Nike Hill

At the highest point, the heart of the Park offers breathtaking views for miles: a panoramic survey of the park decks, Downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the broader valley.

As a major node in an elaborate network of multimodal trails and the highest point at the site (1160 feet above sea level), in many ways, Nike Hill will act as the heart of the Park. Spectacular views of the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and a large swath of Los Angeles County unfold from east to west, prompting awe and introspection. For views of this caliber to be available for all to enjoy from within the city is an exceptional rarity.

The role of design at Nike Hill is to frame the striking vistas and provide a sense of comfort and delight on the mountaintop. The Park, its landscapes and views are really doing the work. Canopies and terraces will provide some weather protection and a simple, but memorable sense of place.

As the heart of the Park, the Nike Hill plaza and lift tower will provide a mini-café or food truck space, staff office to organize programming, and public restrooms.

Artistic interpretive features at the scenic overlooks will reveal key topics, from landfill history and environmental stewardship, to local geography and mountain peak identification.

Nike Hill gets its name from the historical guard structure and plaque which were moved to the hill to commemorate the Cold War-era Nike missile sites. The guard structure and plaque will be relocated to an appropriate position within the new Nike Hill layout to continue sharing this fascinating history.

Phase One design elements at Nike Hill, from the 2016 Master Plan:

  • Two cantilevered decks

  • Panoramic views

  • Interpretive elements and signage

  • Plaza

  • Concessionaire/mini-café

  • Restrooms

  • Park staff office

  • Stairclimb from Western Deck

  • Switchback fitness ADA trail

  • Slides

  • Improved equestrian trail segment

  • Nature programs and hikes

  • Scenic interpretation