The landscape architecture design process is a journey, a collaborative effort that transforms visions into tangible realities. Let’s take a journey through the design process of Signal Hill’s newly renovated Hillbrook Park, designed by Architerra.
It began with securing the project through a rigorous Request for Proposal (RFP) and submittal system, for which Architerra was awarded the project due to extensive past experience. A design team was then assembled. A critical first step involved a kick-off meeting with the client, the City of Signal Hill, to establish a shared understanding of project goals and expectations. For the Hillbrook Park project, the City of Signal Hill stipulated the delivery of a minimum of three draft concept plans, each including plant palettes, 3D renderings of the play equipment, and plan views, while also integrating community input gathered through engagement meetings. The existing park design was characterized by a non-functional, man-made creek feature, a small grass play area, and outdated playground equipment. Furthermore, the park's proximity to heavily trafficked streets and the absence of adequate fencing presented safety concerns. The City identified the following essential elements for the park redesign: modernization of playground equipment with shade structures and ADA accessibility; a perimeter walking track; low fencing to mitigate street traffic hazards; updated, ADA-compliant shelter tables; a new display board and park marquee sign consistent with a newer, illuminated model; drought-tolerant landscaping; and stormwater infiltration capabilities.
With this information in hand, the design team at Architerra developed base drawings and initial concepts. Preliminary cost estimates were generated for each design option, allowing the client to understand the financial implications of different approaches. For Hillbrook Park, three conceptual designs were drawn. Architerra incorporated these features into the three draft design concepts, additionally providing a larger open-space area and establishing visual connections to the City's official flower, the Zinnia. This floral motif is reflected in the artistic paving design beneath both shade structures.
Three design concepts for Hillbrook Park
Architerra conducted multiple community outreach meetings for the Hillbrook Park project, providing Spanish translation services to allow input for Signal Hill's diverse community. Community engagement and public input were prioritized by the City, and Architerra facilitated three meetings to gather community preferences through rank-choice voting. Participation was encouraged across all age groups, including children, who were given the opportunity to express their desired park features.
Based on the feedback gathered from all stakeholders, the client selects a preferred plan. Design option 1 was selected for Hillbrook, including whimsical themes for the playground, slides, spinner and movement play elements, alternative seating, artistic paving and shade elements.
The Hillbrook Park project presented several challenges. First, the park's sloped terrain posed concerns for ADA accessibility and ease of movement for individuals of all abilities. This was addressed through a comprehensive grading plan and paving improvements at all entry and exit points, both within the play areas and along the walkway. Second, the limited size of the park site complicated the design of an effective stormwater drainage system. This was resolved through collaboration with the City to utilize additional outflows from adjacent streets, into a water treatment device, ensuring proper drainage and preventing water accumulation within the park. Finally, integrating the new playground area while preserving the existing mature trees and vegetation, crucial to maintaining the park's character, proved challenging. Architerra successfully retained the majority of these established plantings, carefully integrating the playground design into the park's natural landscape.
This plan is then finalized and officially signed off, marking the end of the conceptual phase and the commencement of the construction documents phase. The approved base drawing is meticulously translated into precise CAD drawings, ensuring accurate instructions for construction. A comprehensive package is assembled, addressing various project requirements. This includes construction, planting, and irrigation plans (as shown below).
Prior to submitting our plans, a rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) process was undertaken, evaluating both technical and aesthetic aspects of the design, all done in house at Architerra.
Throughout construction, field reports document progress, and a final punch-list walk-through is conducted by Architerra. Finally, the park opened, often celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Hillbrook Park just recently held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, February 4th and is now officially open to the public. A couple of Architerra’s team members were in attendance and reported, “It was fun to see all the kids excited about their new neighborhood park, it was well-received”.
The transformation of Hillbrook Park stands as a testament to the power of collaborative design. From the initial RFP response to the final ribbon-cutting ceremony, the project exemplifies the meticulous process of landscape architecture. The dedication to community engagement, the careful consideration of site conditions, and the integration of design and construction have culminated in a vibrant public space that will serve the residents of Signal Hill for years to come. Hillbrook Park is more than just a park; it's a reflection of a community's vision brought to life through the expertise and passion of Architerra Design Group and their partners.
References: Madole and Associates (2025), Landscape Structures (2025), Geo Tek (2025), Aaron Odland (2025), Andrew Krumwiede (2025), City of Signal Hill (2025)
Credits: Author/Editor: Clara Boline, MBA
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