Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy Among Park Projects to Receive Funds From $17 Million Grant to Increase Green Space

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County officials Tuesday announced 13 recipients of Measure A competitive grants totaling $17 million to support the purchase of new parkland across the region.

Among the recipients is the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy, for Altadena.

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) hosted a news conference and an event downtown to celebrate the grant recipients, emphasizing the funding’s role in expanding green space, protecting natural habitats and enhancing climate resiliency.

“Whether it’s for hundreds of acres of open space or small neighborhood parks, investments by the Regional Park and Open Space District directly serve residents in every part of the county,” L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a statement.

The grants will fund the creation of more than 623 acres of new parkland, with more than 50% of funding directed toward communities with high park needs to promote equitable access to open space.

The cities of Los Angeles, Baldwin Park, Palmdale and the county Department of Parks and Recreation each received $2 million in funding.

Carson, Santa Clarita, the Mountains Restoration Trust for Malibu, the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy for Altadena and Coyotl/Macheduallli for Elephant Hill each received more than $1 million in funding.

The cities of Artesia and Covina, along with North East Trees and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust for South L.A., each received less than $1 million in funding.

County officials also announced they will release a special funding opportunity to support fire recovery and climate resiliency efforts to support fire recovery.

Park grants come from Measure A, a 2016 voter-approved parcel tax of 1.5 cents per square foot that generates revenue specifically for parks, open spaces, beaches and waterways.

RPOSD is a special district of L.A. County that collects property tax revenue and grants it to cities, nonprofits and other agencies to support parks, open spaces and recreational programs.

“We are changing live with this $17 million investment,” said Norma García-González, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as the RPOSD.

Additional competitive funding opportunities are planned for later this year to address climate risks and expand open space preservation efforts, according to RPOSD.

Supervisor Hilda Solis hailed the grant funding, which has previously supported projects such as the SGV Aquatic Center, Puente Hills Landfill Regional Park and the transformation of MacLaren hall into a public park.

“With this funding, we are investing in the well-being of communities, especially those that have disproportionately faced limited access to green spaces, higher pollution levels, and, as a result, health disparities,” Supervisor Holly Mitchell added.

In the aftermath of the January wildfires, the county is working to restore green spaces. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath noted that after losing beloved parks and trails to disasters, this funding is a “crucial step” to rebuild and strengthen communities.

Supervisor Janice Hahn added “few things have the power to transform a community and make life better like a local park.”