HomeCity Government NewsCommission Considers Mayors’ Discovery Park Upgrades

Commission Considers Mayors’ Discovery Park Upgrades

First published in the Feb. 16 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.

Mayors’ Discovery Park may no longer be considered for the construction of pickleball courts in La Cañada Flintridge, but the underutilized green space could still see some development in the near future.
City staff is looking to reappropriate the grant funding from Proposition 68 — which they initially planned to use for repurposing the skate park on Cornishon Avenue into a pickleball facility — toward redeveloping Mayors’ Discovery Park for more recreational activities.
According to LCF Deputy Director Arabo Parseghian, the city could be eligible to receive up to $200,000 from the state through Prop 68, which voters approved in 2018. In order to receive the grant money, however, the city must complete the projects by the end of 2023.
During the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting this week, staff discussed potential projects for the park that would increase its use and encourage outdoor activity.
Most of the suggestions from city staff and residents were supported by the commission, especially the installation of equipment for supporting a playground for children 6 years and younger, and outdoor exercise for adults. The commissioners also liked the idea of adding a small court for bocce ball, a popular lawn game worldwide.
At the recommendation of several residents, city staff also considered adding a putting green at Mayors’ Discovery Park, but the idea was ultimately shot down by the panel.
In order for the proposed projects to move forward, the fountain and sand pit would have to be demolished, a move that the city has been considering for the past few years.
The panel also gave city staff a secondary list to consider when presenting the recommendations to City Council, which has the final say on what gets approved. Commissioner Jack Kozakar suggested that the city install dog waste stations because a number of locals use the park to walk their furry friends and it would encourage owners to pick up after their pets.
Parseghian was open to the idea and reminded residents listening to the meeting that LCF has an ordinance requiring all dogs to have a leash at local parks. He added that the city previously considered a dog park nearly a decade ago but that the community was not in favor of it at the time.
The commissioners concurred with Kozakar’s suggestion about making the park a little more dog-friendly, and also liked the idea of implementing outdoor gaming tables that would allow people to play chess or checkers. Commissioner Wayne Page said such additions could give the park the “sense of community” that it currently lacks.
Other upgrades the panel recommended making to City Council are adding LED lighting, improving landscaping with plants that are drought resistant and consistent with the area, and maintenance to the park’s restrooms and kitchen.
Commission Chairwoman Marija Decker asked city staff that if the proposed projects move forward, they maximize the green space and minimize tree removal.
Page said that while he understands not all of the proposals may move forward, he would like to see what does get approved, gets done right.
“I don’t want to have a defeatist attitude that we can’t do things right,” Page said. “I think landscaping should be done right — everything should be done right. Whatever we’re getting … I’d say aim for making it beautiful and making it aesthetically nice.”

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