Located in the city of Hawthorne, Bicentennial Park transformed old, unused tennis courts into a lively neighborhood park. The site is within a densely populated, multi-family apartment area and community outreach played a key role in determining the park features. Bicentennial Park features a new water play area, picnic area, large playground, a shooting court, two play structures, fitness equipment and a grassy lawn. The $3 million project is a partnership between The Trust for Public Land (TPL), From Lot to Spot and the City of Hawthorne. SWA served as the landscape architect of record on the concept design through construction of Bicentennial Park.

Sustainable features include LED lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping, and 60 native trees to provide shade for year-round use. Bioswales around the perimeter filter stormwater prior to entering the City storm drain. SWA’s efficient designs included cost-saving initiatives that required no import or export of soil.

Bicentennial Park has quickly become a popular neighborhood play and gathering spot, illustrating the impact small spaces can have in dense communities.