SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica has decided to expand its park program with unused non-aviation land at the Santa Monica Airport.

The city will host an event at Airport Park on Saturday, June 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community members are invited to share their ideas at the event for the park’s future expansion on the 12 acres of prospected land.

On March 24, 2015, the City Council voted on a directive to develop recreational uses on two non-aviation parcels of land with a focus on sports fields to meet the growing need within the community. The expansion of Airport Park is just one of many park projects that are currently in the making in Santa Monica. Some of these other park projects include:

  • Ishihara Park is currently under construction on Exposition Boulevard.
  • Renovation of the northeast quadrant of Read Park, which will break ground this summer.
  • The recent kickoff of the design and rebuild of the Clover Park restrooms.
  • The upcoming launch of feasibility and design of a sports field at the Civic Center, which has been previously reported on by Canyon News.

The City Council has demonstrated its willingness to expand and improve Santa Monica parks and recreation by approving more than $8.5 million in funding for open space projects in the 2016-18 Capital Improvement Program Budget.

The event will feature a presentation by architect Mark Rios at 11:15 p.m. Following the presentation, community members will be provided the opportunity to give input on key park features, amenities, and materials. There will also be the opportunity to meet with the Rios Clementi Hale Studios design team and other project consultants.

Airport Park covers four acres and includes a soccer field, walking path, picnic area, and dog park. It is located at 3201 Airport Avenue along the southeast border of Santa Monica. The 12-acre expansion is ample space for needed sports facilities.

For more information you can visit www.santamonicaparks.org or the Facebook event page.