The opening of a half-mile trail along the Los Angeles River, after a decade of funding and construction snags, marks the latest step in the city's effort to reclaim its forsaken river as a public resource.
reports on the opening of the $2.1 million first phase of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk project, which, in addition to the trail, includes horse facilities and park areas. The project is just a small part of what many hope will be a multi-billion dollar makeover of the river. Yet small steps like this may be essential to get residents and leaders on board with the ambitious idea that an oversized drainage ditch can be transformed into a recreational hub, ecological asset, and an engine for economic development.
"Along the trail, the sounds of the river mix with traffic whirring by along the 5 Freeway above. Interpretive signs and drought-resistant plants line the paved trail on both sides, yet graffiti remains under the overpass," observes Levine. "Despite the vandalism, the changes are a major upgrade, parkgoers said. Neighbors described the area before the new trail and park areas were installed as 'trash' and 'Godforsaken.' Now, they use words like 'beautiful' and 'magnificent.'"
"'From what it was, it's a huge improvement,' said Rachel Torres, a Glendale resident who was excited to walk her dog, Luke, near the river. When the third phase is complete, she envisioned taking the Great Dane/Shar-Pei mix over to Griffith Park."
"'It's really a battle to get on your bike in L.A.,' said Glendale resident Joan Hardie as she sat on her turquoise bicycle with a woven basket. 'It's nice to have a little oasis like this.'"
FULL STORY: First phase of Glendale Narrows Riverwalk opens
Designing Safe Passage for Steelhead Trout Through the L.A. River
The Southern California steelhead was added to the federal endangered species list in 1997. Today, planners are working to create a new home for the trout in the L.A. River.
A Bold Housing Vision for the L.A. River
An unsolicited proposal from the engineering firm reimagines a stretch along the L.A. River as a mixed-use mega-development, rich in housing and jobs.
Reality Check: The Los Angeles River Can Still Flood
Sometimes it seems like it will never rain again in Los Angeles, but the river running through the city is still a significant flood risk.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands
USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.
Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA
Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.
New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead
The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions