DATE: October 24, 2013

CONTACT:  Martin Pastucha, Public Works Director (310) 458-8221
Lee Swain, City Engineer, Public Works 310-458-8730 lee.swain@smgov.net
Miriam Mulder, City Architect, Public Works 310-434-2617 miriam.mulder@smgov.net

On October 11, 2013 the American Public Works Association (APWA) Southern California Chapter announced three Santa Monica public works projects have been named a 2013 Project of the Year. The winning projects are: Tongva Park and Ken Genser Square for Recreation and Athletic Facilities, Ocean Park Boulevard Complete Green Street Project for Storm Water Quality and the Advanced Traffic Management System for Traffic, Mobility and Beautification. Projects were awarded in each category based on performance, unique aspects and quality of life. “We are very pleased and honored that Santa Monica has been recognized for these three exemplary projects that enhance the community assets and positively affect the quality of life in Santa Monica,” said Martin Pastucha, Director of Public Works.

The Tongva Park and Ken Genser Square project was managed by the Architecture Services Division and opened to the public in September. City Architect Miriam Mulder explains, “We are proud to have been instrumental in this exciting and important project. Tongva Park and Ken Genser Square will be landmarks for the City and a cultural touchstone for decades to come.” The project transformed 7.4 acres of industrial land to reintegrate City Hall with the community. There are 283 trees, public art, a playground and fountains (with recirculated water) which lead to the iconic overlooks - custom steel structures weighing a combined 51,000 pounds. Swales filter urban runoff. Public restrooms carved in a hillside blend into the greenery.

The Traffic Management System provides Fire, Police, Public Works, and Traffic Management staff with access to the system to monitor what is happening at major intersections in real time.  This provides a new means of communication and faster response times to meet residents’ needs in times of emergency.  Furthering technology innovation in “Silicon Beach” the City also installed fiber optic cable as part of the project, offering high-speed internet service to residents and commercial businesses.  When needed, the system can also be activated to give Big Blue Bus lines longer “green time” at intersections to keep the buses and passengers on schedule. 

The Ocean Park Boulevard Green Street Project was recognized as a model for its effect on the environment.  Funded in part by the Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax, the project included key components that capture and treat stormwater runoff, thereby protecting the Santa Monica Bay from pollutants.  Other features of the project improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists with 1,600 linear feet of landscaped medians, wider sidewalks, new pavement, green-painted bike lanes, 100 new trees, and 39 new energy efficient pedestrian lights for enhanced nighttime walking and biking.

The Southern California Chapter of APWA serves the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.  The awards program recognizes regional public works projects and programs that serve as a model for other agencies.