Santa Monica Beach Also Named a Top 10 Great Public Space

It's not only Echo Park who is getting major kudos from the American Planning Association, the 3.5 mile long Santa Monica Beach was named as one of the Great Public Spaces in America today. "The designation stems from the beach's commitment to accessibility, environmental stewardship and historic preservation, and maintaining its distinctive character," their report says which introduces the space as "the birthplace of 'beach culture,' a place where human theater unfolds daily against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. For nearly 120 years, Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California, has been the dynamic link between the natural and man-made worlds, providing equal access to all who wish to congregate near this part of the coast."