Puente Hills Regional Park Development Gets $15M Boost

Los Angeles County's Puente Hills Regional Park project has received a $15 million federal grant. The funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, part of a larger $254.68 million initiative supporting parks across 24 states. This project, which involves the transformation of what was formerly the second-largest landfill in the country into a regional park, will provide much-needed space for recreation and respite for numerous park-poor communities, advancing environmental justice and sustainability.

Plans for the park include a range of features, such as a panoramic overlook, trails, an amphitheater, and a children’s nature play area, creating a "community core" in the Western Deck. Additionally, the Eastern and Western Horn areas will be developed to include ceremonial spaces, gardens, meadows, and walkways honoring indigenous and early inhabitants. The park is set to enhance biodiversity and provide a sanctuary for wildlife, while offering residents a vibrant space to connect with nature.

The restoration and regeneration of the former landfill is also designed to protect biodiversity, restore wildlife habitats, and address the impacts of climate change. By providing both recreational space and multiple benefits, the Puente Hills Regional Park will be a valuable asset to community members for generations to come.