Once a vacant houselot, Perez Park, is now an inspiring and thriving location that enables children to play in a safe environment, while also serving as vital stormwater infrastructure. The park was designed for Orange County Public Works in the residential area of Costa Mesa to assist with stormwater collection, treatment and drainage of surrounding streets, while encouraging parents and caregivers to gather and create friendships.

Through an innovative design, Perez Park integrates a neighborhood tot-lot, stormwater bioretention, several blocks of surrounding pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements, as well as extensive roadway repaving and restriping.

To assist community engagement, we developed and presented four design alternatives (eco-park, tot-lot, dog park, and community garden) and presented these at public workshops where over 60 community members cast their vote on preferred options To maximise safety, the behavioural patterns of drivers and park users were also considered in the design. Additional safety considerations include elements such as security lighting and a traffic buffer with red lines painted around the park to create a clear line of sight for drivers.

Our emphasis on novel stormwater infrastructure, attention to native plantings, custom design elements, and the level of partnership with the community has earned the project two American Society of Civil Engineers Small Project Awards for 2022 -- Orange County and LA Branch.