“It’s kind of a microcosm of Los Angeles in one spot. So we want to attract the best designer in the nation,” said Ruth Coleman, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

A designer selection committee will be formed from local professional and community representatives to review sample proposals submitted by competing landscape architects, Coleman said.

Three finalists will be selected and each will receive a stipend of $25,000 to create a formal submission.

The designer whose plan is judged the best will receive a fee of up to $500,000 to complete the park master plan.

Coleman said the competition is open to all and there is no entry fee, although bids are due by 5 p.m. April 17.