Fundraising Begins for Development of 100-Acre Park in Los Angeles

River LA has launched a capital campaign to develop the 100-acre Taylor Yard Park, featuring amenities like a welcome pavilion, wetlands, and a pedestrian bridge, with completion costs estimated at over $1 billion.

1 minute read

October 21, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Black and white photo of Taylor Yard site in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles River in the 1890s.

The Taylor Yard site next to the Los Angeles River in the 1890s. | The River Project / Taylor Yard

River LA, a nonprofit organization, has initiated a capital campaign to develop 100 acres of parkland at the former Taylor Yard site, making it the largest park to be created in Los Angeles since Griffith Park. Known as the 100 Acre Partnership, the project involves collaboration between the City of Los Angeles, the State Parks Department, and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. The park will feature a range of amenities, including the Paseo del Rio Greenway, a Welcome Pavilion, and a Pedestrian & Wildlife Bridge, with construction set to begin in 2025.

Key elements of the park include the Turntable, a gathering space created from the former rail yard’s turntable, and a River Overlook offering scenic views. Additionally, the project aims to develop a wetlands area on the 18-acre Bowtie Parcel. Fundraising efforts, led by River LA board chair Harry B. Chandler, are targeting foundations, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals to support these high-profile park features.

The transformation of Taylor Yard, once a Southern Pacific Railroad freight yard, has been a long-term project involving public open space and housing. The site’s G2 Parcel is considered the "crown jewel" of the L.A. River restoration efforts, but estimates suggest it may take over $1 billion to complete the park’s full development, underscoring the scale and ambition of this landmark project.

Friday, October 18, 2024 in Urbanize LA

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