Cottonwood Creek Park’s transformation from an Encinitas industrial maintenance yard to an innovative landmark for community and environmental sustainability was recognized this month by the American Society of Landscape Architects San Diego Chapter, the city announced Wednesday, June 26.
The organization gave the 2024 Climate Action + San Diego Landmark Award to the city on June 20 at its Excellence in Design Awards event at the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice.
Cottonwood Creek Park, designed by Schmidt Design Group, was developed in 2004. The site has been noted for its design and transformation over the past 20 years.
“The Landmark Award celebrates the work of landscape architects whose projects have created significant and lasting value for their communities,” the city stated in a news release. “Cottonwood Creek Park exemplifies this with its innovative design and sustainable features that have set a standard for parks regionally and beyond.”
Located a few blocks east of Moonlight Beach, the park features a 600-foot-long open portion of Cottonwood Creek and wetland that was created by reforming drainage infrastructure that existed on the site.
“Winning the ASLA San Diego Chapter 2024 Climate Action + San Diego Landmark Award is a tremendous honor for Cottonwood Creek Park,” Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz said in the news release. “For over two decades, Cottonwood Creek Park has not only provided a beautiful and engaging environment for our residents but also set a benchmark for environmental stewardship and innovation in landscape architecture. We are proud of this recognition and grateful to Schmidt Design Group for their visionary work that continues to inspire and enhance our city.”
Schmidt Design Group continues to do design projects in the region, such as Fox Point Farms in Encinitas, a Nolan Communities development designed around a suburban agricultural concept. Other projects include Riverwalk in Mission Valley, Carlsbad and Solana Beach coastal rail trails, Stone Brewing Co. Bistro & Gardens in Escondido, and Lux Art Institute in Encinitas.
More information about Encinitas parks can be found at the city’s website.
