$4 Million Ocean Park Improvements Underway

Walkers, rejoice!

Year-long construction is underway along Ocean Park Boulevard that city plannners said will beautify the thoroughfare and transform it into a route much more friendly to cyclists and walkers.

The $4.1 million in improvements will extend from Nielson Way to Lincoln Boulevard along the two-lane street. They enhancements include:

• Planting more than 100 new trees
• Adding bike racks, benches and 75 light poles
• Extending curbs to 4-4 ½ feet-wide
• Installing landscaped center medians
• Adding new cross walks at 2nd Street, Highland Avenue and 7th Street

Currently, "sidewalk widths are narrow, tree wells contain Cassias trees in various states of health, and the boulevard is difficult to cross," said city spokeswoman Rachel Waugh. "This project is the result of many years of planning and collaboration, sparked by neighborhood interest in improving the streetscape."

(A graphic rendering depicting what Ocean Park Boulevard will look like after $4 million in improvements are completed in early 2013 is included to the right of this article.)

As part of the project, below-ground capturing systems will collect 34 acres of storm water at Los Amigos Park before it runs off into the ocean.

Construction started Dec. 5, and will last approximately 12-14 months. One lane of traffic in either direction will be kept open throughout construction.