DEVELOPMENT

Project Scope: Aubrey Austin Park is a 0.30-acre waterfront park located at the end of Via Marina, adjacent to Mariners Village Apartments and the Marina’s main channel. The park features mature trees, paved walkways, and viewing areas overlooking the main channel.

The Aubrey Austin Park Improvement Project (site plan version 2, updated October 2024) consists of various site improvements, including removing, replacing, and reconfiguring of the existing damaged paved walkways to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act; incorporating four permanent lounge chairs within the decomposed granite area adjacent to the new concrete low wall; and installing several gray colored concrete pedestal seats along the promenade. The project also calls for replacing current trash receptacles with upgraded models, installing a new pet waste bag dispenser; and relocating the existing monument plaque to the new lounge chair area.

The Landscape improvements would include the installation of four 24” box Metrosideros excelsa (New Zealand Christmas) trees along Via Marina, and the landscape shrub and groundcover palette would consist of Dianella Revoluta (Flax Lily), Lomandra Longifolia (Evergreen Baby Matt Rush), and Festuca Glauca (Elijah Blue). The irrigation system would be upgraded to allow for efficient and effective watering of turf, shrubs, and young trees while avoiding overwatering of mature trees.

Although the project was initially designed to keep all mature trees in the park, two coral trees will be removed (click here for the FAQ). Unfortunately, the roots of the trees designated VM-27 and VM-28 will need to be significantly cut back for installation of the new public promenade and maintenance road. Because cutting the roots is expected to accelerate the trees’ death over the next year or so, the consulting arborist recommended complete removal and replacement during project construction. While the Department was able to modify the plan to avoid the issue with another tree, suggested alternatives that would preserve VM-27 and VM-28 would violate Low Impact Development rules. (Read the arborist’s reports referencing VM-27 and VM-28.) The rest of the existing mature trees will remain and be protected during construction.

• FAQ – Tree Removals at Aubrey Austin Park – Read answers to frequently asked questions about the removal of two coral trees.
• NOTE: The removal of another coral tree (VM-147) on Via Marina is not related to the Aubrey Austin Park project. This tree was identified by a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Certified Arborist for removal during DBH’s annual tree survey because of its unbalanced crown, over-extended limbs, root decay and the appearance of new stress cracks.

Project Schedule:

• • Construction Mobilization: Fall 2024
  • Construction Completion: Spring 2025

Total Project Budget: Estimated at $1.5 million

Related Documents:

• • FAQ – Tree Removals at Aubrey Austin Park
  • Aubrey Austin Park Improvement Project | SITE PLAN (version 2, updated October 2024, with modified promenade)
  • Aubrey Austin Park Improvement Project | SITE PLAN (version 1, dated May 2023)
  • Daily Tree Protection Monitoring Log referencing coral tree VM-27
  • Daily Tree Protection Monitoring Log referencing coral tree VM-28
  • Risk Assessment for VM-147

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | Tree Removals at Aubrey Austin Park

Updated 11/18/2024

What is happening at Aubrey Austin Jr. Park?

The Department of Beaches and Harbors’ (DBH) Aubrey Austin Jr. Park Improvement Project in Marina del Rey is underway to enhance the park’s accessibility, recreational amenities, and tree health.

The project aims to preserve the park’s mature trees, improve pedestrian access, and create a more enjoyable community and visitor experience.

Key improvements include:

• Upgrading walkways to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
• Installing four permanent lounge chairs and several concrete seats along the promenade
• Replacing damaged paths to improve pedestrian flow, safety and recreational options
• Reducing the amount of concrete, installing root barriers, and upgrading the park’s irrigation system to save water and provide a better environment for trees

How many trees will be removed? Why do you have to remove them?

Two trees (referred to as VM-27 and VM-28) will be removed to accommodate a replacement public promenade, which serves as both a maintenance and emergency access road. The trees will be replaced during the project.

These mature trees that are near the end of their life have large structural roots that must be pruned to install the promenade. Pruning these roots compromises the trees’ stability, increasing the likelihood of falling and creating a safety hazard. While DBH adjusted the promenade’s path to save a third tree, no feasible alternatives were available to preserve trees VM-27 and VM-28, as materials like decomposed granite do not meet ADA standards and cannot support the weight of emergency vehicles. Building a bridge over the tree roots that is both ADA-compliant and able to withstand regular vehicular travel would be impractical and cost prohibitive, and ultimately serve only as a temporary accommodation, as growing tree roots would eventually undermine the bridge’s foundation. It is important to note that this project was designed to protect the park’s existing trees, and DBH had not initially planned to remove any trees. The decision followed further examination of the trees’ extensive root systems during walkway demolition.

Why is this project needed—can’t you just leave the park as it is?

This project is necessary to create a park layout that supports both visitor enjoyment and tree health. Here’s what the improvement plan will achieve:

• Adequate Space for Coral Trees: The current design doesn’t provide enough room for these large trees to grow safely. By removing excess sidewalks and turf around tree roots, the trees will have more space and less root stress.
• Improved Water Management: The upgraded irrigation system will prevent overwatering of mature trees, which can weaken their structure, while ensuring that young trees and other plants receive the water they need.
• Long-Term Tree Health: Root barriers will be added along the promenade to reduce the need for future root pruning, supporting the coral trees’ health and stability.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: ADA-compliant walkways and new seating will make the park more accessible and comfortable for all visitors.

Will the trees be replaced?

Yes. Each removed coral tree will be replaced with a Metrosideros excelsa (New Zealand Christmas tree), which is a more appropriate species for the local microclimate and marine conditions. All replacement trees will be planted within the park area.

Why aren’t you replacing the trees with new coral trees?

While coral trees are beautiful, they are not well suited to Marina del Rey’s environment. Here are the main reasons why the New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa) was selected as a safer, more sustainable alternative:

• High Maintenance Requirements: Coral trees need frequent pruning, generally in the spring, and sometimes twice a year; however, the Local Coastal Program (LCP), which protects nesting birds in the area, limits non-emergency tree maintenance to October, November, and December. This prevents coral trees from being pruned at the optimal time.
• Safety and Structural Concerns: Coral trees grow quickly and can become top-heavy with brittle branches, posing risks to public safety. When planted close to other trees or buildings, they tend to grow narrower and taller, increasing the likelihood of branches breaking or even entire trees becoming unstable.
• Water Sensitivity: Coral trees in Marina del Rey receive more water than their species requires due to the shallow water table, allowing them to access groundwater easily. Combined with regular grass irrigation, this excess water causes the trees to grow too quickly, adding excessive weight to branches and increasing the risk of breakage, instability, and potential safety hazards for the community.
• A Safer, Sustainable Choice: The New Zealand Christmas tree was chosen as a replacement because it thrives in the Marina’s marine climate and requires less maintenance. It also has a similar appearance to coral trees, allowing it to blend well with the park’s landscape while offering a safer option for visitors.