All things come to those who wait. Since returning from a move to New York, we are absorbing the many exciting happenings in Malibu during our absence, such as the vision for an Esplanade or Linear Park beginning to come to fruition after all these years. While reading the description of the Legacy Park project, it had a familiar ring to it, much like the goals of the Malibu Beach Esplanade project proposed by our non profit group
Originally, in 1988, before cityhood, the Esplanade was approved and funded after years of planning and negotiations with four government agencies, We received grants of 1.5 million dollars, but as ground-breaking was to begin, the agencies refused to release the funding in a last ditch takeover effort, which we could not accept. We offered the project to the City but failed to get approval.
Phase 2 and 3 of the Esplanade fall within the scope of the Legacy Park. Phase 1 is the viewing deck at Surfrider Beach. The plans, plus the model, are still gathering dust in my studio and can be presented to the City again. As a reminder, Caltrans agreed in a grant application with the non profit as co-applicants to fund, construct and maintain Phase I improvements along PCH from the Pier to Cross Creek Road consisting of a wide promenade with benches, lighting, planters and landscaping. The construction drawings were completed by the nonprofit and needed only to be reconciled to Caltrans specifications. The City at the time did not act on it for lack of matching funds, 11 percent or approximately $80,000. That was back in April 2001. Now, maybe, it’s time.
Congratulations and thanks to all responsible for the completion of the Cross Creek Road development. Not an easy task, we know. It looks great and is long overdue!
Ann Ryan, founder, designer
Malibu Beach Esplanade