In addition to providing a habitat for birds and other wildlife, the Ballona Wetlands treats storm water for the community of Playa Vista, in the background. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Playa Vista Chairman Steve Soboroff, left, talks with Vice President Marc Huffman in what they hope will become Phase 2 of the development, the Village. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
A bird glides above the water in the Ballona Wetlands, used to treat Playa Vista’s storm water. A few species have begun returning to the marsh in recent years. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Michael Ball, a resident of four years, brings his dog to Playa Vista’s dog park. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The stage at Concert Park features outdoor concerts in the summer, a major attraction for many Playa Vista residents. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Residents stroll along Seabluff Drive, which features commercial space on the first floor and housing above. Developers were surprised when residents started up a stroller brigade -- they figured Playa Vista would attract primarily working couples without children and empty-nesters. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Amin Amersi and his wife Sarina bought a condo in Playa Vista, got married, opened a dry cleaners near Concert Park and had two kids. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
One of two pools at the Center Point Club, open to all residents free of charge. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Residents can reserve plots at Garden Park and enter the fruit of their labors, so to speak, in a community competition. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The eastern campus of Playa Vista is for commercial operations. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
