LB Forest Promenade: a MYSTERY in HISTORY

Why build a Promenade  in the middle of iconic downtown Laguna Beach when;

• You don't know what problems it solves
•  You don't know why you built it or its cost
• You don't know when it is finished
• You don't let Residents vote on it.
  

Here's a ride through history to show how the Pedestrian Zone originated and the City projects that attempted to un-pave a parking-lot.

 

 PARK (ING)-DAY

September 17 2010 the City of Laguna Beach hosted PARK (ING)-DAY (YouTube video) to demonstrate how to de-pave a parking-lot. Organized by Transition Laguna the city and community closed lower Forest Avenue to car traffic for a pedestrian only experience to demonstrate the value of Community Space over Parking Space. 

 PARKLETT I

 November 2017 the Laguna Beach Beautification Council coordinating with the City of Laguna Beach installed a Parklett on lower Laguna Avenue to demonstrate the de-paving concept. Council members are L-R Lorene Laguna, Dora Orgill, Leah Vasquez, Ellen DeGeneres.

 

PROMENADE I

 In 2018 the Laguna Beach City Council approved the first downtown Pedestrians Zone  on lower Forest Avenue naming the intervention the Forest Promenade.

PROMENADE II

September 2022  the Promenade received an upgrade in furniture and an extensive expansion in scope, from South Coast Highway to Glenneyre. The location redecorated for the fall holidays.

PROMENADE III

 2024  The furniture is replaced again, better decking installed with curb transitions to prevent falls by pedestrians.

 

 

PROMENADE IV 

2023

Consultant have provided elevation and plan views of lower Forest Avenue for the latest concept in pastel colors for Promenade IV.  Plan views from Consultants SWA are TBD.

 

 

 Here are the latest plans for Promenade IV from Laguna Beach SWA Consultants, DKS traffic study and Arborists DUDEK.

Item 5.4 Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 25-0319
Attachment 2 - Application
Attachment 3 - Plans
Attachment 4 - Traffic and Parking Report
Attachment 5 - Arborist Report
Late Public Comments

 

-LS