Workshop 2: Concept Design + Hands-On Play Workshop
March 7th, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Fair Oaks Burger w/ Side Street Projects
On April 18th, KDI and Side Street Projects returned to Fair Oaks Burger for the second community workshop. About 100 people showed up, including returning neighbors, new faces, kids, and a local tenant union. The event included history boards about Charles White and the park, a collage table, arts and crafts activities, and burgers for everyone.
On the Side Street Projects school bus, kids built their own wooden play structures on site, including spinners, monkey bars, climbing structures, and slides. Using wood and pipe cleaners, they found inventive ways to bring play elements to life at a smaller scale.
KDI and LA County Parks brought an early concept design created directly from what the community told us at Workshop 1 and across earlier pop-ups. A “what we heard” board summarized that feedback, and participants could see their input reflected in the direction the design was heading. People were encouraged to leave notes and reactions directly on the board and through conversation.
From the collage exercise and conversations over burgers, we learned that people are excited about natural play elements, open space, and varied play. They want to climb high with clear sight lines so parents can keep an eye on their kids. We also heard that the play area should feel like Altadena, like the community designed it themselves. Permeable surfacing and native planting were also important to people across the board.
Some takeaways
Natural materials and native plantings, with pops of color woven in
Climbing structures, water play, and large-scale elements topped the list
Honoring Charles White and his art in the design
Incorporate permeable surfacing and native plantings throughout the design
