An old Quonset hut remains from land’s days as El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. A proposed airport generated controversy, and Irvine suggested a park instead. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)
Unlike earlier designers building parks on relatively untouched land, modern designers are forced to use abandoned sites. The work is challenging, Ken Smith says, but it also opens new possibilities. “Go out and stand on one of these old runway corridors and have a two-mile view,” he says. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)
Limited oversight, delays and management turmoil have allowed Ken Smth to continue elaborating on the park’s design, drawing criticism from some officials. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times)
