La Colonia Park & Community Center

Solana Beach, CA

 

VDLA headed a team of consultants to produce a master plan and construction documents for renovations for this 3.79-acre park and community center. Located in the historic neighborhood of Eden Gardens, the master planning process centered on multiple community workshops and presentations at community gatherings to galvanize public participation and prioritize community needs. Public communications included canvassing the neighborhood with bilingual flyers, posters and mailers, and information booths at multiple community events. Successful methods of input gathering included visual preference surveys, scale models and assisting individuals to sketch preferred site designs. The master plan encompasses upgrades and additions to the community center, including a new neighborhood plaza as a front door to the neighborhood (replacing a parking lot which was relocated), a veteran memorial and a courtyard where veteran ceremonies and other special events can be held, renovated soccer field and spectator areas, expanded parking area and enhanced tot lot and picnic areas and a skate plaza. A smaller semi-private courtyard is provided for more intimate gatherings.