LOS ANGELES — Today, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Bureau of Engineering, community members, and stakeholders gathered at Rio de Los Angeles State Park to celebrate the beginning of a $9 million renovation project.
The revitalization effort will include the renovation of three existing soccer fields at the south end of the Rio de Los Angeles State Park to include two synthetic turf soccer fields, one natural turf soccer field, and new field lighting. The project will also replace the existing restroom, provide new and renovated walking paths, renovate the existing south-end parking lot, renovate the existing picnic area, provide new shade structures, add new landscaping and trees, and install new lighting. The modifications will extend park usability into the evening hours and improve accessibility by providing more areas for teams and the community to spend time in the park.
“We are fortunate to have beautiful parks like Rio de Los Angeles State Park in Council District 1, especially in such a densely populated city with limited access to green spaces,” said Councilmember Hernandez. “Projects like this are vital to creating healthy, safe, and connected communities, and I am grateful for the partnership of the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Bureau of Engineering for their work to begin this transformative effort.”
“This project marks a transformative moment for our community as we break ground on the amazing renovations of the Rio de Los Angeles State Park,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager, City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department. “This project not only reflects our commitment as a department to provide exceptional recreational spaces for Angelenos to use daily, but it also honors our dedication to preserving and enhancing natural landscapes throughout our parks for future generations in our community to come together and enjoy.”
“The Bureau of Engineering began speaking with the local community about the need for these changes several years ago,” said Chief Deputy City Engineer Deborah Weintraub. “We are thrilled to break ground on this exciting and long-awaited project and to deliver this important community improvement that will support children and families for years to come.”
“The renovation of the sports fields at Río de Los Angeles State Park is a crucial piece of the vision for a 100-acre park that serves the whole community,” said Raúl Macías, a local community member. “Our kids need safe places to play and exercise, as well as access to nature and the river. This shows that working together, with support from our elected leaders, we can have it all.”
The renovation is being led by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and in coordination with the California Department of Parks and Recreation State Parks. The project is being funded by $6.2 million in state grants and $3.4 million from the City of Los Angeles. Construction is anticipated to take approximately a year to complete.
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