Ensuring Local Governance, Public Access, and Community Stewardship of the Lario Staging Area
Motion directs negotiations with federal and local partners on long-term management and public access protections
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved a motion by Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger supporting a coordinated approach with federal and local partners on the long-term governance and operation of the Lario Staging Area in the Santa Fe Dam Control Basin.
“Lario is a key regional recreation area, and any future governance structure needs to clearly define responsibilities while preserving public access,” said Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This motion supports a collaborative path forward that ensures an orderly transition, protects open space, maintains public access, and safeguards long-term community use.”
The motion directs discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the cities of Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa to evaluate governance options, including a direct lease with the cities, a joint powers authority, or a county sublease structure, depending on negotiations.
“The Lario Staging Area is a vital County asset that serves both recreational and coordination purposes, making its governance and operation uniquely complex,” said Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Any discussion about changes to its oversight should be guided by a thoughtful and collaborative process that includes all stakeholders. I strongly support local control and welcome the cities’ interest in taking a more active role in managing these facilities. This motion reflects our commitment to partnership, public safety, and ensuring continued public access for the communities we serve.”
The effort is intended to support a locally driven governance framework while addressing competing proposals, preserving public access, clarifying long-term operational responsibilities, and establishing liability protections for existing County-installed facilities.
The Lario site, a 45-acre regional trailhead and equestrian staging area, has historically been operated by the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation under a long-term lease with the Army Corps. During the Eaton Fire response in January 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency used the site as a temporary hazardous waste staging area under a federal permit.
Following cleanup, the Army Corps requested the County resume operations under its right of first refusal. The cities of Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa later requested that the County decline reinstatement and instead support a direct lease arrangement between the cities and the federal government.
“Local communities should have a meaningful voice in the future of this site,” said Irwindale Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz. “We appreciate Supervisor Solis’ leadership on this motion and support a governance approach that prioritizes access, safety and long-term maintenance while continuing to work with our regional partners.”
The cities are also pursuing formation of a joint powers authority.
The motion directs the County’s departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works, in coordination with County Counsel and the Chief Executive Office, to evaluate governance options, including lease and sublease structures, maintenance responsibilities and long-term access commitments.
It also calls for continued free public access to Lario Park, preservation of regional trail connectivity and compliance with federal requirements and existing recreational standards.
County departments are required to report back within 30 days with a proposed transition plan and community outreach strategy.
Any final governance structure must comply with Regional Park and Open Space District requirements, including maintaining the site as a public park in perpetuity and ensuring equal access for all County residents.
