Take one step inside Tongva Park in Santa Monica, California, and you’ll find it hard to believe that this 6-acre urban oasis was a flat asphalt parking lot just a few short years ago. Together with Ken Genser Square, these two public spaces were part of a community-sourced vision for a vibrant new neighborhood that would bring life to Santa Monica’s Civic Center. Designed by a project team led by James Corner Field Operations, these new open spaces have made the community’s vision a reality.

The parks are managed by the City of Santa Monica’s Community & Cultural Services and Public Works Departments.