Project Info
Ocean Air Community Park includes joint-use multi-purpose ballfields shared with the adjacent Ocean Air Elementary School and a 16,500-square-foot community center certified LEED Silver. The 18-acre park features a large children’s play area, flexible passive open space, perimeter walking paths, trail linkage to adjacent open space, an outdoor basketball court, parking, restroom building, exercise elements, and two picnic pavilions. A tree-lined, decomposed granite pathway provides an organizing element that will grow to be wind-rows, which will reduce cross-winds through the park. This central spine also includes a bioswale element that accepts drainage from throughout the site. A steel overlook platform extends toward the adjacent open space reminding visitors of this important natural resource adjacent to the park. Drought-tolerant plantings and slopes planted with native species surround the perimeter of the park. Ocean Air Community Park was a high-profile project and the local neighborhood was very concerned about active ballfields and a large community center near their homes. Glen Schmidt, FASLA, facilitated a series of meetings and workshops, with the help of the Carmel Valley Recreation Council, and was eventually able to facilitate a consensus.
Awards
- Award of Excellence, California Parks and Recreation Society
- Project of the Year, American Public Works Association, San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter