Votes Are In For York Park’s Design Plans

Three possible designs were up for a vote during last month’s Choose Your Own Park-venture contest where Highland Park residents and stakeholders were able to vote in person or online for their favorite option. 

The winning design, Option C, will feature a mini-rock wall, amphitheater, a treehouse shaped playground and water misters. The park will be gated, per city requirements, and will be surrounded with a succulent garden with native plants. Fitness areas and bathrooms will also be available.

Stressed by several community members during York Park Planning workshops last October were spaces for public art including a mural wall and a curated public art gallery to reflect the neighborhood’s artistic heritage.

The quarter-acre lot on the corner of Avenue 50 and York Boulevard was spearheaded by Council member Jose Huizar as part of the city’s efforts to improve York Boulevard. As reported in an earlier story, Highland Park was chosen for a competitive state grant of $2.8 million to buy the vacant lot. The efforts are part of the Department of Recreation and Parks’ 50 Parks Initiative, focusing on converting underutilized properties into green spaces and public parks.