VISION FOR GRIFFITH PARK:  AN URBAN WILDERNESS IDENTITY

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Griffith Park is a natural refuge surrounded by an intense urban environment.  It is characterized by extensive open space that connects people with the natural heritage of California, as well as the physical and cultural history of Los Angeles.  Historically, a diversity of uses has been accommodated within the Park.  But in the face of growing urban development and receding contact with nature, the public recognizes that the Park’s greatest value for 21st Century Los Angeles is its ability to reconnect people with the natural world.  To accomplish this, the primary management principle for this Park will be to preserve and restore natural resources and ecosystems and enhance the Park’s natural qualities.  This governing management principle will establish a unique Urban Wilderness identity for Griffith Park, one which fosters a visitor experience that is apart from urban infringements.

The Park will remain an oasis in our urban environment.  The majority of the Park will continue to be comprised of natural terrain with the native southern California landscape that serves as a habitat for native wildlife communities.  Trails for hikers and equestrians will continue to wind through the hills and flats, taking care to minimize impacts on the protected natural systems.  The natural watershed, including the Los Angeles River, will be a key element of the Park’s sustainable infrastructure system.  Environmentally sensitive and responsible practices incorporated throughout the Park will demonstrate to Park visitors the many ways we can operate in harmony with the natural world.

Griffith Park has a rich history.  There are many stories to be told, and there are remnants of earlier days that remain in the Park today.  The Park, as a whole, and historic areas within the Park shall be considered “cultural landscapes” that need preservation and rehabilitation.  The Park’s developed areas, historic and cultural elements and interpretive exhibits are valuable resources to be administered and preserved consistent with the urban wilderness identity.

Sustainability and protecting the Park’s natural ecosystem will be the primary goals in addressing maintenance and repairs as well as for any future improvements or development that are consistent with this Master Plan.  Whether major or minor in scope, all work must be designed and executed consistent with the urban wilderness identity and clearly expressed and explained so that they can be understood by all.  Concepts such as watershed management, storm water retention and filtering, natural drainage, recycling of waste, reforestation and habitat protection must be integrated into the Park ecosystem, which includes both the natural Park areas and the developed areas.

SPECIFIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Manage The Park As A Natural Area Consistent With The Park’s Urban Wilderness Identity

  • Maintain Park overall as a nature and wildlife preserve.
  • Minimize the impact of intensive uses.
  • Identify and preserve historic and cultural Park resources.
  • Promote natural qualities, reduce urban intrusions, and provide for informal recreation.
  • Reclaim Headworks, Toyon Canyon Landfill, and other smaller facilities as wilderness areas.
  • Consider for acquisition all available contiguous property, including undeveloped land to the west of the Park, for use as public open space and native habitat.
  • Evaluate all new uses, programs, and facilities, or expansion of existing uses, programs, and facilities, against the criteria of enhancing the Park’s natural attributes and resources, and preserving and maintaining the Urban Wilderness Identity.
  • Manage Park programming and events consistent with the natural preservation aims of the Urban Wilderness Identity.

Implement Environmentally Sound And Sustainable Programs And Policies Within The Park

  • Maintain the valuable natural resources within the Park
  • Implement a watershed management system that maximizes natural drainage systems, retention of storm water, filtering and recharging of the water table, and connections to the Los Angeles River.
  • Increase and restore natural habitat and native vegetation.
  • Recycle and reuse Park waste.
  • Increase and facilitate wildlife corridors:  1) between habitats within the Park, and 2) to natural areas contiguous to the Park, especially the Los Angeles River.
  • Improve parking surfaces and systems to reduce heat and to release areas for restoration of natural landscape.

Improve Park Mobility

  • Make the Park universally accessible while protecting the natural environment.
  • In keeping with the Urban Wilderness Identity, develop a comprehensive transportation system that provides circulation within the Park.
  • Develop wayfinding programs and signage that are consistent with the Park’s Urban Wilderness Identity.

Promote An Urban Wilderness Identity In The Park Reinforced By The Design Of Facilities and Amenities

  • Define and consistently reinforce the unique character of the Park with every decision and communication related to the Park.
  • Implement design guidelines throughout the Park for all improvements and repairs to existing facilities, amenities, and infrastructure.
  • Develop Park signage and Park information consistent with the Urban Wilderness Identity.

Focus Park Management On The Urban Wilderness Identity And Improve Accountability And Effectiveness

  • All personnel of Recreation and Parks are responsible for ensuring that the Park maintains its Urban Wilderness Identity consistent with the principles of the Master Plan.
  • Sustain and create volunteer opportunities and promote volunteering that promotes long-term community stewardship of the Park.
  • Continue to promote the existing diversity of recreation and enjoyment by individuals and small groups as opposed to large group special events, and improve management of special events to minimize impact on the park and interference with park users
  • Increase dedicated staff with special expertise on natural communities, historic and cultural resources, and resource management.
  • In consultation with the community, establish a permanent community advisory committee to assist in achieving the Vision for Griffith Park.