• The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook preserves valuable open space in a dense urban environment and makes it publicly accessible. California State Parks’ acquisition of the property ended a decade-long battle by preventing conversion of the land to housing.
• The design takes advantage of unique views from the San Gabriel Mountains to Catalina Island, the Santa Monica Mountains and the Los Angeles urban area.
• The new 24,000 sf parking lot is paved with permeable decomposed granite.
• Of the nearly 600,000 sf of restored and interpretive landscape, only 15% is permanently irrigated, saving water resources.
• The plant palette consists of native species associated with the pre-contact period of significance (before 1750), including 47 unique coastal sage scrub and other regional native species of trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs.
• Much of the pedestrian hardscape is comprised of recycled concrete.
• The recycled-concrete climbing trail offers visitors an intense fitness workout, burning 80-160 calories on the hike up.
• Outdoor educational exhibits featuring the history of the land including Native Americans, Spanish settlement, and oil development.

Challenge:

The property’s ecological value was diminished by prior oil extraction, scattered trash dumping, and grading for previously approved housing. Although degraded, the site offered spectacular views, and local residents and agencies recognized its potential to enhance open space access and passive recreation opportunities for numerous underserved Los Angeles-area residents.

Solution:

The property was purchased for the California State Parks urban park portfolio to serve a large population. To complement the site’s new Visitor Center, the landscape features an overlook viewing structure, interpretive garden, amphitheater, picnic areas, and multiple trails, including a climbing trail that has become popular with fitness enthusiasts. The project uses native plants and recycled concrete.

• Land acquisition cost the state over $41 million. The cost estimate for all sitework was about $4.4 million.
• Using recycled concrete instead of large concrete pavers saved $4,000-$10,000 in material costs.
• The project’s water-wise landscape saves about $14,000/year in water costs.

• Plant establishment requires hand weeding on slopes. Overwatering promotes weed growth and also contributes to mortality of desired native plants.
• To avoid erosion, it is important not to exceed recommended slopes for decomposed granite paving.
• High visitation numbers affirm the popularity of and need for the project, although this is increasing wear on the climbing trail. Well-worn paths have formed adjacent to the trail where some users choose to ascend and descend on the hillside rather than the steps.

Project Team:

Owner: California State Parks
Prime Consultant/Architect: Safdie Rabines Architects
Civil Engineers: Fuscoe
Landscape Architect: Wallace Roberts & Todd
Structural Engineers: Nabih Youssef & Associates
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineers: Integrated Engineering
Contractor: Metro Builders & Engineers Group, Ltd.

Role of the Landscape Architect:

Worked with design team to renew landscape for public access.