The overall quality of life in a community is an interplay of civic, social and economic factors, and the progress of a community can be measured in how well it balances these needs.  Availability of good public services for community safety and well-being, and opportunities for spiritual, cultural, educational and recreational pursuits are essential to a vibrant quality of community life.  In turn, a strong local economy supports and promotes community quality of life by creating jobs for individual and family security and generating revenues to support local services and amenities.

Here we spotlight just a few of the current efforts underway to enhance Carson’s quality of life:

Hemingway Park Aquatic Center
A major enhancement to Carson’s extensive public park system, the Aquatic Center at Hemingway Park will feature three separate pools:  a standard competition-sized pool, a wading pool for small children, and a “fun pool” with slides and chutes for added aqua excitement.  A multi-purpose building will house an activity room and separate shower/locker rooms for patrons.  The park will offer plenty of nearby parking and shaded tables and chairs for poolside lounging.  The park is projected to open May 2009.

I-405 Traffic Improvements
Now in the final design stage, improvements at the I-405 Wilmington Ave. and Avalon Blvd. interchanges will substantially reduce delay and congestion at Carson’s busiest intersections, and reduce emissions from idling vehicles.  The $40 million project, financed by a 2006 state bond measure, includes street and ramp widening, and the addition of an additional north-bound ramp, as well as new sound walls and extensive landscaping.  Projected completion is late 2010.

Carson Street Master Plan
Work is underway to transform an aging stretch of Carson Street between the I-405 freeway and the I-110 freeway into a much more vibrant and attractive “Main Street” environment with a dramatic facelift featuring a distinctive pedestrian-friendly design.  The project will be phased in over several years with remodeling and construction of new shops, offices and restaurants, improved parking and traffic circulation, and new landscaping, lighting and signage.

Teen Center Takes Shape
The vision for a new Teen Center for Carson youth is moving forward with the recent solicitation of bids from architectural firms to design an expansive facility that will be a new community focal point for educational and recreational programs.  With input from local residents, plans include a mini-theater for stage productions, a sound studio for musical work, a computer lab, gymnasium and additional activity space.

Thomas Safran
The City has approved plans for a mixed-use development of residential, restaurant and retail shops that will bring new life and activity to the southeast corner of Carson Street and Avalon Blvd.  Prior Carson projects by the same developer include the Avalon Courtyard for senior residents and the award-winning Villagio, which won praise for its distinctive architecture and lavish landscaping.

The Boulevards at South Bay to Replace Former Landfill
After several years of planning and environmental review, work has begun to restore and develop the last of the former landfills in Carson.  The Boulevards at South Bay (formerly known as Carson Marketplace), will replace the long-dormant landfill in the northwest part of the city with an expansive layout of retail shopping and dining, hotel and new residential space.  The remediation will be completed in 2010 and stores are expected to open in late 2011.