A new design proposal for the La Cienega Park playground has been approved following a unanimous vote taken by the Beverly Hills City Council at its Sept. 16 meeting.
Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who serves as a liaison to the Recreation and Parks Commission along with Councilmember Mary Wells, expressed her enthusiasm for the completion of the design.
“Since we budgeted this three and a half years ago, it’s great to see it coming to fruition,” Nazarian said.
The effort to redesign the park began in earnest in August 2024 when city staff drafted and sent out a survey to residents. Based on the results of the survey, a proposed design for the playground area was developed and presented to the Recreation and Parks Commission on March 25. Input on the design was received from Nazarian and Wells, who requested improvements on lighting and shade.
New drawings were approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission on Aug. 26 and presented to City Council on Sept. 16.
Designed by Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture, the proposed new ADA-compliant playground will be divided into two zones, one with play structures for children ages 2-5 and the other for children ages 5-12. The two spaces will be demarcated by oversized concrete pebbles, which are intended to resemble a riverbed. The pebbles also serve to deter skateboarders.
Other elements of the new playground will include a stage for story time and other performances, nature-themed springers, a slide, swings and swivel play platforms.
A number of shade structures will be installed, including spherical shades above the stage, canopies incorporated into the play equipment, sail shades at seating areas and trees throughout the park.
Equipment for play structures is proposed to be supplied by Kompan, which manufactured similar items for the playground at Roxbury Park.
All councilmembers expressed their support for the project.
“I think it’s very thoughtful and long overdue … it won’t just be [for people] in that neighborhood, it’s going to be for all the families and they’re going to really appreciate it,” said Wells.
“The design looks great,” added Councilmember Craig Corman. “I know people put a lot of time and effort into it and it shows … I’m very much in support and I look forward to getting this thing done.”
Echoing comments made by others on the council, Nazarian voiced her hope that construction will be completed by summer 2026.
“It’s a long time waiting for our entire community and we want to see this coming together … the designs you have are adorable,” she said. “They really do look fantastic.”
The project will now be sent out for bids.
In other business, the council approved a purchase order not to exceed $685,014 to J. Ben Bourgeois Productions, Inc. for holiday décor, lighting materials and services related to the 2025 Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, which will take place on Nov. 13. The company has been providing this service to the city since 2019.
The council also heard from multiple members of the public who expressed their concern over the city’s recent approval to issue up to $550 million in bonds to assist with the financing of One Beverly Hills, a private luxury development.
Bonds will not be issued until construction of One Beverly Hills is closer to completion.
