Why It’s Important to Vote in the Third (and Final!) Silver Lake Survey
by Bob Soderstrom, President of Silver Lake Forward
Last summer when the City of LA commenced its ambitious $2.9M Master Plan process to reimagine the retired, 130-acre Silver Lake Reservoir Complex, some of us in the neighborhood attended the first meeting with trepidation: what if people were against our group’s vision of ABC: access, beauty, and conservation?
Our trepidation was soon replaced with excitement. After 6 months of packed community meetings, a walk around the reservoir, school outreach, and two online surveys, the community voted overwhelmingly for access in the form of new walking trails, a promenade and terraced seating, beauty in the form of native gardens and floating islands, and conservation in the form of wetland habitat for birds and a modest environmental ed center for kids and seniors.
Out of 100 features polled, the first survey showed “Environmental Classes," “Youth / School Programs,” and “Environmental Center” joining “Walking” and “Enjoying Nature” in the Top 10. (A skateboard park, to take one example, received only 6% of the vote).
In the second survey, a whopping 2,900 responses showed over 70% support for features such as an improved dog park, nature’s playground for children, habitat islands, environmental ed center (again) and wetlands. Two controversial items—swimming and boating--barely missed a 50% endorsement and therefore are not included in the City's current drawings of a gorgeous future reservoir.
However, some people want nothing to change and are upset with even these moderate, thoughtful results. Now, a third and final survey is being administered to triple-check opinions that we have already registered. We need you to vote in this short, final survey and confirm what this thorough process has already produced: a beautiful but measured vision for our neighbors, children, seniors, pet owners, and wildlife.
Our Survey Guide is here. The time is now to endorse access, beauty, and conservation one last time.
