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The old, rustic building has been replaced by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Vista Lodge, a 3,000 square-foot reinterpretation of a classic mountain lodge with exposed beams, "great room" with a fireplace and a wall of windows that provides a panoramic view of the park and covered patio. Beyond this is a landscaped amphitheater and fire ring.
A quarter-mile long nature trail now loops around the perimeter of the park, creating a voyage through several ecosystems representing elements of the native California landscape: an oak grove, a dry creek and a fern dell.
Other site improvements include the remodeling of the barbecue/picnic area, accessibility, and improved facility access.
The Monte Verde story
Monte Verde Park began as a four-acre park in 1971. The park's 675 square-foot, one-room building consisted of a small meeting area with a modest kitchen facility. Detached, open-air rest rooms provided only basic accommodations. No wonder the city called it "rustic!"
But, kids enjoyed it. Over the years, the city expanded park programs to include overnight camping, summer vacation day camp programs, and special recreation classes. The park has also was been "home" to a variety of community groups, including scouting organizations who used it for events and camping activities, school districts, and families who reserved the facility for private use.
Each year, over 10,000 people use Monte Verde Park. "There are very few parks like Monte Verde in the region that offer such a variety of outdoor experiences and camping opportunities in a city setting," notes Dave Rodda, who heads the city's Recreation and Community Services Department.
"This unique facility also provides a setting that promotes respect and an understanding of nature and the environment. Its natural, open space gives a feeling of the great outdoors, which is difficult to find in our highly developed area. Parks such as Monte Verde are in great demand and in short supply. Keeping this park preserved for the community is a priority for Lakewood."
Despite its heavy use, the park had not been refurbished since 1977. Monte Verde Park was in need of more than a coat of paint. "We had a dream of modernizing the activity building and making numerous site improvements," adds Rodda. "Securing the funding was the next step."
With the support of the state park funds, a major grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation, and grant funds from the L.A. County 1996 Park Bond Act, Monte Verde Park's rebirth began. After a year-long process, Monte Verde Park reopened in the summer of 2001.
Monte Verde Park reservations
The natural beauty of Monte Verde Park and the outstanding facilities of the S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge can be reserved for community and family use through the Recreation and Community Services Department. There are resident and non-resident rental fees.
No alcohol is permitted in Monte Verde Park or any other Lakewood park facility.
Monte Verde Park features:
- 120-person maximum capacity
- Parking for a maximum of 94 cars
- Amphitheater with a fire ring, pergola backdrop, and tiered seating
- Picnic and barbecue area with benches and tables, 2 barbecue grills
- S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge
80-person capacity for dining
120-person capacity for assemblies
PA and lectern available
TV, Video, CD, and tape system
Sink and food staging/serving area
- 1/4 mile nature trail with three ecosystems
For park rental information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2497.
Park heritage preserved
Lakewood's "Legacy" investment in park improvements has preserved the city's heritage of recreation facilities and kept city parks from deteriorating. Probably the most visible improvement to Lakewood's neighborhood parks has been the installation of new playground equipment.
The colorful, modular units are accessible to disabled children to play on and to disabled parents for their supervision. Climbing, sliding, jumping, and dreaming are strongly encouraged.
(Some play equipment didn't change. At the request of residents around San Martin Park, the "Cinderella coaches" that many neighborhood residents remember playing on as kids are still part of the playground's charm.)
Also, since 1995:
- The pool liner at Mayfair Park was completely replaced and the McCormick Pool bathhouse was completely renovated.
- The city and the Bellflower Unified School District completed the interior remodeling of the Mayfair High School gymnasium, giving the community a first-class facility for adult and youth basketball and volleyball leagues and summer sports camps.
- The play area at Biscailuz Park was completely renovated using recycled materials, funded by a state grant from the Department of Conservation.
- The play areas at Del Valle, Boyar, Bolivar, and San Martin parks were completely renovated and made accessible to the disabled.
- Park lighting was improved at Bolivar, Biscailuz, Del Valle, and San Martin parks.
- The Weingart Senior Center was completely refurbished and rededicated on its 20th anniversary earlier this year.
- The athletic field lighting at Del Valle, Bloomfield, Palms, and Mayfair parks was improved to increase lighting levels while decreasing energy consumption.
- The Mayfair Park basketball courts and baseball diamond #3 were refurbished. Ball diamond #1 was renamed the "Lisa Fernandez Field" to honor Lakewood's Olympic champion.
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