It has been quite some time since I last wrote with an update. It has been a very busy summer for me and I haven't been able to give the project my full attention. That is not to say that I have forgotten or given up on the rooftop, or the civic center as a whole. Quite the opposite. At many of our meetings we have discussed outreaching to the community in order to find vested individuals who would be willing to volunteer to help create a beautiful civic center park. While the city has been reluctant to allow us access to beautify the rooftop there have been several important changes that have occurred to the rooftop park and the civic center in general.
When we began Urban Paradise two years ago there was little attention to the civic center. The city attempted to close the main library due to the library's leaking rooftop. Since then, they have recently spent $2 million in removing 10 million pounds of soil from the roof. They have also added a sealant to prevent leaking. On the east side of the park, where there were giant agaves; there is now a gated, white painted surface, perfect for outdoor performances. On the west side, near city hall, the office of sustainability has planted native plants, the same idea we proposed 2 years ago. The public has not been informed of this and I'm not exactly sure why they are planting native plants in a park no one has access to, but on the bright side, they are planting natives, like we suggested.
As for the rest of the civic center, the city has made some major improvements, they have added a dog park in Lincoln Park, inviting more resident to hang out in the civic center. They have also provided outdoor restrooms, so people are less inclined to "go" on the walkways. Also, the office of sustainability has planted edible box gardens and native grasses all around the plots at the civic center. The Urban Paradise plot sits proudly across the Abe Lincoln statue and is the first plot you see when entering the main library.
The plants look beautiful; I invite you to stop by and visit to look at them. I finally have received access to water and was able to water the plants during these hot days. The plot can use some signs and this winter will be a great time to plant some more natives. Other than that, it is truly self-sufficient and does not require much care or maintenance while still providing beauty and habitat, just as we proposed. If you walk by you can see our first plot, on Ocean and Pacific, alive with volunteer plants that grew after we transplanted the garden. That plot is beautiful and lush, because we planted those seeds. At the plot we now have in front of the library people often stop and stare at the beautful drought resistant garden that is home to birds and butterflies. Along the perimeters, as I mentioned, the city has planted native grasses. When we started, the civic center was mulch and weeds in a neglected public area, but now, it is definitely beginning to look a lot like a urban paradise.
While we still have yet to find a resolution for the rooftop, there is some hope and common ground we can begin to work on. The mayor has told me to submit a proposal outlining the vision for the civic center. If you are available to help, please let me know.
Second, the office of sustainability has offered more space in the civic center, if you would like to do another planting or adopt a plot, please let me know. They are open to allowing public art, so if you are an artist or know of an artist who would like to contribute artwork to the civic center, please let me know. This is a great opportunity to offer other community groups the chance to adopt a plot as well.
Also, the downtown residents have formed a coalition of various neighborhood associations called the Downtown Residential Council. This neighborhood association is actively looking to create green spaces downtown. If you are familiar with powerpoint, or putting videos on youtube or facebook, and can help out, please help. Thank you for your continued support. If you would like to be more involved in any way, please contact me. This is a community project, requiring helping hands and open hearts.
Wanted:
- Help with Facebook and website
- Pictures, pictures, pictures
- Videos
- Uploading videos to youtube
- Help with creating presentations to community groups
- Help with creating a proposal
- Volunteers
Elliot Gonzales
Urban Paradise Coordinator
(562) 786-3874
