After being ravaged by the Eaton Fire, Loma Alta Park in Altadena was greeted with community spirit and festivities on its grand reopening this Saturday. In an event that marked a milestone for the local community's resilience and recovery, the park now boasts new developments such as upgraded ball fields, a state-of-the-art play structure, and other amenities designed for children of all abilities. FOX LA reported that these improvements were part of a collaboration with charitable groups like the Los Angeles Dodgers foundation and received a significant boost from a benefit concert that contributed a multi-million-dollar grant.
Residents of Altadena, a region known for its strong ties and collectivist spirit, saw the park as a turning point in the aftermath of the fire that consumed over 9,400 structures. According to ABC7, the restoration garnered nearly $2.5 million from a Fire Aid concert and was brought to life by the hands of over 2,000 volunteers. Along with the park's new features, facilities like an aquatic center and a Clippers Gymnasium have been introduced, erected from the ashes by the community for the children who, displaced by the fire, lost their homes.
The event did not occur without a hint of activism; amidst the celebration, a group of protesters urged county leaders to channel the same vigorous goodwill towards assisting families who are still grappling with the consequences of the Eaton Fire. These protesters, as observed by ABC7, implored a focus on the ongoing housing and infrastructure issues that linger unresolved for many in the community.
Amidst celebration and sporting activities led by former LA Clipper Craig Smith, the community's joy was palpable. "It makes me feel happy because more people are coming together after the tragedy," Jude Ammons, whose family was amongst those to lose their home in the fire, told FOX LA. Alongside the joy, a love for community was shared by Eric Lewis, a playground consultant, who emphasized the deep satisfaction of witnessing children at play in the reimagined space.
The L.A. County Sheriff's department also expressed their congratulations on social media, recognizing the incredible effort put forth by all involved. Celebrating the multitude of new resources like Altadena Teen Center, Senior Center, and other facilities, the department's post underlined the significance of joint efforts in facilitating this step forward for the community. Further details on the breadth of the park's reopening can be found on their official post here.
