Starting in 2015, ELS worked with the City of Berkeley’s Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department to implement a range of long-overdue planning and design improvements. These included the restoration and reconstruction of the original redwood pergola, new restrooms, the picnic area, various site furnishings, and viewing areas. We provided a new event center terrace, with an areas for staging events, catering, or performances, with supplemental electrical service.

One of the most crucial aspects of our scope was improving accessibility to the topographically challenging site. We worked with a civil engineer to regrade all paths and introduced wheelchair-friendly masonry paving. We were able to establish an accessible path of travel from Euclid Avenue, through adjacent Cordonices Park, all the way to the Rose Garden Amphitheater.

Awards

Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, Preservation Awards Committee, Commendation for Design Excellence, 2023