BY LOREEN BERLIN: Through a private-public partnership with USS CAL Builders headquartered in Stanton, the City of Stanton unveiled Pocket Park at the southwest corner of Beach Boulevard and Orangewood Avenue Wednesday, Jan. 17.
Public Works Director and City Engineer Allan Rigg said the park is a small portion of the ongoing combined public and private efforts to revitalize Beach Boulevard.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: Through a private-public partnership with USS CAL Builders headquartered in Stanton, the City of Stanton unveiled Pocket Park at the southwest corner of Beach Boulevard and Orangewood Avenue Wednesday, Jan. 17.
Public Works Director and City Engineer Allan Rigg said the park is a small portion of the ongoing combined public and private efforts to revitalize Beach Boulevard.
Rigg said the park, which was at no cost to the city, is an example of how the city is continuing to expand its public-private partnerships, providing an opportunity to build a sense of community while improving the quality of life in Stanton.
"The park will bring pride to the community," said Councilman Rigoberto Ramirez.
Pocket Park features a variety of plants and trees that when in bloom will provide a plethora of flowering plants and trees in a diverse range of colors from spring into summer and beyond. Included is the Palo Verde tree, which in Spanish means green wood; Pink Muhly, named for Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg, who is famous for classifying more than 150 species of plants; and Rosemary, which is not only a medicinal herb but makes a nice, purple, ornamental plant.
When in bloom, the passive pass-through park will be ablaze with color and inviting to residents within the community as well as passersby along the Beach Boulevard Corridor.
All of the 5-feet-tall "Stanton" letters at the front of the park are rustic metal. The letters will be illuminated from the bottom via solar panels.
All of the grasses, shrubs and succulents, along with the trees, are low-water maintenance and there will be overhead lighting on pedestrian light poles.
"This is nice that we're able to do this for our community," said Mayor David Shawver. "The new sign out front will identify our town and will let people know where we are."
Each of the City Council members gave remarks.
Councilwoman Carol Warren said she and Councilman Brian Donahue live across from the Pocket Park and will have the pleasure of looking at the park every day.
"This brings Stanton into the 21st Century. We're glad the park is opening," said Warren.
"Carol and I will see this Pocket Park more than anyone else and it's truly a beautification of Beach Boulevard. Many thanks to those who designed and built it," said Councilman Donahue.
"The Beach Boulevard project is another step in beautifying this corner as a center of Orange County. It's finally what it should be," said Councilman Al Ethans.
Shawver praised the construction workers, planners and builders.
"USS CAL Builders' heart is in Stanton, as their office is here, and we're fortunate to have them in our community… This Pocket Park distinguishes Stanton."
City Manager Jim Box said the patina finish on the Stanton letters will change with the environment.
"The new water-tolerant plants tie the area together in this passive pass-through park and this renovation was at no cost to taxpayers."
Large steps just behind the bus stop at Orangewood Avenue and Beach Boulevard lead residents into the park.
Look for more construction at the northeast corner of Orangewood Avenue and Beach Boulevard, where a large fountain will also enhance the area.
