CONNECT
Are any other organizations collaborating on this proposal?
I will be collaborating with landscape architect Ian Horton, PLA, ASLA of Working Landscapes on this proposal.
Please describe your project proposal.
To create a series of cantilevered 'Jutout' parklets overlooking Los Angeles waterways -- with a priority of installing the parklets in park poor communities.
Which of the CONNECT metrics will your proposal impact?
Social & emotional support
Cultural events
Public/open streets gatherings
Government responsiveness to residents’ needs
Public transit riders
Participation in neighborhood councils
Rates of volunteerism
In what areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA
East LA
San Gabriel Valley
San Fernando Valley
South LA
Westside
South Bay
Gateway Cities
Antelope Valley
County of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles
LAUSD
Los Angeles Rivers and Washes
Describe in greater detail how your proposal will make LA the best place to CONNECT?
The priority will be to create the 'Jutout' overlook parklets adjacent to schools -- such as one next to Vista Middle School in Panorama City, and one adjacent to Grant High School in North Hollywood. The existing infrastructure of sidewalks that cross the L.A. River and L.A.'s washes provide a unique opportunity for parklet/viewing platforms that overlook the waterways. These road and sidewalk overpasses are strewn throughout Los Angeles -- which provides ample opportunities for researching and selecting sites that are closest to heavily populated areas -- within walking distances to dense urban environments. A priority will be to first build the parklets in park poor communities.
Given the lack of land available to build parks and plazas in urban Los Angeles; I feel this is a good solution for creating more park space in Los Angeles by 2050. There are tons of these overpasses throughout Los Angeles that people just pass through; what if these overpasses instead become places -- places where people can connect and idle whilst viewing and learning about L.A.'s urban waterway system -- seeing both the complexity and beauty in its natural elements and its engineered elements.
These overpass parklets would be different than the current parklet model seen across the U.S.; different as they will be grade separated (above curbs and on the outside edges of sidewalks) from traffic -- making them much safer than parking spot parklets -- where the risk of cars running into parking spot parklets is high.
Please explain how you will define and measure success for your project.
Heavy use -- particularly near schools. And the establishment of programs that facilitate learning and opportunities for public art -- such as the establishment of a public arts program that will create unique, community-based art, for each 'Jutout' park.
How can the LA2050 community and other stakeholders help your proposal succeed?
Money
Volunteers
Advisors/board members
Staff
Publicity/awareness
Infrastructure (building/space/vehicles etc.)
Community outreach
Network/relationship support