It’s extremely rare for Malibu residents to agree on anything. But a few years ago, almost everyone agreed on two things: First, pollution in Malibu Creek, Lagoon and Surfrider Beach must end. Second, the city had to find a way to prevent the Chili Cook-Off from becoming a mammoth 150,000 square foot shopping center. The creation of Legacy Park accomplished both.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the park’s dual purpose, and others question the park’s appearance. The following are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Legacy Project:
What is the main purpose of the park?
First and foremost, Legacy Park is an environmental project. It was designed to capture rainwater and urban runoff from over 330 acres in the Civic Center. The water is stored in the park’s 2.6 million gallon wetland pond. Once the water is collected, it is sent to the storm water treatment facility where it is cleaned, disinfected, and then reused for irrigation. The park also created six natural habitats that serve as an environmental learning center for visitors and students as well as providing a sanctuary for migratory birds and animals. Since it was completed, the project has received several prestigious national awards, including the American Society of Civil Engineers’ “Outstanding Sustainability Project.” Most recently, Senator Fran Pavley announced she will present Malibu with The Sustainable City Award recognizing the city as a leader in protecting the environment.
Why doesn’t the park look like a city park with manicured lawns and flowerbeds?
Arguing aesthetics is always tricky. Recent letters in The Malibu Times prove that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But the park’s design was not intended to be the usual urban park with manicured lawns, roses, playgrounds and picnic areas. Instead, it was designed by biologists, ecologists, landscape architects, and engineers who created a unique environmental preserve in harmony with our natural Mediterranean climate and seasonal changes. Those seeking soccer, baseball and playgrounds can take a short drive to Bluffs Park or walk next door to Malibu Country Mart. (The same council that oversaw Legacy Park also built Trancas Park and acquired Bluffs Park, both of which have all those amenities). Those who claim they want to “Keep Malibu Malibu” should embrace Legacy Park because that’s pretty much the way Malibu looked when I came here more than 50 years ago.
Many who have criticized the park’s aesthetics admit that they have not actually walked its trails. I would invite them to take time to enjoy its quiet natural environment and hopefully change their minds. After all, Legacy Park is only one year old. Like a child, it will change dramatically as it grows. In the spring, Legacy Park will blossom with myriad types of flora and fauna. Trees will grow tall and shady, rain will fill the pond, birds will migrate, and people will have a natural laboratory to observe wildlife.
How much did the Chili Cook-Off site really cost and how was it financed?
The property was appraised at $32 million. The Bay Company agreed to sell it for $25 million. The purchase included the Animal Hospital, the Lumber Yard, and the Coldwell Banker building. The city issued $17 million in bonds and raised the remaining $8 million from grants, donations, and city funds. The bond payment is fully paid from the rent the city receives from the existing buildings. To simplify the concept, think of buying a house, putting a mortgage on the property, and having someone else pay the mortgage. The really good news is that within two years, the city anticipates the building rents will generate not only the money needed to pay the bonds, but an additional surplus of $400,000 per year.
And finally, without the more than $4 million in grants and donations, the city could not have bought the Chili Cook-Off site. However, that money was given on the condition that the money be spent to meet the environmental goals of the project while also creating a park that reflects Malibu’s rural lifestyle.
In the end, residents who complain about the rugged looks of the park should ask themselves: Was cleaning up the pollution that fouled our waters worth giving up a manicured, urban park? Was creating a unique, environmental, rural park preferable to having a large shopping center? Those were the questions the City Council asked itself. Legacy Park was their answer.
Sharon Barovsky