Culver City Parks Task 8.1 Final Plan - Flipbook - Page 233
The following elements within Culver City Parks are
maintained by Culver City Public Works:
• Recreation Buildings and Indoor Facilities
• Stormwater BMPs, including, but not limited
to underground storage, biofiltration areas,
and rain gardens
Existing Operations and
Maintenance
Prior to significant capital investments, it is critical
that additional funding for general maintenance
be secured for PRCS. Community concerns were
raised during engagement meetings that if current
facilities aren’t maintained well, then additional
facilities should not be added.
Key operations and maintenance concerns include
the following:
• Irrigation systems: Existing irrigation
systems are inefficient and not consistently
reviewed for performance due to staffing
shortages. This leads to conditions in turf
fields that create some soggy areas and
other areas that are extremely dry. Other
planting areas could be converted to
efficient drip irrigation systems.
• Electrical infrastructure: Electrical
infrastructure needs to be reviewed and
replaced as necessary throughout the parks
systems. PRCS has already received quotes
for replacing the electrical equipment at
Culver City Park.
• Lighting: Lighting throughout the parks
system can be replaced with energy efficient
LED fixtures, and shielded light fixtures can
be installed where park lights are close to
residential areas. This was especially noted
at Fox Hills Park.
• Soils and Erosion: Erosion, slope
stabilization, and uneven soil settlement
need to be addressed, especially at the
landfill site and previous oil derrick locations
in Culver City Park, and along the slopes at
Fox Hills Park.
• Urban Forest: The existing tree canopy is
maturing and many tree specimens are
reaching the end of their lifespans, creating
a heightened risk for falling branches or
trees. This was observed specifically with
many Chinese Elm trees throughout the
parks system. There is one contracted
arborist for the entirety of Culver City who
would benefit from additional staff support.
• Native Habitat Planting: Shrubs and
understory plantings are not replaced
regularly enough as they fail or are replaced
with non native invasive species not suitable
for Culver City’s climate.
• Turf Fields: Turf fields suffer from overuse
and poor irrigation systems and could
benefit from better performing turf species
and dedicated time for field regeneration.
• Stormwater Projects: Limited funding for
stormwater capture systems throughout
the city is currently a barrier for broader
stormwater project implementation for
both large and small stormwater capture
systems in parks.
• Drainage: Adequate drainage is often a
concern throughout many of the parks,
whether in sports courts or in vegetated
areas. For example, the gutter and drain at
the base of the slope of Blair Hills Park is
often clogged.
• Playgrounds: Several playgrounds
throughout the system have aging and
run-down equipment, with play surfacing
wearing away. In spring 2024, the El
Marino playground was replaced, and
other opportunities for new and accessible
play equipment include the play areas at
Lindberg and Culver West Alexander Parks .
• Buildings: Many recreation buildings within
the parks system have not been renovated
since they have been constructed and are
in need of structure and energy upgrades
ranging from foundation improvements to
insulation upgrades and installing HVAC
systems. The building at Veterans Memorial
Park has been identified by the 2024
Feasibility Study to be too costly to renovate.
The study recommended the building be
replaced with new construction.
• Storage: Some areas within the parks and in
recreation buildings are underutilized, with
areas for both indoor and outdoor storage
not allowing for the best use of parkland for
public benefit.
Prior to significant capital
investments, it is critical
that additional funding for
general maintenance be
secured for PRCS.
CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN 233
