Overview of the two-story community center building with satellite seating areas. Two round areas are individually for small dogs and children, while a larger area is for larger dogs.

“I have seen major changes here in Venice Beach related to private properties; however, so little attention has been given to existing public spaces,” said Mehrnoosh Mojallali, local architect and member of the Land Use and Planning Committee.

“These spaces in Venice Beach should serve the community with activities that promote social synergy.”

Venice resident Mehrnoosh is an architect dedicated to changing the public spaces in Venice to better serve the community — to beautify them and make them more useable, resident friendly, and desirable. This is her “redo” of the Westminster Senior Center, Dog Park.

“As an urban designer I am a strong believer that collaborations of art, architecture, landscaping and planning can blur economic and cultural boundaries and enhance life in cities such as Venice Beach. Communities come together at public spaces and improve quality of life for all,” she said.

Mehrnoosh received a Masters of Architecture & Urban Design degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and is past president of Association of Women in Architecture L.A.

For this purpose, she has proposed a design for both the Windward Center and the Westminster Community Center/Dog Park at existing Senior Center. The design for the Windward Circle will be in a future Update.

The dog park is totally self-sustained. The design provides a special place for meetings, for children, for small dogs and for large dogs. The plan would be to raise money to help Department of Recreation and Parks bring this to Venice.

Closeup view of two-story civic building and children’s play area.