City Council member Kevin McKeown cuts the ribbon during Virginia Avenue Parks grand opening celebration that was held on Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Santa Monica Marching Band plays at the opening.
Children help paint a mural at Virginia Avenue park during the "Teen Graffiti Workshop," by Joseph "Nuke" Montalvo of UNSK8
Luis Romo and his cousin Ramon Romo spar during a PAL Fitness demonstration
Located in the heart of Santa Monica's Pico Neighborhood, Virginia Avenue Park will provide a broad variety of educational and recreational programs for all ages, as well as social services and employment assistance.
As part of the Virginia Avenue Park Expansion Project, new outdoor amenities and building improvements include:
- A 2.9-acre open lawn area with a meandering path
- Two full-size basketball courts
- Two playgrounds with "space-age" style equipment
- "The Beach Blanket" - An interactive water play feature
- Wi-Fi internet access
- Park Center - will house a Santa Monica Police Department Substation, a fitness gym, activity rooms and park administration offices
- "The Patio" - A new 1,300 square foot building that will house park programs, park restrooms and mechanical equipment
- Renovation of the park's teen center called "2101"
- Cosmetic improvement of the Thelma Terry Building
- "Our Pico Neighborhood" - an 80' x24' mural reflecting the spirit of the surrounding community by Wayne Healy and David Botello of East Los Streetscapers
- Additional parking to accommodate the Saturday Farmers' Market and expanded park programs