If you're running out of pretty public places to hang out in in Malibu, the city's got your back with two new parks in the pipeline. After a contentious meeting on Tuesday, as described by Malibu Surfside News (the debate was over grading during the rainy season), the city council approved a $2.7 million construction contract for Trancas Canyon Park. And ground breaks on Malibu's "central park" project Legacy Park next week.
Malibu already owns the five residentially-zoned tracts and road leading to the Trancas Canyon Park site, about a half mile above where Trancas Canyon Road hits the Pacific Coast Highway. The land totals 13.5 acres, but only seven will be developed. The park will have a multi-use sports field, picnic area, "tot-lot" with playground, a dog park, 64 parking spaces, and bathrooms. Landscaping will include native oak and sycamore.
The plan is already controversial, according to the Malibu Times, with neighbors complaining about privacy, grading, fire risk, and cost, and demanding changes before the council approved the final Environmental Impact Report in May. According to the Malibu Surfside News the Malibu Township Council has filed suit challenging the city's permits for the park and is working on a settlement with the city attorney.
And a press release just hit the inbox letting us know that there is a groundbreaking on Monday for Legacy Park, a 15 acre project set between the PCH and Civic Center Way at Cross Creek Road. Says its website: "It's home to five coastal habitats and Southern California's only coastal prairie." Malibu is also calling Legacy "central park," and says it will capture and recycle water.
