Aloe Greens is a 1.2-acre park located in a large-scale, high-density development in the heart of Orange County called the Platinum Triangle (PT). The PT is an area within Anaheim that generally surrounds and includes Angel Stadium, the Honda Center, and the Grove of Anaheim. This prime location amidst millions of square feet of new development provided challenges as well as opportunities for the design and construction of this multi-use park.

Alleviating the area's parkland deficiency was the most compelling need addressed by the project. With .23 acres of parks per 1,000 people, the area's parks and recreation facilities were far short of national standards, which range from 6.25-10.5 acres of parks per 1,000 people (National Recreation and Parks Association, 2000). An extensive planning history and an overall vision for the PT area both facilitated and challenged the project. Lastly, anticipating the needs of a community that did not yet exist was a design challenge that required extensive research and creativity.

Aloe Greens has responded to each challenge with grace and purpose. Composed of elements that are functional, yet stunning, the park caters to the needs of modern, high-density living while addressing the multitude of urban planning standards and guidelines. A one-acre amalgamation of artfully designed amenities and picturesque landscaping, the unique character of the park has immediately established and anchored this blossoming neighborhood. A true collaboration of planning and design, Aloe Greens has shown how the City, Landscape Architect, and developer can work together to turn a vision into a reality.

Resourcefulness
Aloe Greens is a collaboration of collective thinking and goals to achieve a new level of park planning to serve the public. The team goal to provide the citizens and visitors a multifunctional park is best described by its diversity of uses and flexibility of features and spaces.

The Great Plaza is a landmark element with a grand fountain flanked by two powerful trellis structures. The space under the 'Angels Halo' patterned roof provides seating, gathering and event space. The plaza end, adjoining the central lawn, flexes to become a stage for music, speakers and theater groups. The grand central lawn invites users to participate either formally or casually, and provides a large space for active play, games, and group activities. The sloping surface also functions for moveable seating and group events. Functionally, the lawn drains and collects water to act as a site water quality filter.

The play zone features a host of equipment uses, including sound and sensory equipment, to provide fun and education for all age groups. Swings, climbers, and balance equipment offer a distinct set of play challenges and choices. The trellis, court, and food areas provide for collective dining and celebrations.

 

Aloe Greens is a partnership. Its variety of spaces and uses, conservation of resources, and focus on low-water planting design and LED lighting combine to invite all to come and be a part and a partner in Aloe Greens.

Execution
How do you involve a community when one does not yet exist? The team began by embracing the years of collaboration and planning that had gone into the development of the Platinum Triangle Master Land Use Plan, a plan that had been vetted by the community via a robust input process. One of the plan's major goals is to create long-lasting neighborhoods that maintain their value and socio-economic vitality. The plan states that higher density neighborhoods need parks and open space to encourage neighborhood events and community interaction, and those parks should include flexible-use turf areas, picnicking,
child play areas, and seating.

A Community Vision for the Platinum Triangle was one of the many studies that informed the plan.
The effort involved a group of two dozen community stakeholders, including local nonprofit organizations, clergy and childcare advocates, who collaborated with approximately 200 residents from neighborhoods surrounding the Platinum Triangle. Their community-driven vision included the provision of safe, walkable parks for families and young singles that would contribute to positive social interaction and provide a place for physical activity. The report also noted that safe paths for walking and biking, sufficient lighting, and routine maintenance should be provided for all public areas.

In addition to the valuable guidelines and insights provided by these planning documents, it was important to take into consideration the density of the neighborhoods immediately surrounding Aloe Greens. The park is part of the A-town development, which includes an ultimate build-out of 1,300 townhome and apartment units. An additional 1,857 high-density units in surrounding developments are also within walking distance of the park. The majority of these homes do not have their own yards, leaving residents to rely heavily on nearby park space for their outdoor activities.

City staff met with the Parks & Recreation Commission and the City Council, both of whom represent the public, for their advice and recommendation on the planning, design and naming of the park. Staff also reached out to organized neighborhood groups surrounding the PT to gain insight into their needs and interests. Details of the park's progress were posted on the city's website during the design and construction phases. The website always maintains updated parks division contact information and encourages feedback from the community. Once completed, the opening of the park was announced on official city social media platforms with pictures and park details.

Accomplishments
To stand or sit or play in Aloe Greens you see opportunity, you see planning, and you see adventure. Not what was done to build it, but what is offered to the public, to kids, to parents, and grandparents. This space is perfect for family birthdays, weddings on the lawn, play outings for schools, churches, organizations, and speakers standing on the stage or rock musicians playing on the steps. Imagine a Saturday farmers market or a chili cook-off contest, or when your son or daughter comes home to say they found a new place to meet, play and socialize.
The City of Anaheim is a city of parks and places. Aloe Greens is now the newest example of Anaheim's great tradition of giving a voice to the ideal of public parks.

Designed for residents of all ages, Aloe Greens is home to everything from easily accessible walking paths to expanses of turf that are already being used for soccer, dog exercise and frisbee. Shaded picnic tables and brightly colored playground equipment are the perfect setting for an afternoon picnic. The park provides open space and a meeting area in a high-density neighborhood. Residents have space to exercise, walk their dogs, play and socialize. Since its opening, hundreds of guests have come out to enjoy the park and all the amenities that it has to offer.
Aloe Greens and the surrounding neighborhood embody the best modern planning principles. The park is a success because all of the players came together for a common goal - to create an exciting, beautiful, and useful amenity that would provide a haven for outdoor play and enjoyment, recreation, and social connection.

In all of this, Aloe Greens features
???,??? 9,953 square feet of plaza space
???,??? 18,655 square feet of open natural turf lawn
???,??? 6,672 square feet of Tot Lot play area
???,??? 14 sets of tables and chairs
???,??? 16 benches
???,??? 10 play structures and equipment pieces