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Published on September 26, 2024
$15 Million Federal Grant to Transform Former LA Landfill into Puente Hills Regional ParkSource: Britta Gustafson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a significant move towards repurposing what was once one of the nation's largest waste dumps, the U.S. Department of the Interior has doled out $15 million to the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, marking a pivot towards a greener LA County as the funds aim to transform the defunct Puente Hills Landfill into a regional park addressing environmental equity. This grant, stemming from the Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, is part of a larger $254.68 million investment targeting 54 projects across 24 states committed to revitalizing local parks and recreation areas, with this particular grant being the largest allocation from the ORLP to date.

The transformation of the 1,365-acre landfill site, which will now involve the creation of the 142-acre Puente Hills Regional Park, heralds a new chapter for East San Gabriel Valley communities that have historically lacked sufficient green space, per the official media release. In a nod towards addressing regional disparities, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis has lauded the grant as "a profound step toward environmental justice," signaling a committed effort to enrich biodiversity and better air quality while also offering public recreational respite for residents.

A variety of intended features for the park are on the drawing board, including a children’s nature play area, community amphitheater, and an arts plaza among others; the Western Deck of the former landfill will be revamped to accommodate these amenities and more, ensuring a rejuvenated landscape for leisure and community gatherings. Norma E. García-González, the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, acknowledges the herculean efforts of supervisor Solis and her team, along with the LA County Parks staff and Studio-MLA for securing the ORLP grant, a much-needed catalyst for the park's Master Plan, said the release.

Restoration and protection of wildlife habitats stand at the forefront of this venture as concerns around climate change intensify, a vision that this grant aids in realizing; it’s a strategic move towards fortifying a more resilient LA County that can thrive amidst ecological adversities. The anticipated park layout is set to feature sprawling meadows and interpretive gardens, a picnic area, and a ceremonial space to honor the region's First Nations and early settlers, effectively fostering an environment for community and nature to intersect harmoniously. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, already a steward of a vast network of recreational areas including astonishingly 183 parks and the Hollywood Bowl, aims to extend its reach with this park, enhancing its portfolio and, more importantly, its service to the community.