Project Info
Paradise Creek is an urban stream in National City that connects San Diego Bay to the watershed of the surrounding city landscape. The Paradise Creek Educational Park restored a 1/2-mile stretch of the creek to its natural state as a wetland and salt marsh. Restoration included removal of contaminated soils, salvaging wetland plant material from the creek, and creating new upland habitat in portions of the park. Volunteers from the Paradise Creek Conservancy were integrated into the restoration process by providing days for planting during the construction of the park.
The site is adjacent to an existing elementary school and now serves as an educational learning center for local school children. Along the six-acre linear park, educational and observation stations were designed and constructed to enable local and visiting school children to study the sciences and arts, with an emphasis on the local flora and fauna. A unique custom shade structure in the shape of the moon shades an amphitheater, creating a space that is used frequently by classes as well as informal groups. The project also includes new entrances with signage, a boardwalk with interpretive signage, parking lot improvements, a walking trail, picnic areas, and other improvements for the diverse surrounding community.
Awards
- Merit Award, American Society of Landscape Architects, San Diego Chapter