Veterans’ Gardens Raises Questions, Moves Forward

By CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA Reporter

As the Veterans’ Gardens at the Palisades Recreation Center takes another step toward approval, questions surrounding its maintenance and placement came up a special Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

With close to $600,000 allocated toward the project, the gardens will feature five separate “living rooms in the park” with “comfortable seating and dining arrangements” surrounded by gardens as well as bocce ball courts.

But concerned neighbors questioned if any of the new money would be put toward the maintenance of the more worn out areas of the recreation center. Planners of the project plan to allocate close to $300,000 for maintenance of the bocce ball courts and “garden living rooms” for about three years.

“It has been put forth that the maintenance yard concerns are separate from the Veterans’ Gardens project,” said Samantha Firestone, a Palisades resident, in a letter that was sent to the Palisadian-Post. “However, as a neighbor I find it impossible to de-link the two.

“Our sole concern in regards to the Veterans’ Gardens is tied to upkeep and responsiveness to issues that might arise.

“The maintenance yard is a prime example of a Rec Center maintained area that has not been adequately responded to. Addressing current concerns regarding this area would not only create goodwill amongst those who will be shouldering the construction inconvenience of the Veterans’ Gardens but also instill confidence that the Rec Center and PAB are responsive to the community.”

It was also noted that calling it “Veterans’ Gardens” had an “exclusive” tone, and was suggested that it instead be called Veterans’ Community Gardens to be more inviting to all.

Lights that will illuminate the bocce courts and planned flag pole raised questions of light pollution, but project planners assured neighbors that low-level lighting will be used, and will be set to a schedule that has not yet been determined.

After passing with a unanimous vote, the project will now be heard before the Department of Recreation and Parks.