Glendale's Central Park is in line for a major facelift after the City of Glendale received a $5.95 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior. This funding boost is part of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) by the National Park Service which, as announced, will distribute $254.68 million to various projects across 24 states to enhance local parks and outdoor recreation.
Specifically, Glendale's Central Park Block Project aims to rejuvenate 2.13 acres of underutilized space into a community centerpiece. With plan features like children’s playgrounds, an outdoor amphitheater, and a serene forest-like boardwalk, this project promises to enrich the lives of city dwellers seeking refuge in nature. Furthermore, the site shares a block with key community landmarks such as the Glendale Central Library and the future Armenian American Museum, anchor points in the fabric of the downtown district. "We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Interior for recognizing the significance of the Central Park Block Project and for supporting the City’s vision of creating more green space in downtown Glendale," told Onnig Bulanikian, Director of Community Services & Parks.
The benefits of the expanded park will include not only recreational spaces but also an enhanced quality of life through the incorporation of cultural programming and natural respite in an urban setting. As Onnig Bulanikian highlighted, this endeavor is all about creating "sustainable, accessible recreational areas that enhances the quality of life for all Glendale residents."
The project's design phase began earnestly in March of last year with a planned completion of construction drawings by November 2024. Following this milestone, shovels are expected to hit the ground by Summer 2025, and the flowering of this new urban green space will begin in earnest. In the meantime, stay informed on the developments by following @MyGlendale on Twitter or by signing up for the Glendale City Connection monthly newsletter.
