Soltek’s Park Reconstruction Assists in Grassroots Effort to Transform South Los Angeles Neighborhood

More than two years ago, Soltek began the reconstruction project for the 6-plus acre Helen Keller Community Park in South Los Angeles that is now complete. Gang-related crime was prevalent in the neighborhood where the park is located and the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation department sought to turn the community around through grassroots initiatives like transforming community spaces to foster family-driven, peaceful activities. Together the grassroots community, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, Soltek, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles, worked to reconstruct the park and give the neighborhood a new community center and activity hub aiming to inspire and educate community members.

Shortly after commencement of the project, Soltek discovered underground hazardous material throughout the site. Working with LA County Public Works, and State and Federal regulatory agencies, a plan was developed giving options to mitigate the hazardous material. Ultimately, the project was fully redesigned by Soltek and our design team before construction could be resumed and the project could be completed in November 2014.

The 5 million dollar project included a new 4,700 square foot community building, new site infrastructure, a new main entrance and ADA upgrades. The community center is an especially exciting element of the park for community residents; the center houses a state of the art 100 seat- theater with a 5 x 9 foot screen and surround sound, a new computer lab, arts-and-crafts room, outdoor patio, staff offices, full kitchen and reception area.

Soltek coordinated with Warner Bros. who donated the projection and sound system for the Multi-Purpose/Screening Room. The technology in the theater room will provide families with years of entertainment of film screenings hosted by the Park in cooperation with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles.