Help Shape the Future of Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park at Upcoming Public Workshops
Contact:
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
Photos of Will Rogers State Historic Park (top row) and Topanga State Park.
What you need to know: California State Parks will host an in-person workshop in Santa Monica on Nov. 17 and a virtual workshop on Nov. 18 to gather community input on the long-term post-fire recovery of the two beloved Los Angeles - area state parks.
SA NTA MONICA – California State Parks invites the public to participate in two upcoming workshops to help guide the long-term recovery of Topanga State Park (SP) and Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP). The workshops are part of a formal public engagement process launched to gather community input on the future of the two state parks following the devastating Palisades Fire in January 2025. Community members are encouraged to attend either the in-person workshop in Santa Monica on Nov. 17 or the virtual workshop on Nov. 18.
“As we work to recover from the Palisades Fire, we have an opportunity to honor what makes these parks special while planning for a resilient future,” said California State Parks Angeles District Superintendent Richard Fink II . “ We’d love for all those who know and care for these parks to be part of that conversation. Whether you visit here for the hiking trails, the horse riding, the nature or the history, your voice matters. Come join us at the public workshops and help shape what comes next for these two state parks.”
Here are details about the workshops:
In-Person Workshop
When : Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where : Roosevelt Elementary School, 801 Montana Ave . , Santa Monica, CA 90403
Link : Register via Eventbrite
Virtual Workshop
When : Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where : Online via Zoom
Link : Link to join workshop will be posted on myinput.com/ topanga -will-rogers
Both workshops will cover the same information and offer opportunities for participants to learn about the recovery planning process, ask questions and share their ideas and priorities. For more information on the workshops, visit myinput.com/ topanga -will-rogers .
California State Parks supports equal access. Spanish interpretation will be provided at both workshops. The venue is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp at the front entrance. To request other accommodations, such as American Sign Language interpretation or materials in an alternate format, please contact Mike Lydon at Mike.Lydon@parks.ca.gov or 424-545-0984 by Tuesday, Nov. 10. Requests received after that date will be accommodated when possible.
Fire Impact and the Path Forward
The Palisades Fire in January 2025 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.
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. At Topanga SP, the T opanga Ranc h Motel and all Lower Topanga businesses were destroyed. 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.
Now, as California State Parks continue s its repair and restoration work , a broader, multi-phase recovery planning process is underway to guide the parks’ long-term future. The process will establish guiding principles and priorities that will shape future, more detailed planning efforts and aim to rebuild thoughtfully with long-term resilience in mind.
How You Can Stay Involved
Visit the recovery planning website at myinput.com/ topanga -will-rogers to learn more about the planning process, get the latest updates and find additional ways to get involved . You can also sign up for project email updates and share their memories and photos of the parks from before the fire.
Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov
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.