Figure 5. Carlson Park is a place where many community members enjoy passive recreation like picnicking in the shade of mature trees. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 12
Figure 6. The playground at Veterans Memorial Park is used frequently by Culver City residents and neighbors. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 14
Figure 7. Culver City PRCS owns and operates 13 parks. Source: LA County GIS Data Portal, Countywide Parks and Open Space, Countywide Multi-Use Trails, LA County Bikeways, & Significant Ecological Area, 2022; Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC), 2016. Found on Page 16
Figure 8. Community members socialize in Carlson Park on a sunny day. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 18 Figure 9. Downtown Culver City sits between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Baldwin Hills. Source: Andrea Binz, 2021.
Found on Page 20
Figure 10. The five goals of the Culver City Parks Plan are driven by extensive community input. Found on Page 21 Figure 11. Pop-up events allowed the Parks Plan team to talk directly with Culver City park users. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on
Figure 12. The Parks Plan team heard questions and concerns from neighbors at community meetings. Source: PRCS, 2024.
Found on Page 22
Figure 13. PRCS staff participated in activities to give feedback and inform the Parks Plan at a staff visioning workshop in Spring 2024. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 23
Figure 14. The Parks Plan engaged with hundreds of residents and park users at the annual Fiesta La Ballona. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 23
Figure 15. Pop up events were held across numerous locations, times of day, and days of the week to reach varied user groups.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 23
Figure 16. All 13 Culver City parks. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 24 Figure 17. Culver City Park is Culver City’s largest community park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 29 Figure 18. Culver City maintenance staff upkeep the various court spaces at Veterans Memorial Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 30
Figure 19. Lindberg Park provides shaded gathering places for the community. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 32 Figure 20. The General Plan assesses current conditions of the city as a whole, such as local important features . Source: General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 25. Found on Page 33 Figure 22. The 2009 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update included assessment of service areas of Culver City parks. Source:
City of Culver City, Culver City Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Page 111. 2009. Found on Page 34 Figure 21. An urban forest such as Culver CIty’s presents unique challenges. Source: City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 12. 2015. Found on Page 34
Figure 24. The stormwater capture area of Fox Hills Park extends to the northeast of the park. Source: City of Culver City, Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan, Page 136, 2021. Found on Page 35 Figure 23. Community participation was used to help assess the city’s mitigation readiness. Source: City of Culver City, Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Page 506. 2023. Found on Page 35 Figure 26. Los Angeles county is divided into disaster management areas. Source: City of Culver City, Emergency Operations Plan 2024 Public Draft, Page 55, 2024. Found on Page 36
Figure 25. The City Council created the 2018 Strategic Plan. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 36 Figure 27. Improvements can be made in the city’s street system using people-based recommendations of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Source: Culver City Public Works, Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan, Page 231. 2020. Found on Page 37 Figure 28. Complete streets recommendations promote multi-modal transportation options. Source: Culver City Public Works, Culver City Complete Streets Design Guidelines Draft, Pages 48-49. 2024. Found on Page 37 Figure 29. Veterans Memorial Park is an emergency shelter in Culver City. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 38 Figure 30. Culver City runs all-electric and renewable natural gas-powered buses, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 38
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Figure 31. The Turf Report included a study of activity levels vs. rainfall in Culver City park fields. Source: Turf Consultant’s Report on Park Fields in Culver City, Page 9, 2019. Found on Page 39 Figure 32. The Feasibility Study recommended improvements to Culver City Park. Source: Culver City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, Veterans Memorial Park and Culver City Park/Bill Botts Fields Redevelopment Feasibility Study Final Report,
Figure 33. The Feasibility Study recommended improvements to Veterans Memorial Park. Source: Culver City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, Veterans Memorial Park and Culver City Park/Bill Botts Fields Redevelopment Feasibility Study Final Report, Page 13, 2004. Found on Page 40
Figure 34. Basketball is one of the active recreation opportunities at Veterans Memorial Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 41 Figure 35. The director of PRCS, Ted Stevens, speaks at community meeting at El Marino Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 36. The Parks Plan project timeline included four stages and many different types of outreach. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 44
Figure 37. The Parks Plan team presented at community meeting #3 at El Marino Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 45 Figure 38. Many community members shared their thoughts at El Marino Park. Source: The Robert Group, 2024 Found on Page 46 Figure 39. Meeting with community members provided key feedback on Culver City parks. Source: City of Culver City, 2024.
Found on Page 47
Figure 40. Multiple rounds of community meetings were held in-person and online. Source: OLIN, The Robert Group, 2024.
Found on Page 47
Figure 41. (Above) Throughout the summer there were several Parks Plan pop-up events spread throughout the city. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 48
Figure 42. (Right) The pop-up events aimed to meet residents and parks users where they use the parks and services. Sources:
OLIN, The Robert Group, 2024. Found on Page 48
Figure 43. Campers gather to discuss their drawings at engagement session at El Marino Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 44. Campers used pipe cleaners, tape, scissors, foam, and paper to create their dream park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 45. Campers advocated for both active and passive recreation in their park drawings. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 51 Figure 46. The staff design workshops were aimed at hearing input and feedback directly from the staff on the ground every day in Culver City parks. Source: Geosyntec, 2024. Found on Page 52 Figure 48. The Parks Plan team met with PRCS staff to brainstorm their goals for the plan. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 53 Figure 47. PRCS staff responded to prompts ranging from what they think is working best about the parks system and where things could improve. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 53 Figure 49. The Parks Plan team met with interested partners such as the Culver City Arts Foundation to gather input for the plan.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 54
Figure 50. Updates on the Parks Plan were presented to the PRCS Commission at Culver West Alexander Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 55
Figure 51. Merchandise was available at pop-up events and Parks Plan mailers were sent to every household in the City. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 56
Figure 52. The Parks Plan engagement website included a StoryMap that provided digital context and information to the public.
Source: OLIN, The Robert Group, 2024.
Found on Page 57
Figure 53. Digital outreach provides an interactive forum for feedback and allows users to engage on their own schedule. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 57
Figure 54. “Which Culver City park do you use the most?” A pie chart illustrates the Parks Plan survey responses. While Veterans Memorial Park was the highest at 24%, each park in the Culver City Parks system is represented in the data. Source: Culver City Community Engagement Survey, Data as of September 5, 2024. Found on Page 58 Figure 55. “How long have you lived in Culver City?” A pie chart illustrates the Parks Plan survey responses. The majority response (28%) came from residents who had lived in the city for 15 years or longer but a comparable percentage (24%) answered they had been in the city for 5 years or less showing a broad cross section of the city. Source: Culver City Community Engagement Survey, Data as of September 5, 2024. Found on Page 59
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Figure 56. “How frequently do you spend time in Culver City Parks?” A pie chart illustrates the Parks Plan survey responses. When taken together, one in four residents visit a Culver City park at least once per week. Source: Culver City Community Engagement Survey, Data as of September 5, 2024. Found on Page 59
Figure 57. Map of community meeting responses to “Where are you from?”and survey responses to “Where do you live? (ZIP Code)” Circles are proportional to the number of respondents. If unnumbered, there were 10 or fewer respondents from that ZIP code. Source: LA County GIS Data Portal, Countywide Parks and Open Space, Countywide Multi-Use Trails, LA County Bikeways, & Significant Ecological Area, 2022; Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC), 2016. OLIN, Community Meeting at Syd Kronenthal Park, May 1, 2024. OLIN, Community Meeting at El Marino Park, May 14, 2024. Culver City Community Engagement Survey, Data as of September 5, 2024. Found on Page 60 Figure 58. Suggestions, thoughts, and feelings about Culver City Parks were expressed in the Parks Plan survey. Source: Culver City Community Engagement Survey, Data as of September 5, 2024. Found on Page 62 Figure 60. Community members fill in surveys at Fiesta La Ballona. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 63 Figure 59. “What three words do you associate with Culver City Parks?” A word cloud illustrates the most common words from Parks Plan survey responses. Source: Culver City Community Engagement Survey, Data as of September 5, 2024. Found on Page 63 Figure 61. Comments were received for early ideas for each park during the public comment period. The size of each circle is proportional to the number of comments received on that subject. Source: Culver City Draft Plan Public Comment Form, Data as of November 5, 2024. Found on Page 64
Figure 62. Reactions and suggestions were provided by community members through various engagement outlets throughout the Plan Recommendations and Draft Plan phases of the Parks Plan. Some of these focused on general interests and some on specific parks and spaces throughout the city. Source: Culver City Community Engagement Data as of November 5, 2024. Found on Page 66
Figure 63. The Draft Park Plan recommendations were available for commenting at various pop-ups and community meetings.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 67
Figure 64. The Parks Plan team recieved hundreds of comments on the draft plan and recommendations which are reflected in the final plan recommendations. Source: OLIN, The Robert Group, 2024. Found on Page 67 Figure 65. The Culver Bike Path offers a protected bike path with rest areas. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 68 Figure 66. The playground at Culver City Park is readily used by the community. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 70 Figure 67. A family enjoys the playground at Veterans Memorial Park. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 72 Figure 68. The Metro E Line runs through Culver City. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 75 Figure 69. The Ballona Creek is central to stormwater management in Culver City. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 76 Figure 70. The Plunge hosts a variety of programming for all ages. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 80 Figure 71. At City Hall, the Quotation Courtyard (1995) by Barbara McCarren combines public space with quotes from civil rights leaders while La Ballona (1995) by May Sun uses water features and sculpture to recall the lands heritage related to the Ballona Creek.
Source: Andrea Binz, 2021. Found on Page 83
Figure 72. Katy Krantz’s “DEAR CULVER CITY...” community art invited participants to stamp words describing Culver City’s past, present, and future into clay pieces, which were gathered for display at City Hall. Community art combines program and public art. Source: Andrea Binz, 2024. Found on Page 83
Figure 73. Bush sunflower (Encilia californica) is one of the many types of native plants in the Baldwin Hills. Source: Andrea Binz, 2021. Found on Page 84
Figure 74. The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is an important natural habitat near Culver City. Source: Andrea Binz, 2021. Found on Page 86
Figure 75. A Culver City Public Works staff member maintains vegetation along the Culver City Bike Path. Source: PRCS, 2024.
Found on Page 88
Figure 76. The Veterans Memorial Building is home to several PRCS offices. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 91 Figure 77. The view from Culver City Park extends northwest towards the Santa Monica Mountains. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 92
Figure 78. Key analysis findings represent information gathered through system wide data analysis as well as interfacing with city leadership, community voices, and on the ground observations during the planning process. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 79. (Table Above) Park Level of Service standards were set originally by the 1968 General Plan and are proposed by the Planning Department to be carried forward into the General Plan 2045 Source: City of Culver City, California, 1968 General Plan Recreation Element, Table 1: Summary of Recommendations. 1968. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 138. Found on Page 96
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Figure 80. (Opposite Top) This map shows SB1000 priority neighborhoods as defined in the General Plan 2045. The Culver City General Plan 2045 uses this term to identify and refer to “disadvantaged communities” as defined by criteria in the California Health and Safety Code. Source: City of Culver City, California Public General Plan, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. Found on
Figure 81. (Opposite Bottom) The existing acreage and shortfall acreage for parkland is broken down by type of park. Culver City needs approximately 31.5 acres of parkland to meet the General Plan 2045 Standard. Source: City of Culver City, California, 1968 General Plan Recreation Element, Table 1: Summary of Recommendations. 1968. Found on Page 96 Figure 82. Park pressure takes an overlay of population and parkshed to determine the acres of parkland per 1000 residents within the parkshed. Areas with less than 3.3 acres per 1,000 resident are defined as under “high pressure” based on LA County standards. Source: Parksheds defined using walking distance along U.S. Census Bureau Tiger/Line Shapefiles, Roads, 2022; Population within parkshed derrived from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2021, 5-Year Estimates, 2021. OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 98
Figure 83. Park pressure on City of Culver City-owned and maintained parks is projected to increase across the city in the next 15 years. Source: OLIN adapted from data including General Plan 2045, LA County Parks and Recreation, 2022 estimated population. U.S. Census Bureau. Table S0101: “Age and Sex.” 2017-2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Found on
Figure 84. Map of walking distance to parks within PRCS’ system in and around Culver City. Many neighborhoods (in red) have a greater than 10 minute walk to a park. Source: Walksheds defined using walking distance along U.S. Census Bureau Tiger/Line Shapefiles, Roads, 2022; OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 100
Figure 85. Culver City could investigate opportunities with new developments and to increase parkland. Source: PRCS, 2024.
Found on Page 102
Figure 86. These are two areas in existing park and PRCS land holdings where land can be reclaimed for park use. More information about the design of existing parks within the Culver City PRCS system can be found in the next chapter, Chapter 7:
Site Scale. Found on Page 103
Figure 88. Map of the opportunity areas for increased parkland, park facilities, and relief of park pressure. Many of these areas will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire new parkland in the coming decades. Source: Activity Zones, Development Neighborhoods, General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Culver City Parks, LA County GIS Data Portal, Countywide Parks and Open Space, 2022. Parcel Boundaries: LA County Assessor, 2024. Found on Page 105
Figure 87. The Safer Fox Hills and Better Overland is an initiative led by Culver City Public Works and includes conceptual plans for improving neighborhood connections. Source: Safer Fox Hills Conceptual Plans, Culver City Public Works, 2024. Pg. 1. Found on Page 105
Figure 89. Veterans Memorial Park includes legacy trees that are beloved by the community. Source: OLIN, 2023. Found on Page 106
Figure 92. Children playground activities in public park at sunset in Houston, Texas. Source: Trong Nguyen/Shutterstock.com Found on Page 107
Figure 90. People relax at Mission Dolores Park. Source: Tiago Pestana/ Shutterstock.com Found on Page 107 Figure 91. Seattle cityscape overlooking ball field. Source: Kaidum/ Shutterstock.com Found on Page 107 Figure 93. The Inglewood Oil Field represents a significant opportunity for new joint use facilities in Culver City.
Source: LA County GIS Data Portal, Countywide Parks and Open Space, Countywide Multi-Use Trails, 2022. Found on Page 108 Figure 94. View of Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park. Source: PRCS, 2023. Found on Page 109 Figure 96. New developments and underutilized parcels should be explored for potential new park space. Source: PRCS, 2024.
Found on Page 110
Figure 95. (Page Right) This series of aerial images show sites explored for future parkland that were not deemed feasible in the short term. The city should periodically review vacant and underutilized land for possible future park sites. Source: LA County Assessor, 2024. Found on Page 110
Figure 97. Community-wide events such as festivals can attract both regular visitors and new users. Source: Joseph Sohm/ Shutterstock.com Found on Page 112
Figure 98. Base amenities should make up the largest number of services offered, while special events are less frequent. Found on Page 113
Figure 99. Public art such as Cougars I and II enrich public space. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 114 Figure 100. Adults attend a yoga class in a park. Source: Agora Partners, 2024. Found on Page 114 Figure 102. The skate park at Culver City Park is a unique resource for residents in Culver City. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on
Figure 101. Child and early-education focused storytime. Source: Agtora Partners, 2024. Found on Page 115 Figure 103. Fiesta La Ballona is the largest annual event run by PRCS. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 116 Figure 104. Community members enjoy Fiesta La Ballona. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 117 CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 2 51
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Figure 105. The Culver Steps hosts a musical performance. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 117 Figure 106. A group of children sit together outside. Source: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com. Accessed June 6, 2024.
Found on Page 117
Figure 107. Park users utilize spectator seating at Veterans Memorial Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 118 Figure 108. Visitors stroll towards a pavilion in Media Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 119 Figure 109. The playground was recently renovated at Culver City Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 120 Figure 110. Visitors relax under the trees at Carlson Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 121 Figure 111. An aerial view of Culver City from the 1930s shows the Culver City Hotel and movie studios. Source: Culver CIty Historic images Gallery, City of Culver City, https://www.culvercity.org/Explore/About-Culver-City/Culver-City-Historic-Images/ Culver-City-Historic-Images-Gallery. Found on Page 122
Figure 112. The Selznick Studios were a key fixture in early Culver City, approx. 1930s. Source: Selznick Studios, Culver City, Cal., photCL_555_06_1761, Ernest Marquez Collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Found on Page 123 Figure 113. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios displayed typical art deco architecture, approx. 1940s. Source: Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer Studios, Culver City, California, photCL_555_06_1759, Ernest Marquez Collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Found on Page 123
Figure 114. The percent for art program requirements in Culver City are based on the size of the proposed development. Found on Page 124
Figure 115. Culver City arts organizations for the backbone of current arts programming for the city. Found on Page 125 Figure 116. A Culver City Public Works employee services a fountain. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 126 Figure 117. Culver City’s City Hall is enlivened by public art pieces such as Ed Carpenter’s hanging garden glass screens (1995) and Nate Mohler’s mixed media interactive “fountain” (2019). Source: Andrea Binz, 2021. Found on Page 127 Figure 118. Map of HUC 10 and HUC 8 watersheds in Los Angeles County. Culver City is located in the Ballona Creek and Garapito Creek-Frontal Santa Monica Bay sub-watersheds. Culver City is a member of the associated Enhanced Watershed Management Programs (EWMPs) for Ballona Creek and Marina Del Rey, which is a management area within the Garapito Creek- Frontal Santa Monica Bay sub-watershed. Source: USGS, National Hydrography Dataset, 2022. Found on Page 128 Figure 119. The channelized Ballona Creek runs throughout Culver City. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 130 Figure 120. The SMQMP proposed several significant regional projects that include underground storage similar to what is shown in this concept diagram. Source: Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan, City of Culver City, 2021, page 110. Found on
Figure 121. Biofiltration along city streets are an opportunity to incorporate stormmwater improvements along transit corridors.
Source: Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan, City of Culver City, 2021, page 138. Found on Page 131 Figure 122. A dry well BMP can be used where there is limited area on the surface for stormwater capture systems, and where deep infiltration is feasible. Source: Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan, City of Culver City, 2021, page 119. Found on
Figure 123. Map of the 13 parks owned and operated by Culver City. These parks are designated for either regional or on-site stormwater management based the SWQMP and proposed level of redesign. Source: LA County GIS Data Portal, Countywide Parks and Open Space, Countywide Multi-Use Trails, LA County Bikeways, & Significant Ecological Area, 2022; Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC), 2016. Found on Page 132 Figure 124. Non-functional turf, such as the underutilized turf shown in Cougar Park, will be subject to requirements replacing it with low water use planting . Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 134 Figure 125. Many laws govern water efficiency and planting, including the Non-Functional Turf Ban in 2022 and the MWELO in affect since 2015. Source: California State Water Resources Control Board, 2024; Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.” California Department of Water Resources, State of California, 2024. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/ Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance Found on Page 135 Figure 126. Rain gardens are a cost-effective BMP strategy to capture on-site stormwater. Source: Jchannel/Shutterstock.com.
Found on Page 136
Figure 127. Map of the stormdrains in Culver City. This network of stormwater conveyance in Culver City can better perform with additional stormwater management projects. Source: City of Los Angeles, Storm Drains, 2022. Found on Page 137 Figure 128. Topographical map of Culver City. There is approximately 120 feet of elevation change within Culver City. Source:
U.S. Geological Survey, 2013, USGS NED 1 arc-second 2013. Found on Page 138 Figure 129. The tree canopy at Carlson Park offers a diverse mix of mature and healthy canopy tree species. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 140
Figure 131. Map of tree canopy cover <20% by census block group within the city boundary. The neighborhoods highlighted in yellow could benefit from additional urban forest canopy cover. Source: Tree Canopy - Block Group, Tree People, Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University, 2020. Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office, Our County Sustainability Plan. Page 60. 2019. Found on Page 141
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Figure 130. A healthy urban forest creates beneficial shade underneath the tree canopy. Source: Climate Protection Partnership Division. Edited by Eva Wong, Kathleen Hogan, Julie Rosenburg, and Andrea Denny, Chapter 2: Trees and Vegetation. Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies. Urban Heat Island Basics, Pages 2-3. 2008. Found on Page 141 Figure 132. Chronodiversity contributes to a resilient urban forest. Source: Farmer, Jared. “Ancient Trees in a Modern World.” Sempervirens Fund, April 4, 2023. https://sempervirens.org/news/ancient-trees-in-a-modern-world/. Found on Page 142 Figure 133. (Right) Quercus agrifolia. Source: Stickpen, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9944130. Found on
Figure 134. (Right) Juglans californica. Source: Consultaplantas, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44978241.
Found on Page 142
Figure 135. (Right) Quercus tomentella. Source: Bri Weldon, Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, Claremont, California, 2011. https://www.flickr.com/photos/41184028@N04/5169050090/. Found on Page 142 Figure 136. (Right) Platanus racemosa. Source: Raffi Kojian, http://www.gardenology.org, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=9705655. Found on Page 142
Figure 137. (Right) Populus fremontii. Source: CK Kelly, https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/10765354. Found on Page 142 Figure 138. (Right) Alnus rhombifolia. Source: Mitch Barrie, Costa Mesa, CA, 2010. CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:Alnus_rhombifolia_San_Gabriel_River.jpg. Found on Page 142 Figure 139. (Right) Metrosideros excelsa. Source: weta2000nz, Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/weta2000nz/45696079285.
Found on Page 142
Figure 140. (Right) Brachychiton populneus. Source: Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/33037982@ N04/5242446150. Found on Page 142
Figure 141. (Right) Tipuana tipu. Source: Daniel Ventura, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2246165. Found on
Figure 142. Map of urban forest priority street corridors identified in Culver City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan. Source: Tree Canopy - Block Group, Tree People, Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University, 2020. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 64. 2015. Found on Page 144 Figure 143. Artemisia californica. Source: Antandrus at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ArtemisiaCalifornica-GaviotaCA.jpg. Found on Page 145 Figure 144. Eriogonum fasciculatum. Source: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia. org/wiki/File:Eriogonum_fasciculatum_10.jpg. Found on Page 145 Figure 145. Salvia mellifera. Source: Consultaplantas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:Salvia_mellifera_1a.jpg. Found on Page 145
Figure 146. Arcostaphylos glandulosa. Source: Tortie tude, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Arctostaphylos_glandulosa_crassifolia.jpg. Found on Page 145 Figure 147. Ceanothus leucodermis. Source: Pl@ntNet, lovemy3cs, 2024. https://identify.plantnet.org/es/k-world-flora/species/ Ceanothus%20leucodermis%20Greene/data. Found on Page 145 Figure 148. Mimulus aurantiacus. Source: oliveoligarchy, California, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mimulus_aurantiacus_(sticky_monkeyflower)_(7184197630).jpg. Found on Page 145 Figure 149. A variety of landscape management can help reduce the risk of wildfire in high-risk areas. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 146
Figure 150. Heteromeles arbutifolia. Source: Miguel Vieira, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19525268. Found on Page 147
Figure 151. Rhus ovata. Source: Bri Weldon, https://www.flickr.com/photos/briweldon/5228764249. Found on Page 147 Figure 152. Muhlenbergia rigens. Source: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. php?curid=54450777. Found on Page 147
Figure 153. Elymus condensatus. Source: Matt Levin, 2007. https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/3862001631. Found on Page 147
Figure 154. Artemisia douglasiana. Source: Römert, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19802958. Found on
Figure 155. Baccharis salicifolia. Source: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baccharis_salicifolia_kz8.jpg. Found on Page 147 Figure 156. Trees provide much-needed shade for resting and picnicking, like in Culver West Alexander Park . Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 148
Figure 157. Culver City owns and operates 13 parks. Acreage and park classification are displayed for each facility. Note: The General Plan 2045 defines Tellefson Park as a parkette/mini park, however due to its size and existing amenities, the Parks Plan classifies Tellefson Park as a neighborhood park. Source: City of Culver CIty, 2009, 2019, 2023. Found on Page 150 CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 253
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Figure 158. Tennis at a Culver City park. Source: PRCS. 2024. Found on Page 150 Figure 159. A picnic at a Culver City park. Source: PRCS. 2024. Found on Page 151 Figure 160. Existing vs. proposed amenities in the Culver City parks system seek to balance current needs of park users. Source:
LA Parks Portal, Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, inventory update December 27, 2023, www. laparksportal.org, updates received July 10, 2024. Found on Page 151 Figure 161. Existing amenities in the Culver City parks system are rated yearly by PRCS. Source: LA Parks Portal, Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, inventory update December 27, 2023, www.laparksportal.org, updates received July 10, 2024. Found on Page 153
Figure 162. Existing amenities in the Culver City parks system vary from interior facilities to sports courts to playgrounds. Source:
OLIN. 2024, Google Streetview, 2024. Found on Page 154
Figure 163. Existing amenities in the Culver City parks system ary from interior facilities to sports courts to playgrounds. Source:
OLIN. 2024, Google Streetview, 2024. Found on Page 155
Figure 164. Bioswales, such as the one in this Culver City neighborhood, help manage and clean stormwater. Source: Andrea Binz, 2024. Found on Page 157
Figure 165. Inclusive playgrounds aim to welcome, support, and engage every person who comes to use the space reguardless of ability. The Parks Plan aims to add or upgrade three inclusive playgrounds. Source: MONSTRUM Playgrounds / Connor Ryan, 2024. Found on Page 158
Figure 167. Across all of the parks, the proposed designs focus around accessibility. This is supported through paths, ramps, seating, and lighting to improve access and comfort for park users. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 158 Figure 166. Parking garages are proposed very selectively throughout the parks plan. Vines and other vegetation can soften the appearance of parking garage infrastructure. Source: OLIN, 2007. Found on Page 158 Figure 168. A goal integrated into the design of parks across Culver City system is to support city-wide efforts to improve and promote bicycle use and safety on city park land including bicycle parking, integration with future bike paths, shade, and water fountains. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 158
Figure 169. Existing and proposed plan drawings on the following pages outline amenities and improvements for each Culver City Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 159
Figure 171. Parks are identified with a variety of possibilities for tree canopy planting. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 159 Figure 170. Parks are identified with a variety of possibilities for stormwater improvements. Source: OLIN and Geosyntec, 2024.
Found on Page 159
Figure 172. Existing site plan of Culver City Park. It is a beloved community park for the city. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 160
Figure 173. The BoneYard at Culver City Park provides much-needed space for residents with dogs. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 174. Proposed site plan of Culver City Park. This park offers the best opportunity for enhanced native habitat. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 162
Figure 175. Detail 1. The proposed plan of Culver City Park includes a cafe, picnic grove, and racket sports courts. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 164
Figure 176. Detail 2. The proposed plan of Culver City Park includes an outdoor community space in the current CalTrans storage area. The community space includes a raised platform, seating, ADA accessible seating, and an ADA accessible ramp connection to Bill Botts Field. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 165 Figure 177. Existing site plan of Veterans Memorial Park. Facilities and rentals usually fill up quickly here. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 166
Figure 178. Proposed site plan of Veterans Memorial Park. The park capacity is expanded through consolidated parking. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 168
Figure 179. Section A. A new parking structure with rooftop racket courts is proposed for Veterans Memorial Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 170
Figure 180. Upgraded restrooms would be included in the new teen center and gymnasium.. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 181. The proposed plan for Veterans Memorial Park maintains existing ameniteis like playgrounds while adding new featuers such as additional picnic shelters and sports courts.. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 171 Figure 182. Existing site plan of Blair Hills Park, This park is cut into the hillside close to the Park to Playa Trail. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 172
Figure 183. The picnic pavilion at Blair Hills Park could be upgraded. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 173 Figure 184. Erosion issues are ongoing at Blair Hills Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 173 254 DRAFT RESo URCES // TABLE o F FIg URES
Figure 185. Proposed site plan of Culver City Park. Additional walking paths and trail connections increase park accessibility.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 174
Figure 186. Existing site plan of Blanco Park This park is governed by the joint use agreement with the school district. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 176
Figure 187. Blanco Park’s current picnic groves include exposed tables. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 177 Figure 188. The walking path surrounding Blanco Park connexts to the nearby neighborhood. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 189. Proposed site plan of Blanco Park. A new picnic pavilion and additional seating is proposed. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 178
Figure 190. Existing site plan of Carlson Park. This park is used for passive activities. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 180 Figure 191. This public art piece is at the center of Carlson Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 181 Figure 192. The picnic pavilion at Carlson Park provides a space for gathering. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 181 Figure 193. The proposed site plan for Carlson Park keeps or enhances a majority of the existing elements. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 182
Figure 194. Existing site plan of Culver West Alexander Park. This park is also used by many residents outside of Culver City.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 184
Figure 195. The picnic area and playground at Culver West Alexander Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 185 Figure 196. The restrooms and basketball court at Culver West Alexander Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 185 Figure 197. The proposed site plan for Culver West Alexander Park increases picnic space and vegetation in the park. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 186
Figure 198. Existing site plan of El Marino Park. This park sits next to El Marino School. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 188 Figure 199. The playground and courtyards at El Marino Park are in need of upgrades. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 189 Figure 200. There is limited capacity inside the ceramics hut at El Marino Park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 189 Figure 201. The proposed site plan for El Marino Park increases the capacity for arts programming. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 202. Existing site plan of Fox Hills Park. This parks sits as a plateau above street level. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 192
Figure 203. The proposed site plan for Fox Hills Park enhances many existing elements of the park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 204. Section B. The proposed community center could include an elevator for accessible access between street level and park level. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 194
Figure 205. Existing site plan of Lindberg Park. The park is adjacent to the Ballona Creek. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 196 Figure 206. The playground at Lindberg Park has an opportunity to be a signature playground for the city. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 197
Figure 207. The sports court area at Lindberg Park divides the park in half. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 197 Figure 208. The proposed site plan for Lindberg Park leverages the planned stormwater improvements to reorganize the park.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 198
Figure 209. Existing site plan of Syd Kronenthal Park The park is the gateway to the Ballona Creek Bike Path. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 200
Figure 210. A picnic area behind the tennis court at Syd Kronenthal Park can be enhanced. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 201
Figure 211. The proposed site plan for Syd Kronenthal Park expands the playground and consolidates parking in a structure.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 202
Figure 212. Existing site plan of Tellefson Park. This park is underutilized and sis at a busy intersection. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 204
Figure 213. The picnic pavilion at Tellefson Park could use additional lihght. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 205 Figure 214. The mural at Tellefson Park is from 2001. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 205 Figure 215. The proposed site plan for Tellefson Park adds pickleball courts and a walking path around the park. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 206
Figure 216. Existing site plan of Coombs Parkette. It is primarily used by nearby residences. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 208
Figure 217. The proposed site plan for Coombs Parkette add more groundcover planting and an outdoor classroom. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 208
CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 255
TABLE OF FIGURES (CONTINUED)
Figure 218. Coombs Parkette includes turf and trees. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 209 Figure 219. Existing site plan of Fox Hills Parkette. Its area is linear and passively used by nearby residents. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 210
Figure 220. The proposed site plan for Fox Hills Parkette adds another dog park to the parks system. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 210
Figure 221. A plaza at the Fox Hills Parkette includes seating and a feature tree. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 211 Figure 222. The Culver Skateb Found on Page 212
Figure 223. The Culver City Skate park is at the base of the Baldwin Hills and is frequently in use by skaters of all ages. Source:
PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 212
Figure 224. Many residents use Culver City Park as a place to watch the sunset Here you can see the view looking across Duquesne Ave. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 214
Figure 225. When deciding on the prioritization of park projects, PRCS can reference these five factors. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 216
Figure 226. Community members provide feedback on the parks plan at the Helms Bakery pop-up. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 216
Figure 227. (Right Top) This map shows SB1000 priority neighborhoods as defined in the Culver City General Plan 2045. The General Plan uses this term to identify and refer to “disadvantaged communities” as defined by criteria in the California Health and Safety Code making these areas a focus for state and federal funding. Source: City of Culver City, California Public General Plan, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. Found on Page 217 Figure 228. Park pressure takes an overlay of population and parkshed to determine the acres of parkland per 1000 residents within the parkshed. Areas with less than 3.3 acres per 1,000 resident are defined as under “high pressure” based on LA County standards. Source: Parksheds defined using walking distance along U.S. Census Bureau Tiger/Line Shapefiles, Roads, 2022; Population within parkshed derrived from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2021, 5-Year Estimates, 2021. OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 217
Figure 229. Culver City Park provides a vista to view the setting sun across the west side of Los Angles County. Source: Culver City PRCS, 2023. Found on Page 218
Figure 231. Lindberg Park currently has a playground that could be updated to prioritize accessible play. Source: OLIN, 2024.
Found on Page 220
Figure 230. (Above) Table of total costs, prorates, and contingencies for the Culver City Parks Plan. Found on Page 220 Figure 232. (Above) Three categories of parks improvements are accounted for in the preliminary cost estimate for the Culver City parks system. Found on Page 221
Figure 233. A variety of funding mechanisms can be leveraged for proposed projects in the Culver City parks system. Found on
Figure 234. Culver City parks host a wide range of mature trees that provide ecosystem services and heat island reduction benefits across the city..Source: OLIN, 2023. Found on Page 224 Figure 235. Veterans Memorial park hosts the annual Fiesta La Ballona each year. The event is organized and run by PRCS.
Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 227
Figure 236. Public spaces within Culver City host events such as this musical performance “RENEWAL-Experiential Performance on The Culver Steps” at the Culver Steps. The event was ticketed but also included a free section. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on
Figure 237. PRCS staff help to answer questions from the community and conduct events such as Fiesta La Ballona. Source:
OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 230
Figure 239. The Parks Plan team meets with PRCS staff. Source: Geosyntec, 2024. Found on Page 231 Figure 238. PRCS’s Annual Operating Budget (2015/16 adjusted through 2024/25 proposed). Source: Culver City Budget Annual Budgets: Adopted Budget FY 2015-16 through Proposed budget FY 2025/2025., Accessed May 30, 2024. Found on Page 231 Figure 240. Culver City Public Works employees maintain the Culver City Bike Path. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 232 Figure 241. Culver City Park has many California upland native species along its hillside which are defined as significant ecological areas as defined by the County of Los Angeles. Source: OLIN, 2024. Found on Page 235 Figure 242. Non Governmental Organizations like Heal the Bay enlist community volunteers along the Ballona Creek and throughout the watershed. Source: Flickr user: Heal The Bay, Coastal Cleanup Month 2020. License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Found on
Figure 243. The hiking ramp at Culver City Park traverses a steep slope. Source: PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 238 Figure 244. A resident enjoys the view at Culver City Park which can be viewed from benches at the top of the slope. Source:
PRCS, 2024. Found on Page 246
256 DRAFT RESo URCES // TABLE o F FIg URES
CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 257
GLOSSARY
10-Minute Walk: The 10-minute walk is a metric
that is approximately equal to one-half mile.
This is considered the average distance an non-
physically-disabled person is willing to walk to
reach a destination and is considered a national
standard by groups such as the Trust for Public
Land and the Urban Lands Institute that helps to
examine the number of opportunities a person
has close to home.
1% Flood (100-Year Flood): A flood of a
magnitude that has a 1 percent chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year (i.e., has a
recurrence interval of 100 years, on average).
1% Floodplain (100-Year Floodplain): Areas
with a 1 percent annual chance of flooding.
0.2% Flood (500-Year Flood): A flood of a
magnitude that has a 0.2 percent chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year
(i.e., has a recurrence interval of 500 years, on
average).
0.2% Floodplain (500-Year Floodplain): Areas
with a 0.2 percent annual chance of flooding.
Active Transport: Modes of transportation that
are non-motorized rely on physical activity,
such as walking and cycling, in addition to
public transportation, which will be understood
to require walking or cycling as a part of the
whole journey. (Source: Healthy Spaces & Places,
Australia)
Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP): The
probability that a given event (rainfall, flood,
earthquake) will be exceeded in any one year.
An AEP is always a fraction of one, so for instance
a 0.2 AEP rainfall event has a 20% chance of
occurring in any given year.
Aquifer: A natural underground layer of porous,
water bearing materials (sand, gravel) usually
capable of yielding a supply of water.
Best Management Practice (BMP): In the
context of water quality, BMPs are structural,
non-structural devices and/or managerial
techniques that improve or prevent the pollution
contained within dry and wet weather runoff
from reaching downstream water ways.
Box Channel: A rectangular-shaped section of a
channel, typically made of concrete.
Climate Adapted Trees: Tree species that are
able to tolerate a range of current and projected
future temperature and moisture conditions
typical of the location in which they are planted.
This includes increases in heat and drought as
projected by future climate change models and
increased temperature and smog caused by the
urban heat island effects within urban contexts.
Chronodiversity: The condition of temporal
richness in a particular habitat or ecosystem and
the existence of species of various life strategies
and life spans and specimens of various ages.
Climate Resourcefulness: An approach to
climate resilience and justice that frames
resilience in community action and/or activism
as well as community self-determination and
agency. This framework proposed a re-centering
and re-grounding of resilience in communities
and progressive, justice movements. (Source:
Mackinnon and Derickson, 2013. “From Resilience
to Resourcefulness: A Critique of Resilience
Policy and Activism.” Progress in Human
Geography, 37)
Community Based Process: Varies among
communities and project scope but generally
includes the following steps: initial community
consultation; gathering data, observations, and
analysis of primary issues; sharing those issues
back to the community for further input; and
finally, implementation. (Source: Project for
Public Spaces)
Community Park: Community Parks are defined
in the Culver City General Plan 2045 as sites
between 15 and 40 acres designed to serve
people within a 2-to-3 mile radius. They provide
for a variety of passive and active uses and
may include lit or unlit sports fields, basketball
courts, restrooms, indoor facilities, picnic areas,
and specialized facilities (like dog parks and
skateparks).
Distributed Infiltration: Naturally or artificially
allowing rainwater and runoff to percolate into
the soil on a widespread basis.
Ecosystem Function: The biological,
geochemical, and physical processes that take
place or occur within an ecosystem.These
processes often benefit human needs directly or
indirectly. For example: providing shade, carbon
sequestration, or filtering pollutants.
Ecosystem Services: The direct or indirect
contributions of ecosystems to human well-
being that support our survival and quality of life.
Embankment (Levee): An often manmade
primarily earthen barrier along a watercourse
with the principal function of containing, 258 DRAFT RESo URCES // gL o S SARY managing, or diverting the flow of water in to
reduce risk from temporary flooding.
Engineering with Nature: The intentional
alignment of natural and engineering processes
to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic,
environmental, and social benefits through
collaboration. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) Engineering With Nature® (EWN)
Initiative enables more sustainable delivery of
economic, social, and environmental benefits
associated with infrastructure.
Equity: Equity is about ensuring that people
have access to the same opportunities to thrive
and succeed. Examining decision-making
through an equity lens recognizes that people
may have different starting points and may need
different types and levels of support to flourish.
Thus, equity is achieved when socioeconomic
and environmental factors, such as race, income,
ability, education, or place, can no longer be
used to predict health, economic, or other
wellbeing outcomes. These outcomes are
not decided by an individual alone, but also
by characteristics of the physical and natural
environment, which are influenced by policies,
programs, and plans. They are also influenced
by the social and economic relationships that
govern the distribution of goods, services, and
other amenities in society. There are three
dimensions of equity:
• Procedur
al. Relating to influence in
decision-making, such as municipal
planning and other processes that distribute
benefits and burdens of economic and
social policies.
• Distributional. Relating to distribution o
f
resources, benefits, and burdens.
• Structural. Relating t
o continued disparate
or disproportionate procedural and
distributional inequities through the
systems that created the inequities in the
first place.
Extant Vegetation: The mix of plants and trees
present above ground in a vegetated area that
still exists from pre-urbanization conditions.
Fenceline: A boundary line created by a fence or
other linear element.
Flood Channel: Concrete or earthen channels
that convey water during large rain events. Flood
channels are sometimes built on the courses of
waterways as a way to reduce flooding. The LA
River and many of its tributaries operate as flood
channels.
Flood Control District: The Los Angeles County
Flood Control Act (ACT) was adopted by the
State Legislature in 1915, after a disastrous
regional flood took a heavy toll on lives and
property. The Act established the Los Angeles
County Flood Control District and empowered it
to provide flood protection, water conservation,
recreation and aesthetic enhancement within
its boundaries. The Flood Control District is
governed, as a separate entity, by the County of
Los Angeles Board of Supervisors.
Functioning Ecosystem: A dynamic complex of
plant, animal, and microorganism communities
and their non-living environment that exhibits
biological and chemical activities characteristic
for its type, regardless of whether the system
visually looks like a natural system.
Groundwater Basin: Groundwater stored in
an area with permeable materials below the
ground, typically capable of storing a significant
supply of water.
Habitat Linkage: A connection between large
areas of habitat that is typically vegetated.
Linkages are critical to provide sufficient habitat
for wide-ranging animal species with large home
territories as well as for other wildlife species.
Historic Floodplain: Areas subject to inundation
by the LA River and its tributaries and
distributaries prior to significant channelization
in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hydraulics: Science that focuses on the
movement of water through channels, pipes,
and rivers.
Hydrology: The study of water, specifically its
properties, movement, and interaction with land,
and how it affects the earth and atmosphere.
Infiltration: The gradual flow or movement of
water into and through (to percolate or pass
through) the pores of the soil.
Injection: An injection well is a device that
places fluid deep underground into porous rock
formations, such as sandstone or limestone, or
into or below the shallow soil layer.
Invasive Species: An alien species whose
introduction does or is likely to cause economic
or environmental harm or harm to human
health. (Source: USDA)
Landside (Levee): The area from the edge of the
crown to the toe of the levee opposite of the
riverside or creekside.
CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 259
GLOSSARY (CONTINUED)
Levee: An embankment whose primary purpose
is to furnish flood protection from seasonal high
water and which is therefore subject to water
loading for periods of only a few days or weeks a
year.
Linear Park: These parks are defined in the
Culver City General Plan 2045 as landscape areas
and other lands that follow linear corridors such
as rivers, creeks, abandoned railroad rights-of-
way, canals, powerlines, and other elongated
features. They usually contain trails, designed
planted areas, viewpoints, and seating areas.
Low Impact Development (LID): A term used to
describe a land planning and engineering design
approach to manage stormwater runoff primarily
for water quality improvements as part of green
infrastructure. LID emphasizes conservation and
use of on-site natural features to protect water
quality.
Multiuse Trail: Trails which allow for many
user types, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and
equestrians.
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
(MWELO): MWELO is a California statewide water
efficiency law for new and renovated landscapes.
It sets limits on high water use plants and
irrigation equipment and incentivizes a holistic
approach to landscaping that incorporates
healthy soils, adapted plants and alternative
water supplies like graywater, harvested
rainwater, and recycled water.
Native Species: A species that is a part of the
balance of nature that has developed over
hundreds or thousands of years in a particular
region or ecosystem. (Source: USDA)
Natural Open Space: The Culver City General
Plan 2045 defines natural open space as
undeveloped land primarily left in its natural
form with recreation uses as a secondary
objective. It is usually owned or managed by a
governmental agency and may or may not have
public access. This type of land may include
wetlands, steep hillsides, or other similar spaces.
In some cases, environmentally sensitive areas
are considered open space and can include
wildlife habitats, stream and creek corridors, or
unique and/or endangered plant species.
Nature-based: Nature-based strategies aim
to protect, manage, and enhance natural or
modified ecosystems through sustainable
techniques that produce benefits for society
and biodiversity. (Source: International Union for
Conservation of Nature)
Neighborhood Park: The Culver City General
Plan 2045 defines neighborhood parks as
sites that are intended to serve neighborhood
residents within a mile of the park and are
usually between 3 and 15 acres. Neighborhood
parks may have playgrounds, picnic areas,
trails, open grass areas for passive use, outdoor
basketball courts, and multi-use open grass areas
for sports.
Park Pressure: A metric defined by how much
land is available to residents in the area around
each park. The LA Countywide Park Need
Assessment states that any amount less than 3.3
acres of parkland per 1000 residents qualifies as
high park pressure. Nearly 80% of LA County falls
within this category.
Parkette: The Culver City General Plan 2045
defines parkettes or mini parks as sites that
occupy less than 3 acres. They are typically
designed for use by small children or as green
oases in the middle of an urban context.
Parkettes/mini parks may have open grass areas,
playgrounds, and a small picnic area.
Parkshed: Areas that are defined by the park
that is within closest walking distance.
Potable Water: Water quality that is suitable for
drinking.
Receiving Waters: All distinct bodies of water
that receive runoff or wastewater discharges,
such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and
estuaries.
Recharge: Process of addition of water into the
ground to the saturated zone such as an aquifer.
(Source: USGS)
Recharge Area: An area in which water reached
the zone of saturation by surface infiltration.
(Source: USGS)
Reclaimed Wastewater: Wastewater-treatment
plant effluent that has been diverted for
beneficial uses such as irrigation, industry, or
thermoelectric cooling instead of being released
to a natural waterway or aquifer. (Source: USGS)
Regional Detention (Basin): A detention
basin which collects stormwater runoff from a
relatively large area, and has been designed to
use storage as a means of reducing downstream
flood peaks, reducing possible flood damage,
or reducing downstream channel construction
260 DRAFT RESo URCES // gL o S SARY
costs. Regional facilities are usually multi-
purpose, and normally are the responsibility of
a public entity. (Source: Pima County Regional
Flood Control District)
Regional Park: The Culver City General Plan 2045
defines regional parks as areas that are large and
intended to serve the full region.
Resiliency: The capacity of individuals,
communities, institutions, businesses, and
systems within a city to survive, adapt, and
grow, no matter what kinds of chronic stresses
and acute shocks they experience. (Source: 100
Resilient Cities)
Riparian: Pertaining to the banks of a stream,
most often used to describe the hydrophilic
(water-loving) vegetation along a stream.
SB 1000 Priority Neighborhoods: The Culver
City General Plan 2045 uses this term to identify
and refer to “disadvantaged communities”
as defined by criteria in the California Health
and Safety Code. That code defines these
neighborhoods as the following: “a low income
area that is disproportionately affected by
environmental burden and other hazards that
can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or
environmental degradation.” For the purposes
of the General Plan 2045 and this parks plan, SB
1000 Priority Neighborhoods are those that have
a census tract that score in the top quartile of
the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 tool; OR census tracts
or block groups that are low-income areas with
median household incomes that fall below
$72,080.
Special Use Areas: The Culver City General
Plan 2045 defines special use areas as sites that
are often occupied by a specialized recreation
facility. Some uses that fall into this category
include waterfront parks, boat ramps, botanical
gardens, community gardens, single purpose
sites used for a particular field sport, or sites
occupied by recreation buildings.
Stormwater: Stormwater runoff is generated
from rain and snowmelt events that flow over
land or impervious surfaces, such as paved
streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and
does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks
up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/
sediment that can harm our rivers, streams,
lakes, and coastal waters. (Source: USEPA)
Trapezoidal Channel: A section of a channel
with a trapezoidal cross-section. This shape is
used to efficiently convey flows, usually on a
concrete surface.
Tributary: A stream that flows to a larger stream
or other body of water.
Undeveloped Land: This land is undeveloped
and has not yet been designated for a specific
park use.
Upland: Referring to locations elevated above
lower-lying locations, often used when discussing
two locations within a watershed.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): The
United States Army Corps of Engineers provides
public engineering services in peace and war
to strengthen national security, energize the
economy, and reduce risks from disasters.
Water Quality: Surface water conditions suitable
for aquatic life and human health.
Water Security: The capacity of a population
to safeguard sustainable access to adequate
quantities of acceptable quality water for
sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and
socioeconomic development, for ensuring
protection against water-borne pollution and
water-related disasters, and for preserving
ecosystems in a climate of peace and political
stability. (Source: United Nations Water)
Water Supply: Available water provided to
fulfill a particular need. If the need is domestic,
industrial, or agricultural, the water must fulfill
both quality and quantity requirements. Water
supplies can be obtained by numerous types
of engineering projects, such as wells, dams, or
reservoirs. (Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Watershed: The land area that drains into a river
or stream. An area of land that contributes runoff
to one specific delivery point. Large watersheds
may be composed of several smaller “sub
watersheds,” each of which contributes runoff to
different locations that ultimately combine at a
common delivery point. Watersheds are usually
bordered and separated from other watersheds
by mountain ridges or other naturally elevated
areas.
Wetland: Any number of tidal and non-tidal
areas characterized by saturated or nearly
saturated (wet) soils most of the year that form
an interface between terrestrial (land-based) and
aquatic environments. These include freshwater
marshes around ponds and channels (rivers and
streams) and brackish and salt marshes. Other
common names include swamps and bogs.
CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 261
END NOTES
1. 2021 estimated population. U.S. Census Bureau. Table S0101: “Age and Sex.” 2017-2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Found On Page 15
2. Veterans Memorial Park and Culver City Park/Bill Botts Fields Redevelopment Feasibility Study Final Report, Johnson Favaro, March 1, 2024, pages 4-5. Found On Page 40
3. Veterans Memorial Park and Culver City Park/Bill Botts Fields Redevelopment Feasibility Study Final Report, Johnson Favaro, March 1, 2024, pages 4-5. Found On Page 40
91 Found On Page 64
52 Found On Page 64
30 Found On Page 64
11 Found On Page 64
22 Found On Page 64
77 Found On Page 64
7 Found On Page 64
16 Found On Page 64
20 Found On Page 64
17 Found On Page 64
34 Found On Page 64
87 Found On Page 65
19 Found On Page 65
67 Found On Page 65
4. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2024 July 17. Page 275-6.
Found On Page 79
5. “Fire-Smart Landscaping for Enhanced Wildfire Safety: Cal Fire.” Ready for Wildfire - Fire-Smart Landscaping, March 18, 2024. https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/fire-smart-landscaping/. Found On Page 79
6. Allen, Edith B., et al. “Chaparral Restoration.” In Valuing Chaparral, 347–84. Springer International Publishing, 2018. https://www. fs.fed.us/psw/publications/beyers/psw_2018_beyers001_allen.pdf. Found On Page 79
7. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 42. 2015. Found On Page 86
8. Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office, Our County Sustainability Plan. Page 60. 2019. Found On Page 86
9. Tree Canopy - Block Group, Tree People, Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University, 2020. Found On
10. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Pages 61-62. 2015. Found On Page 87
11. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 64. 2015. Found On Page 87
12. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 142. Found On Page 89
13. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Pages 27-28. 2015. Found On Page 93
14. City of Culver City, Culver City Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Page 2. 2009. Found On Page 93
15. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 138. Found On Page 96
16. Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment, Section 2.3.3 Park Pressure, Pp. 2-47, 2016.
Found On Page 98
17. Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment, Section 2.3.3 Park Pressure, Pp. 2-47, 2016.
Found On Page 99
18. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Pages 103 and 115. Found On Page 99
19. Projected pressure was estimated based on a total 2045 population of 61,600 within Culver City. This was provided in the General Plan 2045. The population increase was distributed throughout the parksheds based on the following criteria: (1) 5,000 residents were equally distributed throughout block groups within Culver City as a representation of general infill development proposed in the General Plan 2045. (2) The remaining population increase was distributed between block groups containing parcels within the Fox Hills and Hayden Tract development focused areas. The parcel area (in acres) rezoned as residential/mixed use and the allowable dwelling unit (DU) per acre for that zoning type (i.e. 100 DU/Acre in Fox Hills and 65 DU/Acre in the Hayden Tract) determined the maximum potential population for each development area and the ratio of the two areas was used to estimate the distribution of remaining population growth to reach 61,600. Source:
General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 138. Found On Page 99 262 DRAFT RESo URCES // ENd No TES
21. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 137. Found On Page 100
22. Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment, Section 2.3.3 Park Pressure, Pp. 1-17 to 1-18, 2016. Found On Page 100
20. https://www.tpl.org/blog/why-the-10-minute-walk Found On Page 100
23. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 117. Found On Page 104
24. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 117. Found On Page 104
25. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 117. Found On Page 108
26. Young, Caitlin, and Amalie Zinn. “How Public Art Can Improve Quality of Life and Advance Equity.” Housing Matters, November 16, 2022. https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/how-public-art-can-improve-quality-life-and-advance-equity.
Found On Page 122
27. Art in Public Places Downtown Cultural Walking Tours. Culver City Department of Cultural Affairs. https://www.culvercity.org/ files/assets/public/v/2/documents/city-hall/cultural-affairs/final-2023-culver-city-downtown-cultural-walking-tours-booklet.pdf.
Accessed March 21, 2024. Found On Page 124
28. “Permanent Public Art.” City of Culver City, 2024. https://www.culvercity.org/Permanent-Public-Art. Found On Page 124
29. “Arts in Public Places Program Guidelines.” City of Culver City, 2024. https://www.culvercity.org/Explore/Arts-Culture/APP- Guidelines. Found On Page 124
30. “Cultural Affairs Commission.” City of Culver City, 2024. https://www.culvercity.org/City-Hall/Boards-Commissions/Cultural- Affairs-Commission. Found On Page 125
31. “Supporting the Arts in Culver City.” Culver City Arts Foundation, 2022. https://culverarts.org/. Found On Page 125
32. Arts in California Parks, 2024. https://artsincaliforniaparks.org/. Found On Page 125
33. Low Impact Development Standards Manual (February 2014). Los Angeles County Public Works. Los Angeles County Low Impact Development (LID) Manual.pdf (lacounty.gov). Accessed July 2024. Found On Page 130
34. Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan. City of Culver City. 2021. Found On Page 132
35. “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.” California Department of Water Resources, State of California, 2024. https:// water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance.
Found On Page 135
36. Mes, Julia. “California Lawmakers Approve Non-Functional Turf Ban.” California Water Efficiency Partnership, September 21, 2023. https://calwep.org/california-lawmakers-approve-non-functional-turf-ban/. Found On Page 135
37. California, State of. “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.” Department of Water Resources. https://water.ca.gov/ Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance. Found On
38. “Regions and distributions of springs mapped within the Ballona watershed”, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Technical Report #671, Page 17, 2011. Found On Page 138
39. Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Technical Report #671, Page 4, 2011. Found On Page 138
40. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 27. 2015. Found On Page 138
41. Griffith, G.E., Omernik, J.M., Smith, D.W., Cook, T.D., Tallyn, E., Moseley, K., and Johnson, C.B., 2016, Ecoregions of California (poster): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1021, with map, scale 1:1,100,000, http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ ofr20161021. Found On Page 138
42. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 32. 2015. Found On Page 138
43. Griffith, G.E., Omernik, J.M., Smith, D.W., Cook, T.D., Tallyn, E., Moseley, K., and Johnson, C.B., 2016, Ecoregions of California (poster): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1021, with map, scale 1:1,100,000, http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ ofr20161021. Found On Page 138
44. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 33. 2015. Found On Page 140
45. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 35. 2015. Found On Page 140
46. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 224. Accessed March 15, 2024. Found On Page 140
47. Climate Protection Partnership Division. Edited by Eva Wong, Kathleen Hogan, Julie Rosenburg, and Andrea Denny, Chapter 2: Trees and Vegetation. Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies. Urban Heat Island Basics, Pages 2-3. 2008.
Found On Page 140
48. Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office, Our County Sustainability Plan. Page 60. 2019. Found On Page 140 CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN DRAFT 263
END NOTES (CONTINUED)
49. Tree Canopy - Block Group, Tree People, Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University, 2020. Found On
50. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 28. 2015. Found On Page 142
51. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Page 42. 2015. Found On Page 142
52. Farmer, Jared. “Ancient Trees in a Modern World.” Sempervirens Fund, April 4, 2023. https://sempervirens.org/news/ancient- trees-in-a-modern-world/. Found On Page 142
53. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Pages 73-74. 2015. Found On Page 142
54. iNaturalist, 2022. Found On Page 144
55. City of Culver City, Culver City Urban Forestry Master Plan, Pages 61-62. 2015. Found On Page 144
56. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Pages 240. Found On Page 144
57. Culver City Fire Department, Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover, p. 53, 2019. Found On Page 146
58. City of Culver City, Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan, Page 4-48. 2023. Found On Page 146
59. The California Chaparral Institute, The California Chaparral Preservation Plan. The California Chaparral Institute, Escondido, 2010. www.californiachaparral.org. Found On Page 146
60. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 137. Accessed March 15, 2024. Found On Page 149
61. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Pages 135-143. Accessed March 15, 2024. Found On Page 150
62. City of Culver City, California Municipal Code. Chapter 15.10.750-790. Accessed May 30, 2024. Found On Page 222
63. General Plan 2045, City of Culver City, California: Public Draft General Plan, 2023 September 29. Page 152. Found On Page 222
64. Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan (May 2021). Accessed July 2024. Found On Page 224
65. Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. https://rposd.lacounty.gov/. Accessed August 2024. Found On
66. LA County Metro. https://www.metro.net/about/measure-m/. Accessed August 2024. Found On Page 225
67. The California Legislative Analysts Office, Proposition 4, November 5, 2024. https://www.lao.ca.gov and those most vulnerable to climate change such as the Equity Focused Communities (see Figure 227 on page 217.) A significant allocation of this funding is for water security including water quality improvement projects, flood reduction measures, and river restoration.
Overall $700 million is set aside specifically for parks, including expanding recreational areas and park construction and renovation. Extreme heat protection and local environmental projects addressing heat mitigation make up approximately $450 million of the bond measure dollars.68 Found On Page 225
68. California State Senate, Senate Bill No. 867, Chapter 83, Published July, 5 2024. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/ Found On
69. Arts in California Parks, 2024. https://artsincaliforniaparks.org/. Found On Page 226
70. United States Department of Transportation. https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting. Accessed August 2024. Found On
71. https://sam.gov/fal/30125bd01d244aad8b29883aa7d8f1b9/view Found On Page 226
72. https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ewrp/index.html Found On Page 226
73. https://www.arts.gov/grants/our-town Found On Page 226
74. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/outdoor-recreation-legacy-partnership-grants-program.htm Found On Page 227
76. City of Culver City, PRCS Organization Chart, 2023. Received February 7, 2024. Found On Page 228
75. City of Culver City Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025, April 2024. Page 224. Accessed May 18, 2024. Found On Page 230
77. City of Culver City Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025, April 2024. Page 224. Accessed May 18, 2024. Found On Page 230
78. City of Culver City Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025, April 2024. Page 223. Accessed May 18, 2024. Found On Page 231
79. Ibid. Found On Page 231
80. Culver City Budget FY 2019-2010, Page 115-116. Accessed May 18, 2024. Found On Page 231
81. Culver City Budget FY 2019-2010, Page 231-232. Accessed May 18, 2024. Found On Page 231
82. https://www.partnersofparks.org/about-us Found On Page 236
83. https://pittsburghparks.org/mission-values Found On Page 236
84. https://pittsburghparks.org/powered-by-philanthropy/ Found On Page 236 264 DRAFT RESo URCES // ENd No TES
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