City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
Denker Park Recreation & Community Center
Hollywood, California
Project Status: Completed
Approximate Total Project Area: 28,550 asf
Denker Park Community and Recreation Center is a response to the needs of a community, located in a modest economic area of Central Los Angeles, that provides an array of previously unavailable social services. The participation of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and the Voluntary Neighborhood Outreach Committee (VNOC) was vital to the planning, programming and design of this facility.
The design approach sought to create a richness of individual spaces by the integration and use of light, space and materials. The solution to the program sought to enhance the constraints of the site and provide a practical solution for the community’s needs.
The center has been equipped with fully accessible pedestrian entries, overhead canopies providing sun and rain protection, and roof-mounted solar energy systems utilizing photovoltaic cells. The facility consists of an indoor gymnasium with an adjacent stage and storage, child care space, a multi-purpose community meeting room, park director’s offices, kitchen area, rest rooms, custodial, maintenance and systems support spaces. Adjacent to the gallery is the director’s office, which acts as a “watchtower” for monitoring entrance and exit to the facility as well as visibility to the site. Formally and aesthetically, the building is expressive of its individual functions. Playful, bold, energetic and colorful forms represent original, creative and high quality design that are cost effective and enhance the community’s appearance.