Mutual 2 greenbelt gets a makeover
Editor’s note: Due to a blackout of Mutual candidates’ names during election season, the contributor’s name was removed from this story.
New to Leisure World, a Mutual 2 shareholder was concerned by the amount of invasive weeds in the greenbelt in front of his unit. He took it upon himself to see what it would take to have the weeds removed and try something different.
His plan for a drought-tolerant park in the greenbelt area was well-received by the Mutual 2 Board of Directors when presented last year, and the board encouraged him to come up with details and estimated costs. It took a while for his ambitious plan to come together, but it is now a beautiful, low-maintenance common area for everyone to enjoy.
With a scale drawing in hand, plants and materials were researched. J & J Landscaping assisted with estimating the costs, and in October, the Mutual 2 board approved it.
Jose Anguiano, owner of J & J, designed the layout and suggested the types of plants that would thrive, including cacti, succulents and other California-native, drought-tolerant, flowering plants. On March 27, the crew from J & J went to work at 9 a.m. and removed more than 10 tons of weed-infested sod from the site.
Soil amendment was added, a 75-foot French drain was trenchedin to help alleviate a chronic drainage issue, and unceremoniously the first plant was installed–an 8-foot, 40-year-old Sego Palm. This is a species that has been on Earth since the dinosaurs.
Next came a 200-foot, meandering path through the length of the park, which will support walkers and scooters; then a drip irrigation system, plus approximately 4,000 square feet of weed block to keep the crab grass away, followed by sand, contrasting gravel, rocks and boulders. And finally, 120 assorted drought-tolerant plants were added. On April 11, the project was officially completed.
Yet to come, for added artistic elements, is a dry creek bed that will flow under a low bridge joining the two ends of the pathway, it will also support better drainage. Two Mexican-inspired tiled Talavera benches will soon be arriving from Arizona. And thanks to generous LW residents, additional donated plants will be installed.
Because of the nearly 5,000 square feet of turf removal, the Mutual has applied and been approved for a rebate from the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) for as much as $7,964. In this greenbelt area alone, LW will save approximately 83,000 plus gallons of water a year.
All Leisure World residents are encouraged to come by and walk this amazing area. It is located between Buildings 15 and 16, at the corner of Thunderbird Drive and Monterey Road.
