The opening of the San Gabriel River Park expands access to green spaces for residents in the San Gabriel Valley, especially for Avocado Heights and other park-poor communities in the area.
The grand opening of the San Gabriel River Park was celebrated on June 8, 2024, marking a major milestone in the region's efforts to create more green spaces. The event featured a variety of activities, including folklorico dancers, face painting, guided walks, food trucks, and animal presentations. Local organizations such as Active SGV and the National Audubon Society also participated. Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis emphasized that the park is a step towards environmental justice and equity, providing much-needed open space to underserved communities and improving the lives of thousands of residents in the San Gabriel Valley.
The 30-acre park, previously a duck farm, is part of the Emerald Necklace Greenway network, which connects ten cities in the San Gabriel Valley through a 17-mile loop of parks. The park offers numerous amenities, including picnic areas, biking and walking trails, a river overlook plaza, wildflower meadows, a native plant demonstration area, and a bioswale area. The new park is an oasis for the area's park poor communities, promoting outdoor activities and environmental education.
The project is the result of decades of perseverance and collaboration among various organizations and community leaders. Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, highlighted the collective effort that made the park a reality. The park is being developed in multiple phases, with the first phase just opened and the next phase being the opening of a nature center for educational programs. The San Gabriel River Park is envisioned as a lasting gift to future generations, promoting nature appreciation, and community well-being.
FULL STORY: New San Gabriel River Park adds to effort for more ‘rewilding’ space in the region
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