Polliwog Park is a hidden gem in Manhattan Beach, with something to offer almost everyone.
Whether you just enjoy sprawling out in the sun or chose to be a little bit more active, the beautiful 18-acre park located on the corner of Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard, the largest in the South Bay, has been entertaining residents since 1964. Polliwog Park is centered around a large pond, which is bordered on one side by a natural wildlife refuge that is home to waterfowl, fish and turtles, and also features an amphitheater for events, a rose garden, three gazebos, a 9-hold disc golf course, two playing fields, barbecue pits, the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden and the city's Historical Museum. Among the several play areas for kids is a main playground with a large lighthouse play structure that has three slides, a sand area, and a separate area with play equipment for younger children. Polliwog Park has an outdoor exercise area and plenty of trails to wander the park and enjoy the scenery, as well as areas that are dog-friendly, including a dog run. On top of all the other features, Polliwog Park features many free events, including the free summer-long Concert in the Park series that runs from June through Labor Day. For more information, including a calendar and special events, visit the City of Manhattan Beach website.
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It wasn't all that long ago that the options for outdoor furniture pieces were limited, and many spent their leisure time at wood picnic tables and in rather uncomfortable chairs and loungers.
Thankfully, times have changed. Not only have patios, decks and courtyards become an extension of the home for many, there are more options for outdoor furniture than ever before. Outdoor furniture now comes in every material and color imaginable, with styles ranging from modern to classic, with new and innovative products always arriving. Not every piece empties your wallet, however, and there are numerous DIY options. Here are seven ideas: Day Beds and Benches Whether you build them yourself or not, day beds and built-in benches can offer both space and comfort, as well as a place to stretch out. Plus, they create natural barriers and extra seating for guests. Better Homes and Gardens has some great examples. Bring the Fire If you don't have an outdoor fireplace, create a communal space with a fire pit or feature that draws everyone together. Fire pits and features can range from simple and inexpensive to extravagant projects, and come in every shape and size. Here's a gallery of ideas from DIY Network. Swing Away For an old-fashioned feel, swings are great for relaxing, can be hung anywhere and are a nice aesthetic. Get creative and hang a classic porch swing or day bed from a pergola, or even design an area with several swings around a fire pit like this example. Party Coolers What better way to keep guests refreshed? From stainless steel to charming wood barrels and wrought iron tubs, there are many options that can match your décor and keep guests outside and relaxed. Serving it Up Serving carts are a simple idea that make hosting, serving and storage convenient. Use them for drinks, to serve food, store condiments or for anything that needs to be close by and mobile. Here is a top 10 list from Elle Décor. Bring the Light Outdoor lighting and lamps can add the perfect ambiance to an outdoor space, and many options are inexpensive or DYI projects that will also bring personalized character. For ideas, check out these galleries at Curbly.com and Shelterness.com. Think Custom A customized table – whether its reclaimed pieces, something restored or a piece you built yourself – can add just the right amount of charm and serve as a conversation piece. Use as old farm table, a reclaimed industrial cart or an old door and add a flower box or fire feature for flair. Get design ideas at Houzz.com. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is the Crown Jewel of the South Bay arts scene. With its new bold, modernistic Grand Lobby, featuring a black Indian slate exterior, a granite water feature, stainless steel and cherry wood accents, a 21-feet high cherry ceiling and plenty of free parking, the 1,457-seat theatre is home to three prestigious and highly successful presenters:
3-D Theatricals RBPAC celebrates its second season with the Musical Theater professionals of 3-D Theatricals. Presenting Broadway-quality Musical Theater blockbusters such as Avenue Q, Legally Blonde, Funny Girl and Hairspray, the family owned and operated 3-D Theatricals has been delighting South Bay audiences to standing ovations with magical entertainment. Subscriptions and single tickets sales for their four show series in Redondo Beach are available now! Distinguished Speaker Series RBPAC is honored to host the Distinguished Speaker Series, which has presented such dignitaries as Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice and Madeleine Albright. Their 2012-2013 Season includes Olympic Swimming phenom Michael Phelps, paleontologist/explorer Louise Leakey, creativity/innovation expert Sir Ken Robinson, Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and philanthropist/author and American Royalty Caroline Kennedy. Los Angeles Ballet RBPAC takes great pride in hosting the only professional ballet company based in Los Angeles. Having completed its first six seasons to universal critical acclaim, Los Angeles Ballet presents their 2013 season, featuring a celebration of Balanchine and their newly-choreographed holiday classic The Nutcracker. Contact Information Telephone (310) 937-6607 Fax (310) 643-0096 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach CA 90278 (Located at the Northeast corner of the intersection with Aviation Blvd.) The Mediterranean style of architecture has influenced some of the most beautiful and iconic homes and neighborhoods in Southern California, directly and indirectly drawing inspiration from homes along the European coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.
These styles of homes have flourished in Southern California since the 1920's and 1930's, following the Panama-California Exposition of 1915 in San Diego's Balboa Park, and were embraced due to the similar climates. The category of architecture commonly referred to as Mediterranean today is more of a catch-all term, blending and borrowing themes and features from styles that include the Spanish Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Moorish Revival, Italian and California Mission type of homes, among others. Today, we often refer to Mediterranean-themed homes as Spanish Modern or Spanish Eclectic. By any name, however, they effortlessly and beautifully blend form and function with materials and features that keep homes cooler in warmer climates. Mediterranean-style homes often feature a U-shaped design centered around an outdoor fountain or courtyard, and often make interior gardens and patios part of the living space. They feature low, pitched roofs covered in tile – often red – and stucco or adobe exterior walls featuring white or light colors. Common exterior elements typically include numerous oversized windows, carved entry doors, multiple balconies, high arches, columns, arcades and ornamental wrought iron work on gates and windows. On the interior, common elements in the Mediterranean theme include hand-painted and mosaic tiles, wood beams, spiral staircases, arched doorways and stucco or plastered walls. Visit Houzz.com for photo galleries of Mediterranean-style homes and design elements. The brick towers of El Segundo High School rise over Main Street in the picturesque town that has grown from its roots as a company town for Standard Oil (now known as Chevron). You’ve seen it in a number of shows and movies including 90210, Superbad and Party of Five, and as students mill about the picturesque lawn when the bell rings, it’s easy to understand why.
By the Numbers - Grades 9 through 12 - Student population of approximately 1270 - More than 150 courses including Advanced Placement, Honors, Special Education and more - 63% of students complete the University of California “a to g” requirements - 37% of students are accepted to 4 year universities - 60% of students continue in community colleges or vocational education Awards and Endorsements - ESHS named California Distinguished High School in spring of 2003 and 2007 - ESHS named in the top 5% of high schools nationwide by Newsweek Magazine in 2008 - El Segundo Unified School District honored as one of Standard and Poor’s twenty-nine “academic out performer” school districts in California |
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