Bandini Canyon Trail Project

Project Summary

Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) was requested by the Office of Councilwoman Janice Hahn to facilitate a conceptual planning and design project for Bandini Canyon, a misused and underutilized open space in the heart of a dense San Pedro neighborhood. Between March 2003 and January 2004, LANI conducted and facilitated community outreach to mobilize and empower community stakeholders and oversee the development of a community-driven conceptual plan. This plan is aimed to serve as a catalyst and guide for the design, development and construction of Bandini Canyon improvements. A steering committee of local stakeholders selected a design firm, RRM Design Group, to assist them in identifying improvement options for Bandini Canyon.

The steering committee's recommendations, widely supported throughout the community, include the following improvement guidelines for the development of Bandini Canyon Trail in order to create a much-needed community park asset with not only new recreational opportunities, but also improved safety, security, and maintenance, while preserving the natural habitat, atmosphere and views from the Canyon.

Decomposed granite walking path/pedestrian trail from Bandini St. to Marshall Ct.
Low-level, point-to-point lighting to ensure safety and preserve Canyon feel
Native and dought-tolerant ornamental plants with enhanced planting at entry points
Combination of fencing and landscaping to provide a barrier between public/private property
Use of Canyon for supervised class excursions (nature walks, experiential learning)
Vehicular access limited to emergency vehicles at key locations
Coordinated, long-term maintenance planning with Recreation and Parks and community partners
Tot lot/playground combination on the east side of Marshall Ct.

The Bandini Canyon Conceptual Plan effort has been a success as over $1.6 million in funding has been secured to complete the design and construction of the community's desired improvements.

Project Status

Apr 2003: Conceptual planning phase initiated (LANI served as project manager)

Jun 2003: Bandini Canyon Steering Committee selected RRM Design Group through a competitive process to develop conceptual designs

Jan 2004: Conceptual Plan developed and approved by local community groups

Nov 2004: Prop 40 funds ($1.5 million) awarded for construction of Bandini Canyon Trail

Aug 2005: Design phase initiated

Sep 2005 - Jan 2006: Series of community, steering committee, and city department meetings to refine design plans

Feb 2006: Approval of design development plans by steering committee

Details concerning the steering committee’s recommendations can be found at: http://www.rrmdesign.com/recreation/trails-design.html

If you have any comments/questions regarding the project or would like to be added to the project's mailing list, please contact Shannon Jaax, Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI), at shannon@lani.org

Contacts
Office of Councilwoman Janice Hahn 638 S. Beacon St., Suite 552 San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 732-4515	Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI): 900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1128 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Shannon Jaax, Program Manager (213) 627-1822 Ext. 16 shannon@lani.org