To sum up

Located in the heart of the Port of Los Angeles and completed in February 2024, the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade project is part of an overall long-term strategy to improve quality of life, promote sustainable growth, and develop new economic opportunities for the community.

This 9-acre (3.6-hectares) project is located on a former port site in a historically disadvantaged community where more than half of the population is at or below the federal poverty line. For the first time in a century, it creates a physical connection between the Wilmington district and the waterfront. It includes:

• a 1,300-foot (396-meter) promenade,
• 5,400-sqft (501-sqm) public pier,
• 10,000-sqft (929-sqm) play area,
• future space for commercial development and aquatic center,
• green space for recreation and live entertainment.

The Port took an active approach through every phase of the project to engage the public to become a friendly neighbor by not only making commitments to make the waterfront accessible but also approving financial policies. This Port-city interface relationship paved the way for the Port to address ideas and concerns that impacted the final design such as the type of amenities, and preservation of historical features. This contributed ultimately to maximizing the promenade uses.

Design:

• Lead Design Entities: Port of Los Angeles Engineering Division, Sasaki Associates, Inc.
• Support Design Entities: Moffatt & Nichol, Earth Mechanics, Inc., Sean O’Connor Lighting, Katherine Padilla & Associates, Integrated Engineering Managements, Inc., Studio-MLA

Positioning of the project in relation to the Agenda 2030’s goals*

*According to the Port Authority of Vigo

	Directly related	Indirectly related	Not related
Goal 1: Climate change adaptation	x
Goal 2: Energy transition & circular economy	x
Goal 3: Sustainable mobility	x
Goal 4: Renewed governance	x
Goal 5: Investing in human	x
Goal 6: Port Culture & Identity	x
Goal 7: Quality food for all		x
Goal 8: Port city interface	x
Goal 9: Health & life quality	x
Goal 10: Protecting biodiversity	x

 Learn more about the AIVP commitment: Commitment – AIVP

Outstanding features:

• The project incorporates green infrastructure and design elements to reduce urban heat.
• Multi-use trails for pedestrians and cyclists have been developed in compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities) standards, improving mobility for all.
• Community engagement in the planning, design and construction phases was strongly encouraged. It included the notification of over 600 entities, provided Spanish interpreters at the 15 public outreach meetings, and distributed over 70,000 postcards and 2,000 flyers.
• The project integrates maritime heritage and celebrates Wilmington’s port history through public art and informational signage, while making existing port activities more visible.
• Green spaces, playgrounds, access to the water, and recreational areas promote physical activity, mental well-being, and social interaction, significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.
• Landscaping with native plants and sustainable stormwater management supports local biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Images of the project

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