Project Info
This “pocket” park was created by the drive of the surrounding community, which saw a lack of open space in their neighborhood and went to the City with a desire for a new park. Schmidt Design Group, Inc. helped realize the neighborhood’s vision. After a series of community workshops, we chose to use the unique location of the park, where the city grid meets the wilderness of a finger canyon, as inspiration for the design. The park exhibits a grid of paved surfaces and plant material intercepted by open areas of decomposed granite. The local street names, which reflect many of the bird species found in the canyon below, are etched into concrete mow strips. As visitors enter the park, they are led toward the canyon edge where there’s a focal viewpoint and interpretive exhibit providing educational information about the birds found in the canyon. An open plaza area sits at the center of the park and serves as a place for neighbors to meet. Boulders mimicking the natural elements of the canyon provide informal seating while several benches allow a more comfortable place to take in the view.
Awards
- Merit Award, American Society of Landscape Architects, San Diego Chapter
- Honor Award, American Public Works Association, San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter
- Orchid Award, Orchids and Onions Public Awareness Program, San Diego Architectrual Foundation