Santa Monica’s Tongva Park and Ken Genser Square

Ken Genser Square, at the foot of City Hall, is smaller and more formal than Tongva Park, its companion across Main Street. A fountain is readied for its splashy arrival.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Native plants and succulents line the winding paths of Tongva Park, expected to be accessible after Labor Day. The official opening ceremony is Oct. 19.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Colorful, contemporary playground equipment awaits young visitors to Tongva Park.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A sculpture wraps around an overlook above Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica’s new Tongva Park.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Tongva Park is meant to be arroyo-like. Hills are shaped into the landscape.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Water features and contemporary seating curl around an amphitheater in Santa Monica’s Tongva Park.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Tongva Park’s Discovery Hill Play Area is equipped with colorful equipment.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)