Taylor Yard Park Recreation Center

• TEAM

  ARCHITECTURAL TEAM | John Sparano, Anne Mooney, Ludwing Juarez, Jorge Beltran

  ELECTRICAL | Silver, Roth & Associates Inc.

  LANDSCAPE | Withers & Sandgren

  MECHANICAL | Maroko & Shwe Inc.

  PLUMBING | Maroko & Shwe Inc.

Taylor Yard Park Recreation Center is located just north of downtown Los Angeles. The project included a new community recreation center with nearby athletic fields, picnic areas and jogging and walking paths. The design of the recreation center was inspired by the site’s most recent industrial history and railyard. The building’s form and materiality are reminiscent of the innumerable freight cars that were once stored at the site. The facade design incorporates large rolling doors and operable windows that open the interior program to the surrounding site. These features maximize cross-ventilation, natural lighting and views of the park.

San Fernando Road was also widened as part of the project. Two new signaled intersections with right turn lanes and pedestrian crosswalks were designed to accommodate new park traffic without adversely impacting commercial travel and commutes. The new surrounding site landscape seamlessly incorporates drought-tolerant native trees and plants to create a scenic experience while reducing heat islands where possible. In an area of light industry, new hardscapes, trails and wandering paths across the site and street edge provide the park with a new identity. These thoughtful and intentional site interventions aid in welcoming community members and passerby to engage with not only the new park amenities, but also with one another. The design also anticipates future connections to bicycle trails that will link downtown Los Angeles to the nearby river communities and parks.