The South Bay Parkland Conservancy is working to create a connected urban wilderness throughout the South Bay with trails, parks, and native habitat for wildlife.
Conservancies play a key role in maintaining and acquiring parklands across the United States. In the South Bay of Los Angeles County, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy is working hard to preserve and expand open space in the region. Its focus thus far has been Hopkins Wilderness Park which is located in the city of Redondo Beach. According to the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment, Redondo Beach only has 1.4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which is well below the countywide average of 3.3.
Hopkins Wilderness Park was developed in 1977 as a center for camping, nature study and conservation. The 11-acre site includes: four ecological habitats: forest, meadows, streams, and a pond; amphitheater; three overnight campgrounds: Gumwood Camp, Pine Camp, and Sycamore Camp; Elm Camp picnic site; and public restrooms and support facilities.
Since 2017, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy has been working with community volunteers and the City of Redondo Beach to restore Wilderness Park to its natural state. Specifically, the Conservancy and volunteers have:
- Planted over 5,000 native plants, representing over 100 different species.
- Organized 100 different park events with weekly and monthly volunteer restoration opportunities.
- Collaborated with local schools on bio blitzes, Girl Scouts on outdoor education, and environmental clubs and Eagle Scouts on projects.
FULL STORY: Conservancy hopes to create urban wildernesses throughout South Bay
A Win for Single-Family Zoning in California
Five Southern California charter cities need not worry about lot splitting in their single-family zoned neighborhoods thanks to a Los Angeles County superior court ruling on April 22. Depending on a forthcoming ruling, 120 cities may join them.
California Cities Continue Fight Against State Preemption
Lafayette City Council Member Susan Candell penned an op-ed in support of a lawsuit to invalidate Senate Bill 9 by four Southern California cities, highlighting a recent supportive court filing by UCLA economic geographer Michael Storper.
Redondo Beach’s Housing Element Failed. Now a Developer Is Planning 2,300 Residential Units.
Anti-housing development planning now has consequences in California.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
Toronto Condo Sales Drop 75%
In two of Canada’s most expensive cities, more condos were built than ever — and sales are plummeting.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)