For Immediate Release: 4/22/2017
Thousands Celebrate Grand Opening of Los Angeles State Historic Park
Contact: Becky Warren I (916) 607-0129
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, California State Parks hosted a grand opening celebration of the Los Angeles State Historic Park with thousands of neighborhood and community leaders and elected officials. The state historic park is 34 acres of open space in the heart of Los Angeles and reflects State Parks’ commitment to better serve California’s diverse population and create a more inviting and relevant state park system.
Situated in one of Los Angeles’ most underserved communities, Los Angeles State Historic Park was once home to a native Tongva community and later served as a port of entry for immigrants. Currently the historic and ethnically diverse communities of Lincoln Heights, Elysian Park, Solano Canyon, Chinatown, Chavez Ravine and William Mead Homes surround the park.
In the 1990s, community activists banded together against a million-square foot industrial and warehouse project and formed the Chinatown Yard Alliance. The community activists brought the neighborhoods together, debated policymakers to build support that ultimately led to center stage of Los Angeles policy. As a result of the community’s efforts, California State Parks purchased the land with state bond funds. The park was then built with feedback from the community, providing much-needed open space and enshrining the story of the community that advocated for this park. The new park represents a significant environmental justice victory in Los Angeles and a testament to the power of grassroots activism.
“We’ve completed a long public process to renew our state park system,” said Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird. “Part of the renewal effort was the goal of equitable access to parks in the cities across the state. This opening today coincides with that goal, and results from a two-decade effort by this community to advocate for this park. My congratulations to all that made this day come.”
Over the course of 65 public meetings, the Los Angeles State Historic Park was designed with community input and a focus on cultural heritage.
“This is a park built with the community rather than just for the community,” said State Parks Director Lisa Mangat. “The Los Angeles State Historic Park also launched our first-in-the-state, community-focused Promotores Program, which hires and trains local residents to communicate and work with their peers in the community.”
Drawing inspiration from the public health promotora, or community outreach work model, State Parks’ Promotores Program has been launched at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area and will expand across the state.
“Too many of our kids grow up without park access, with nowhere to play, have a birthday party or a picnic. This park has it all – walkways, bike paths, nature, history, the LA skyline – and all within steps of Chinatown,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin De León. “This spot is intrinsic to the birth of LA and is just as much a museum to LA history as it is an open green space.”
“Three years ago I teamed up with Senate Pro Tem Kevin de León to secure and protect $20.8 million in crucial state funding for the renovation and completion of the Los Angeles State Historic Park. The park’s opening is a big win for Los Angeles and part of a larger vision to reconnect our cities with the natural environment,” said Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles). “I’m excited to get this space open for the community.”
Besides Governor Jerry Brown and California State Parks Director Mangat, speakers at the ribbon-cutting included State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León, Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez, local elected officials and a California State Park and Recreation Commissioner. Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird was also present, along with many other community leaders. Featured performers include Grammy Award Winners-QUETZAL, East Wind Chinese Lion Dancers, Taylor McFerrin, Subsuelo, and Telenovella in the Park.
Los Angeles State Historic Park Features
- The state historic park will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until sunset for recreational activities, concerts and events.
- Water conservation features include:
- An irrigation system that uses reclaimed water.
- Bioswales and cisterns for rainwater capture.
- Permeable parking areas.
- Drought-tolerant turf and plants.
- A parking lot roof design that facilitates rainwater recycling.
- The “Great Lawn” consists of flexible green space that can be used for sports and fun, community and cultural events and outdoor musical performances.
- Visitors can walk or run the mile-long trail. Weaving throughout the park, the trail connects the outer track with a vibrant interior.
- The children’s interpretive play area/exploration zone includes a ‘Storytelling Circle’ Amphitheater.
- The park includes constructed wetlands and habitat areas with new trees, landscaping, fire access and irrigation.
- LED lighting will illuminate the park throughout, with EV charging stations in the parking lot.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.