San Gabriel River Park Set To Open In San Gabriel Valley On June 8

First phase of the transformative project is complete with rewilding over 30 acres of riverfront lands in an urban space

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 30, 2024) — The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the grand opening of San Gabriel River Park located along the San Gabriel River in the unincorporated community of Avocado Heights. With its theme of “Rewilding Urban Spaces,” this project aims to create a vibrant and sustainable oasis in the heart of the community. A grand opening celebration will take place on June 8 at 255 San Fidel Ave, La Puente, CA 91746 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The grand opening will offer a day filled with festivities, marking one of the most significant park openings in LA County Parks history. Activities will include animal ambassadors and presentations featuring pygmy goats, kids’ crafts, face painting, Folklorico dancers, guided walks, s’mores, and much more.

“Today’s announcement represents the culmination of my 25-year mission to create vital open spaces in disadvantaged communities in the San Gabriel Valley, which began when I passed legislation in 1999 to form the Rivers & Mountains Conservancy,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District. “Now, everyone will have the access they deserve to an 80-acre urban oasis that will serve as an environmental crown jewel for generations to come. This is a moment to celebrate environmental justice and equity, because whenever we add open spaces in underserved communities we improve the lives of thousands of children and families.”

San Gabriel River Park (formerly the Duck Farm) is part of the regional river-adjacent Emerald Necklace Greenway Network, a 17-mile loop of parks and greenways connecting 10 cities in the San Gabriel Valley. It features multi-use entry and a river overlook plaza, a pedestrian passageway tunnel, native plant demonstration area, picnic garden, alongside walking and biking trails. Natural areas such as wildflower meadows, a bioswale area, and a riparian area allow guests to fully immerse themselves into the habitat and reinforce biodiversity.

“San Gabriel River Park marks a significant milestone to the San Gabriel community, offering residents and visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and learn about the importance of environmental conservation,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. “The development of the River Parkway has been a long-standing vision, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition.”

The San Gabriel River Park will be completed in phases. Funded by the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), California Natural Resources Agency, LA County Regional Park and Open Space District, LA County Flood Control District, and the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, San Gabriel River Park has a budget of $12.1 million for Phase 1a and $7.3 million for Phase 1b.

Phase 1b of the project, which includes a 1929 colonial revival farmhouse, will be transformed into a water-wise educational resource and community center called San Gabriel River Center and Gardens. It will serve as a model for water conservation and inspire residents to retrofit their landscapes into functional and beautiful spaces that capture and conserve water. Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer 2024.

“The addition of this park is a huge, nature-based experience, for the community and will be a destination site along Emerald Necklace”, said Mark Stanley, Director of the Watershed Conservation Authority. “As we move to complete the 17-mile loop along the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers, this location is the newest park, further enhancing our natural areas and providing opportunity for all to engage in activities that are beneficial to our physical and mental health.”

Upon completion, San Gabriel River Park will be owned by the Watershed Conservation Authority, with LA County Parks leasing and operating Phase 1a of the park. Future phases, including the San Gabriel River Center and Gardens project, will be added to the lease agreement as they are completed.

For more information about San Gabriel River Park and the upcoming grand opening, please visit https://parks.lacounty.gov/san-gabriel-river-park/.