Project Info
Charles Lewis III Memorial Park is a 5.8-acre neighborhood park in City Heights. This area of City Heights was in great need of open space and the park offers a unique opportunity for those living in this urban community to connect with the adjacent natural environment. The park is the result of a truly integrated and collaborative planning, design, and implementation process between the community, City, and designers. The park provides a location for community members to relax, play, and exercise in a diverse range of recreational amenities including children’s play areas, shaded picnic areas, half basketball court, dog park, walking paths, and flexible turf space.
The development process included revegetation of the degraded Auburn Creek which is part of the Chollas Creek System. Restoring the creek’s habitat included the removal of invasive plant material and installation of native riparian species. A landscape buffer planted with native species functions as a transitional landscape while also protecting the sensitive creek resources. Signs along the decomposed granite walkway provide information about how the park connects to the watershed and the plants and animals inhabiting the creek.
Awards
- Outstanding Award, Public Works Project of the Year, American Public Works Association
- Orchid Award, Orchids and Onions Public Awareness Program