By Brian CHERNICK

A major redesign of Verdugo Park was greatly scaled back after the master design proposals received pushback from residents urging Glendale City Councilmembers to reject the proposed plans for paved walkways and exercise equipment in favor of more trees and open space.

Councilmembers voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the replacement of picnic tables and barbecue grills, to add 18 additional ADA approved parking spaces, relocating the community garden and constructing an 18,000 square foot community room.

The plans to renovate the northern Glendale park began three years ago after residents requested the city look into improving the bathrooms, picnic tables and onsite cooking equipment. After plans to build a soccer field on the south side of the park fell through in 2016, the parks department was left with additional funds for the renovation.

“When we brought the plan to council we were asked to look at another location for the soccer field,” Onnig Bulanikian, director of Community Service and Parks, said.
“That’s why we have some CIP (capital improvement plan) funds and recreation funds allocated. It all started with renovating the bathroom, basically, and [meeting] the need for a community room where the kids can hang out during the day camp.”

“These changes to the park are meant to make it more usable by residents,” Mayor Zareh Sinanyan summarized.

Original design plans included exercise equipment throughout the park with paved sidewalks for people to more easily access these facilities.

“When I make my visits, I see them used all the time,” Bulanikian said.

According to staff, the parks department had received numerous requests for additional exercise equipment in parks throughout the city, but some council members felt Verdugo Park was not suitable for the equipment and rejected the proposal.

As part of the renovation, some sycamore trees that suffered during the drought seasons will have to be removed, but plans are in place for them to be replaced.

Councilmember Paula Devine asked about reallocating some of the additional funds to south Glendale and was advised by City Manager Yasmin Beers that the matter be brought to council at another time.

  Brian CHERNICK