Ishihara Park is a 2.35 acres (0.95 ha) linear community park located in Santa Monica, California. The park was opened to the public in February 2017 and is named after George Ishihara, a local resident who fought in World War II as part of the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team and participated in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.[1][2]
| Ishihara Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
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| Location | 2909 Exposition Boulevard |
| Nearest city | Santa Monica, California |
| Coordinates | 34°01′44″N 118°27′40″W / 34.0290°N 118.4612°W |
| Area | 2.35 acres (0.95 ha) |
| Created | 2017 |
| Operated by | Santa Monica Community Services Department |
History
editThe location of the park had previously been used as a parking lot and site for utility buildings.[3] In 2010, the Los Angeles Metro approved plans to build a new light rail line connecting Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles. In order to do so, Metro needed to establish a maintenance yard between the two locations. Concerned by the increase in noise that a maintenance yard and light rail line might bring to the nearby neighborhoods, Santa Monica and Metro agreed to establish a "buffer zone" between the surrounding residential neighborhood and the maintenance station.[4] Following engagement with the local community, a park was commissioned for the "buffer zone" and, thus, originally named "Buffer park."
In 2014, members of the local community were invited to propose names for the new park.[5] Several residents suggested that the city rename the proposed park after local resident George Ishihara, a veteran of World War II who had lived most of his life in a house close to the park and had played a significant role in the local community before his death in 2009.[6][2] The park was designed by Mia Lehrer + Associates[7] and constructed in 2016.[4][8] Ishihara Park opened to the public on 25 February 2017.[3] Alongside the opening of Ishihara Park, the former Stewart Street Park was renamed Gandara Park after World War II soldier Joe Gandara.[9]
Facilities
editThe park is broken up into several sections that can be used for different activities. The western end of the park contains outdoor exercise equipment. In the middle of the park, there is a pavilion with outdoor benches and tables along with a playground for young children. At the eastern end of the park is The Learning Garden which provides community members with a place to learn and improve their gardening skills by planting herbs, citrus trees, and other vegetables.[3] A half-mile walking trail traverses each section of the park.[7]
References
edit- ^ Hall, Matthew (2016-04-29). "Two parks to be named for local veterans". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ a b "Ishihara Park Dedicated in Santa Monica". Rafu Shimpo. 2017-03-13. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ a b c "Ishihara Park - Community Services Department". www.smgov.net. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ a b "Santa Monica Constructs the Future - Buffer Park". www.smgov.net. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ "Naming Buffer Park: From 'ÄúToypurina Park'Äù to 'ÄúHobo Junction East'Äù and 'ÄúCookies and Cupcake'Äù". Santa Monica Daily Press. 2014-11-21. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ "Ishihara Park to Be Dedicated in Santa Monica". Rafu Shimpo. 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ a b "Another L.A. parking lot bites the dust for MLA's Ishihara Park". The Architect’s Newspaper. 2017-07-05. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ "Ishihara Park". Santa Monica Parks + Beach Improvements. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
- ^ Hall, Matthew (2017-02-25). "One big party for four park projects". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.