ + ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ - ~ ~ ~ ~~ ` ~ 3 ~' ~ © ~ ~ ~ ' a a ' " -q ~ m '. ;~ 5. ,~ ~ [7 3 10 Gontep# Desigre C®mmursity auareacA Summary ~ePCr@ ~. nor ~owra s~as~~ {~o~~ a), ~l~sse ~a~e one ~o'towr~~t~ r~~~~ t~~t you wou'a'a~s {~ sse ~xtalorea, from gat amp~rCant t® veey impor#atit: Respondents were asked to identify the most important themes they would like to see explored for Town Square based on the categories identified in the table belowr. Sustainability and the Environment was the highest ranked theme with 52.3~~0 of respondents ranking it "very important." "Civic Engagernent and Discourse" was a close second with "Innovation and Progressive Design" and "Identity and Destination" also ranked as being important. A broad and comprehensive range of other comments are included in Appendix 1 of this report. Ef " 1~ 7t = c~ ~ n c,s - ' ' cc,, n _ ~ + a ~ 4 ~ + ~ ~ n. ~ ~ . _ + 5. ~ = St ~ ~ T < C m' ;amen cor3see fine863 agrQra#ioess l Patisadas Garden Wa;k+ Tow;; Saua2 Saota M:oaica 1 t $. ti'allr addi#80nat CarrS n9Ln#S nia1J $3B add@d f]er8; The on-line survey provided space for any addition comments respondents might have. 180 survey respondents provided additional comments. The most significant trend in the responses was the general enthusiasm of the community for a park that is both unique and progressively designed, as well as a meaningful reflection of Santa Monica's identity. Other comments included but were not limited to: • the need for shade the need for preservation of trees on site = problems associated with traffic, noise, and parking concerns about the city's homeless population and their use of the future park s desire for horticultural plantings that reflect seasonal change desire for an amphitheater a desire for athletic fields desire for food carts ® desire for design simplicity • desire for the absence of playgrounds ~~#afled respandanY desnagrapFtics and answers #o goes#ions 9-12 care be found 1n App~nd¢x 1, 7 2 Cssraceya4 ~es9gae Commueiify CT¢sBreacSr Summary Ra~or4 An on-site Workshop and Open House included six thematic stations that solicited community input; feedback and comment in a variety of ways. The stations were: "Community ContexE", "Park Uses", "Park Themes", "Places", "Town Square", and "The VidedProject". ~omr3sunify Cosa#~xf Community members were asked to map the places they go and routes they take tivithin Santa Monica. Maps are included in Appendix 2, and reveal the park as being centrally located and along the primary routes many respondents take within the city. Significant comment conclusions include: Views to the ocean are desirable. Connection to primary bike routes within the city is desirable. Adjacent shopping areas, the Pier, and Palisades Park are frequently visited. Parks ovithin walking distance offer dog runs and playgrounds. Western breeze from the ocean is desirable, but sometimes too strong. Noise from adjacent Ocean Avenue is sarong and should 6e blocked. ;aYne3 oornee fie3d ~~ec~t3on5 Palisades Gzrden Wak+ Lowe Sgaa2 San',a Monice 13 Park t3ses: Palisades Carders Talk Community members were asked to identify and mark their two favorite park USES for Palisades Garden Walk. 177 responses from this interactive table survey show that consistent with the on-line survey, "Areas for Picnicking. Lounging, Sitting, Reading, Rel«xing, and Viewing" is the highest ranked use for Palisades Garden Walk. Other responses differed slightly were as follows: Areas for Picnicking, Lounging, Sitting, Reading, Relaxing, and Viewing: 38 responses, 21% Horticulture and Display Gardens: 28 responses, 16.50!0 Public Art: 22 responses, 12.5% Cafe and Restaurants: 21 responses, 12010 Play Elements (geared toward children): 18 responses, 10.5% Pathways for Walking Running and Cycling: 15 responses, 8.5% Areas for Cultural Events (concerts, markets, and festivals}: 15 responses, 8.5% Water Feature: 13 responses, 7.5% Other {please specify): 5 responses, 3010 {Chez Jay, dancing, forest, rest rooms} 74 6ancera8 d)asGgn C®mmunitY 5astmacte Summary Re~or3 Park 7h~anes: t3aiisaties harden lNaik Community members were asked to identify and mark their two favorite park THEMES for Palisades Garden Walk. 208 responses from this interactive table survey show a different se4 of favorite themes firom the on-line survey. While °Sustainabiiity and the Environment" was the highest ranked theme in the an-lipe survey, "View; and Topography" and "innovation and Progressive Design" were the highest ranked themes fior Palisades Garden Walk. Quantified responses are as follows: Views and Topography: 37 responses, 18% Innovation and Progressive Design: 35 responses; 17% Play and Discovery: 24 responses, 1 i .5% Identity and Destine#ion: 23 responses, 11% Habitat and Horticulture: 22 responses, 10.5oJo Art and Culture: 20 responses, 9.5% Sustainability and The Environment: 19 responses, 9% Water and Hydrology: 15 responses, 7% Local History and Site History: 13 responses, 6.5% $amas eome¢ 88eE~ opera3ions I Pvisades Garder Walk+?own Squa:e Santa 64onica 15 ~9aces Community members were asked to identify and mark their favorite PLACES on site. The design of Palisades Garden Walk + Town Square will respond to these existing site features. Favorite places; in general, were at the center of the park, shaded areas of the park, the base of "Morty,"the site's large Moreton Bay Fig tree areas that offered views of the ocean, and the rose garden at Town Square. i & Cancept ~esiga~ Commuea54~ OufrsacFf Sa3mmary Repart '~4Y3 $QU~3~ Community members were asked to identify and mark their iwo favorite park USES for Tovvn Square. 7 61 responses from this interactive table survey show that consistent with the on-line survey, "Areas for Organized Civic Events and Activities" is the highest ranked use for Palisades Garden Waik. Other responses differad slightly were as follows: ° Areas for Organized Civic Events and Activities: 49 responses, 30.5% = Public Art (concerts, markets, and festivals}: 22 responses, 13.5o/o ® Areas that Enhance and Complement City Hall and Its History: 19 responses, 12% Areas fcr Sitting Reading and Viewing: 18 responses, 11% ° ~Nater Feature: 16 responses, 10% = Horticulture and display gardens: 13 responses, 9010 A Gateway and Main Entrance to City Hall: 11 responses, 8% Areas for Informal Gathering: 9 responses, 5.5% s Other {please specify): 4 responses, 2.5% {Cafe, Cafe, VValking Paths, Music) Community members were asked to identify and mark their two favorite park THEMES for Town Square. 193 responses from this on-site survey show that consistent wish the on-line survey, "Civic Engagement and Public Discourse" is the highest ranked theme for Town Square. Other responses were as follows: ° Civic Engagement and Public Discourse: 35 responses, 18.5% a Identity Destination: 27 responses, 14% m Local History and Site History: 23 responses, 12% Innovation and Progressive Design: 23 responses, 12% Art and Culture: 21 responses, 11% Sustainability and The Environment: 19 responses, 10% s Horticulture and Habitats: 15 responses, 7.5010 Views and Topography: 15 responses, 7.5% ° Water and Hydrology: 15 responses, 7.5% fames comer fiie98 opera8"ssuns !Palisades Carden Walk + IOwn S7uare Sarra Nlenlca 17 7'he Video Pro9ect Community members were asked what Santa Monica means to them. Varied narratives and a range of personal responses from adults and children of all ages rovere in line with responses to the on-line survey and are attached to this report as a viewable DVD. 18 imoaacopff Design 6ommvnitq Qsatreac3t Saammary Report ~°~ c~ Community members were asked the following questions about the site's features and adjacencies. 1) communi#y context: Tak@ sam@ time to gat acquainted with the civic ~@nt@r Sp@cific plan. Lock at the sari@y flag iln@ on site to antlers#and that ~lytnpic Boul@vard viii con#inu@ through the si#@ to t3cean Av@nu@. Imagine the future ofi this @dge of th@ park and #@ll us what you #hink, Comments varied and included (in order of occurrence), but were not limited to: The desire for bike racks at entries, multi-speed paths, and bike connectivity. = The desire for a central open space. • Concern about shade and the protection of existing trees. • The desire for viewing hills and (or a tower. • The desire for noise buffers. = The desire for pedestrian connectivity to Samohi. • The desire for wind breaks. = The desire for an identity rich entry. 2) park Themes: ~xp@ri@nce the noise of fhe freeway within the can#@xt of the tr@es. walk along the fr@@way @dge n@xt to this station to se@ views of Ilse Holiday Inn, Main Street Bridge, Third 5#re@t Prom@nade and the Mcclure Tunnel. Tell us what yon think about this edg@ of tlae site. Comments varied and included (in order of occurrence), but were not limited to: a The desire for same way to screen views of the freeway. • Appreciation of Morty, the site's large i~oreton Bay Fig tree. • The possibility for future connections to be made over the freeway. 3) Park t3ses: walk out onto ~c@an avenue to understand this importan# in#ers@ction and poten#iai future connections to #h@ Santa Monica pier, Palisades park, and 13aysid@, Paotic@ transit steps and experience the noise of the str@et. Tell us what you think about this @dge of the site. Comments varied and included (in order of occurrence), but were net limited to: • The need for and overhead crossing to connect Palisades Garden V~lalk with Palisades Park. • Pedestrian crossing is critical at this location. = The desire for lights to be present, but not too bright. • The desire for noise buffers to block out sound associated with traffic. • The desire preserve and promote views to the ocean. ~} Places: Visit the c@ntral vi@wing station next to #his station to g@# an overview of #h@ @n#ir@ si#@. Piotice key sit@ featur@s and views. Tell us what you think abou# the interior of the sit@. Comments varied and included (in order of occurrence), but were not limited to: = The desire for viewing hills and ! or a tower. = The desire for green /garden 1 shaded spaces. • The desire to preserve and capitalize on the existing location of Chez Jay. • The desire for wind breaks. = The desire for noise buffers to block out sound associated with traffic. • The desire for community gardens. 5) Town Square: Talk nut onto Main Str@@# to enders#and #h@ Conn@ction between #h@se 2 n@w parks. Bdotic@ transit stops and experience the Heise of the s#r@et. T@II us wita# you tiaink about Town Squar@ and how it relates to Palisades harden walk. Comments varied and included (in order of accurrence), but were not limited to: • The desire to keep the area open for civic use. • The desire to keep the design simple. • The desire to support the architecture of City Hall. fames Cov99~r fleltl a{feYatians I Palisades Carden walk r Town Severe manta Mcnica 18