Volunteers Needed for Planting Party at Cheng Park Oct. 7

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Classical Chinese structures are sprouting up at Cheng Park, formerly an empty lot on the corner of Marsh and Santa Rosa streets in downtown San Luis Obispo. Organizers of the new Chinese-themed city park are calling on volunteers to help plant trees, shrubs and ground cover this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers are urged to bring their own shovels, spades and picks.

Alice Loh, President of Chinese Garden SLO and Cal Poly Landscape Architecture faculty emerita, says the goal of the project is to beautify the corner and help make San Luis Obispo a more livable city through the development of green spaces. “We want to preserve the history of the early Chinese pioneers of this area and their contribution to the growth of San Luis Obispo,” says Loh.

The triangle area at 1095 Marsh Street, was previously the site of an automotive repair shop, but is now designated as green space in the city’s general plan. Loh says another main reason for developing a Chinese-themed park came from one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the Asian-influenced office building across the creek from Cheng Park.

Larry and Alice Loh traveled to Hangzhou, China, to choose the major structural elements for the park. After visiting a quarry and several Chinese craftsmen, they chose to ship the wood pavilion, called “ting,” and the granite gateway, called “paifang,” back to the United States.

The planting party is coordinated by Cal Poly’s Architectural Engineering Department Head, Abe Lynn; Carrie South, Architectural Engineering administrator; two emeritus faculty members, Larry Loh, Architecture and Alice Loh, Landscape Architecture; R. Thomas Jones, dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; and Chinese Garden SLO, a non-profit organization committed to promoting understanding and cultural exchange between American and Chinese people.

Many Central Coast carpenters and construction companies have donated time and materials to the project. Organizers still need help to finish the park. Cash donations can be sent to: Chinese Garden SLO, c/o SESLOC, P.O. Box 5360, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.

###