Shaping a more resilient Los Angeles, one park project at a time

Assistant Program Manager Sikandar Porter-Gill is confident that SIS’ work is paving the way for a more resilient LA.

“Given the recent wildfires and ongoing environmental challenges, these projects are crucial for providing safe, green havens for the community,” says Sikandar. They are also “a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and proactive conservation efforts,” he adds.

Azusa Wilderness Park Improvements project

The Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA) selected SIS to provide construction management services for the Azusa Wilderness Park in May of 2024. The scope of work includes constructing an entry gate and installing park signage, as well as creating a permeable parking area, pavilion structure, nature playground and river overlook areas.

Once complete, visitors to the 76-acre park east of Pasadena will be met with amenities that provide a sense of welcome and oneness with the surrounding environment.

The WCA previously said that alongside Skanska, they are “crafting gateways to nature that educate, engage and inspire sustainable interaction with our local ecosystems.”

Beyond aesthetic and functional improvements, construction activities include water and sewer utility line installation, bioswale and other nature-based drainage construction, landscaping and irrigation.

Overall, the entryway work not only transforms a crucial access point for park visitors but signifies progress in LA’s commitment to create a more livable city.

"I hope LA residents feel a sense of pride and connection to nature when they visit these green spaces, knowing that they are part of a larger effort to preserve and enhance our environment,” says Sikandar.

San Gabriel River Center and Gardens

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the WCA is developing the San Gabriel River Center and Gardens. SIS is serving as the construction manager.

“We’re transforming a 1929 Spanish colonial revival farmhouse into a water-wise educational resource and community center,” says Project Manager Karla Lopez.

Located along the San Gabriel River and within the Emerald Necklace Park Network, the project is well-positioned to make a difference. It is in a park-poor community and within a critical regional wildlife habitat and corridor along the Pacific Flyway.

Through local art, water resource information, multilingual signage and outdoor learning spaces, the site will be an interactive space for learning what conservation can look like, practically, in the context of LA.

“San Gabriel River Center and Gardens will serve as a model for water conservation and climate resilience, providing LA residents with practical strategies for sustainable living,” says Karla. “Educational programming onsite will encourage the community to adopt water-saving techniques and appreciate local natural resources.”

Efforts to repurpose the two-acre site west of the 605 Freeway are strategic and tailored to the moment.

“Given ongoing drought conditions in California, this development is particularly timely,” says Karla. “It addresses the urgent need for water conservation and climate resilience, offering solutions for mitigating the impact of these environmental challenges.”

“By promoting sustainable practices, the site supports LA's efforts to become more resilient in the face of climate change,” continues Karla.

Alondra Gateway Park

South of downtown Los Angeles, SIS is also providing construction management services for the Alondra Gateway Park project in Compton. Team members celebrated the groundbreaking of the project in fall of 2024.

Alondra Gateway Park is the first development from the Compton Creek Implementation Plan. The project is “a transformative, community-led development that highlights systematic inequities while also addressing climate sustainability.”

“Alondra Gateway Park offers a much-needed recreational space in an economically challenged area of Los Angeles,” says Sikandar. The completed revitalization project designed by STUDIO-MLA will create a new space for families, bikers, runners, equestrians and others to gather.

Soon enough, natural play features and shade trees will dot the 0.5-acre park, which is being built on a vacant lot along Compton Creek.

Finding success through a shared vision

More than anything, SIS’ portfolio of work in Southern California shares a common vision. “All of these projects represent a significant step toward creating a more sustainable and livable city,” says Sikandar.

Also, as the projects share similarities in scope, they are creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration and efficiency.

“Lessons learned from the San Gabriel River Center and Gardens project are shared with other SIS projects, such as the Azusa Wilderness Park Entry project,” says Karla. “Doing so helps optimize resource use and improve project outcomes.”

“This collaborative approach ensures that best practices are consistently applied, benefiting all work within the SIS portfolio,” adds Karla.

Collaboration also helps the team in implementing technologies for multiple jobsites.

“We’re exploring the use of Procore throughout the life cycle of SIS projects, which is relatively new for SIS,” says Sikandar. “This involves a lot of learning and adapting systems that are typically built for contractors to fit the needs of our owner and construction management side of the business.”

“Working together helps to streamline processes, improve outcomes and ensure high-quality results,” he continues.

Perhaps more than anything, in their conservation-focused work, a resolve to Skanska’s Commit to Customers value is animating project success.

“By addressing the community's needs for sustainable solutions and educational resources, these projects exemplify Skanska's dedication to customer satisfaction and long-term impact,” says Karla.