Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association

Rustic Canyon Improvement Project approved

Citizen Oversight Committee meets with City Engineer

On May 24, 2004, the Local Volunteer Neighborhood Oversight Committee (LVNOC) approved the schedule of work prepared by the City Engineer for the Rustic Canyon Park Improvement Project funded by Proposition K . The project as originally proposed was rejected by the community two years ago and the crafting of the new scope of work represents many months of work by the LVNOC, the City Engineer, and Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

A major sticking point was design of a compliant disabled access ramp from the clubhouse to the picnic/playground area. The steepness and lack of "landings" on the existing ramp results in the ramp being out of compliance with federal guidelines The original replacement ramp was rejected as being "too massive" in concrete design and for removing too many trees. The new design starts the ramp in the patio resulting in a more gentle, slope and less grading and tree removal. Two acacias will be removed according to consulting arborist Carl Mellinger, an LVNOC member who assisted in developing tree-saving alternatives. To meet federal requirements the project had to include improved access. Councilwoman Miscikowski provided $20,000 in discretionary funds to offset a portion of the ramp replacement cost.

Improved access to the restrooms also will be provided.

The committee carefully considered alternatives for the stone stairway adjacent to the tennis courts. It was agreed that the stone stairs represented a safety hazard and should be replaced. City Engineer Alice Gong agreed to add stonework to flank the new concrete stairs.

LVNOC member Alejandro Ortiz designed a less intrusive stairway from the parking lot to the picnic area than originally planned. His design hugs the hillside and results in the removal on only one sapling a much better result than the original proposal.

The committee agreed with Ms. Gong that removal of soundproofing tiles will begin in the Library and results reviewed before other rooms are approached.

Chairman Nelson Willis obtained agreement that any savings realized from the project would be used to remove tiles and paint ceilings. The total budget for the construction is slightly over $375,000 in Proposition K funds, not including the contribution from Cindy Miscikiowki.

Assistant Park Director Richard Carr pointed out that construction would interfere with the Park's summer camp program and requested that construction begin after Labor Day. It was agreed that the four-month project will be constructed by the City's General Service Department and begin on September 7.

The scope of work of the project is as follows:

Summary of Scope of Work

RUSTIC CANYON RECREATION CENTER SCOPE OF WORK FOR PROP. K IMPROVEMENT PROJECT


Scope of work for this project consists of Facility Enhancements and Irrigation work to include:
1. Automate irrigation system (Original plan, but exclude all hillside areas). Includes ball field
2. Repair Entry Courtyard: includes the following items: demolition, paving, seat walls, irrigation, planting, new tree, drainage.
3. New Ramp, including demo of existing components (concrete, retaining wall, chain link fence), new concrete, new concrete retaining. wall, new block retaining wall, new chain link fence on wall.
4. Native/Drought tolerant plants in planting areas near buildings, including pool area planters. No hillside planting included
5. Resurface outdoor Basketball/Volleyball Court. Optional DecoColor finish. Two new basketball backboards with hoops and nets (no new poles.
6. Make restrooms ADA-compliant
7. Restore all nonoriginal doors with historically accurate French doors.
8. Provide two players’ benches for outdoor Basketball/Volleyball court
9. Small concrete stairs from parking area to picnic area
10. Refurbish baseball field – smooth, amend soil, re-seed area.
11. Remove acoustical tiles in Library Room
12. Replace existing chain link fence along Latimer with new green colored, vinyl coated chain link fence.
13. Remove timbers and asphalt curb on both sides of service road. Replace with concrete curb/curb wall.
14. Extend tennis court barrier fence
15. Replace existing stone stairs at tennis courts with stone-flanked concrete stairs.