Yes, Virginia, a new park opens
VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK — Residents are confident a $13 million expansion and renovation to one of the largest parks in Santa Monica is going to pay off.
The new and improved Virginia Avenue Park, set to open on Saturday, has been buzzing with activity all week, as construction crews make last-minute improvements and residents drop by for an early visit.
On Friday, dozens of parents and children gathered on the lawns, playground and basketball courts to enjoy the afternoon. Many said they had been looking forward to the opening.
“We’re just raving about it,” said Becky Turk, a 12-year Santa Monica resident talking to a group of mothers as she watched her two children play. “The park is bigger than it used to be. The kids have more room, and this is one more place for them in the city.”
Previously covering 5.8 acres, the new Virginia Avenue Park spans 9.5 acres, and is bounded by Pico Boulevard to the south, Cloverfield Boulevard to the east and Virginia Avenue to the north. Residences along 21st Street border the park’s western edge. The police substation, previously on Pico Boulevard, is being moved into the park.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 12, 2005. Read the original PDF.