Workshop 1: How we play + Charles White’s Legacy
March 7th, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Fair Oaks Burger
On March 7th, KDI and Side Street Projects hosted a community workshop at Fair Oaks Burger, one block from Charles White Park. Despite a windy day, nearly 100 people showed up, including West Altadena residents, town council members, and community members of all ages. The event included an assemblage station, a collage station, informational posters, drawing prompts, a wood-shop school bus, and burgers.
Across stations, a few clear themes emerged. Climbing, exploring, and swinging were the most requested play types. Participants imagined treehouses, obstacle courses, natural rocks, and structures that feel like climbing a tree or building a fort. Kids and adults alike were excited about water play, pointing to interactive splash features and pump-and-channel systems that let kids move water themselves. Many participants remembered the large timber playground from the 1980s and want the new design to carry a similar spirit, exploratory, nature-based, and built for imaginative play.
Caregivers suggested shaded seating close to the play area and age-based zones that let younger children play safely while still feeling connected to the larger space. Honoring Charles White came up repeatedly. Participants want the park to reflect his work and the history of West Altadena through public art, interpretive elements, and design details that reference his aesthetic.
From the workshop, it was clear there is a strong sense of connection to the park. Participants shared memories of learning to ride bikes on the path, picnics with family and dogs, and decades spent in the neighborhood. That history shaped how people talked about the redesign. They want investment and care, but they want it to feel like an upgrade to something already important to West Altadena.
Some takeaways
Climbing, swinging, and exploring were the most requested play types; natural materials and treehouse-style structures came up across multiple conversations
Water play was a favorite, with a preference for interactive, kid-activated features
Caregivers asked for shaded seating near the play area
Honoring Charles White's legacy was a priority. Participants want the design to reflect his art and the history of West Altadena
Participants have deep personal histories with the park. The redesign should feel like an upgrade, not a departure