News Release

California State Parks Launches Recovery Planning Process for Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park

Contact:
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov

What you need to know: The public is invited to help shape the future of two beloved Los Angeles area state parks that were severely damaged during the 2025 Palisades Fire by sharing their input during the recovery planning process.

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks today announced the launch of a formal public engagement process for the recovery planning for Topanga State Park (SP) and Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) to guide the long-term recovery of the two parks following the devastating Palisades Fire in January 2025.

The Palisades Fire burned 8,192 acres in Topanga SP and 189 acres in Will Rogers SHP – two of the most visited and beloved parks in the region that protect cultural, natural and historical resources of statewide importance. As the parks move beyond the initial phase of fire recovery and begin welcoming visitors back, State Parks is now turning to rebuilding thoughtfully with long-term resilience in mind.

"These parks hold a special place in the hearts of so many people, not only in the surrounding community, but from around the world," said California State Parks Angeles District Superintendent Richard Fink II. “As we look toward the future, we invite the community to help shape the next chapter of these beloved spaces in a way that honors their history and strengthens them for future generations. California State Parks is committed to a transparent and inclusive planning process and welcomes all voices."

Planning Process

State Parks will conduct a multi-phase public engagement process to develop guiding principles and priorities for the future of both parks. This will explore questions central to recovery:

• How will we build back?
• How do we honor the historic legacy of Will Rogers and the precious parkland of Topanga State Park?
• How can the parks meet the needs of Angelenos and Californians today and in the future?

The process will include in-person and online events, surveys, tribal consultation and stakeholder meetings designed to gather a wide range of community perspectives. There will be opportunities to participate throughout the process, and State Parks will work to reduce barriers to hear from a diverse array of voices. Community engagement will be crucial to the success of the planning effort.

Project Website

The engagement process includes the project website, myinput.com/topanga-will-rogers, where the public is invited to learn more about the parks’ recovery journey, see details, frequently asked questions and updates on the planning process, and take surveys. Be sure to sign up on the website’s homepage for the project’s email list to receive project updates in your inbox.

The Recovery Journey section includes details on State Parks’ ongoing work to reduce wildfire risk, improve defensible space, remove hazardous trees and vegetation, stabilize burned areas, and restore park lands.

Share Your Memories

Will Rogers and Topanga have long been places of recreation, relaxation and connecting with nature. Generations of Angelenos – neighbors, students, educators and volunteers – and visitors from around the world have formed deep connections to the parks and the stories they hold. State Parks is inviting the public to share their memories and photos of the parks from before the fire as this will be a vital part of shaping what comes next. Personal stories help ground future planning in the lived experiences of those who know the park best.

This is the first step in a larger engagement process that will include additional opportunities to share experiences and contribute ideas for the future of the parks as we honor the past and plan for the future together. Future engagement will be announced and facilitated through the project website. To submit your memories, visit the website and click on the ‘Share Memories’ tab from the homepage.

What Was Lost

At Will Rogers SHP, flames destroyed the historic 31-room ranch house, horse stables, and other historic and non-historic park facilities, while damaging approximately 300 historic trees, fencing and miles of trails.

In the mid-1930s, Will Rogers was one of the most popular and highest-paid actors in Hollywood and “America’s most beloved citizen.” From his start in vaudeville theaters with a trick roping act, he rose to worldwide fame as a columnist, “cowboy philosopher,” aviation enthusiast, philanthropist, radio personality and movie star. During the 1920s, he bought land near Santa Monica where he developed a ranch. Eventually, Will Rogers owned about 359 acres in what is now known as Pacific Palisades, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At the time of his death in a plane crash in 1935, his ranch consisted of a 31-room ranch house with neighboring guest housing, a stable, corrals, golf course and riding trails. His widow, Betty, donated the ranch to State Parks in 1944 and it became a historic park. 

At Topanga SP, the Topanga Ranch Motel and all concessions were destroyed.The motel, located across from Topanga Beach, historically provided an inexpensive seaside holiday vacation retreat for families and was a popular film and television location.

What Was Saved 

As the fire progressed, State Parks staff acted with extraordinary courage, even putting their lives at risk to safeguard the public, equestrian operations and staff at Will Rogers SHP. They also evacuated over 150 priceless artifacts – including Will Rogers’ typewriter, artwork and family heirlooms. The historic gatehouse, foreman’s cottage (park offices) and polo field survived with minimal damage. 

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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.