Puente Hills Landfill Redevelopment Plan Wins Award for Transformative, Climate-Responsive Design

The Puente Hills Landfill Park Implementation Plan has been awarded the 2024 Global Impact Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). Designed by Studio-MLA in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the project will regenerate and transform what was once the second-largest landfill in the U.S. into a 142-acre public park. The proposed park addresses critical climate challenges like extreme heat and drought, incorporating features such as multi-use trails, nature play areas, and spaces for education and recreation, while enhancing biodiversity and community well-being.

This award is part of the annual ASLA Professional Awards, recognizing excellence in landscape architecture that demonstrates scalable solutions to climate impacts. The Implementation Plan builds upon the original 2016 Park Master Plan developed by the firm Withers and Sandgren with DPR, community members, and other stakeholders. The proposed park exemplifies how sustainable design can repurpose a post-industrial landscape into vibrant public areas that mitigate environmental challenges, conserve water, and reduce local temperatures.

A key aspect of the project’s success was its community-centered approach, with local residents and stakeholders deeply involved in shaping the design. The project also engaged 50 young people through the Youth at Work program, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the design of the park. This collaborative process ensured that the park reflects the community's needs and values, while offering a hopeful example of how landscape architecture can address both environmental and social challenges.