GROUNDBREAKING HELD TODAY FOR NEW 5.35 ACRE PARK IN SOUTH LA
Built on LADWP Property, Jacaranda Park Will Provide Open Green Space and Recreational Opportunities
LOS ANGELES (February 16, 2017) — The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks along with Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson (CD 8), Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) broke ground on Jacaranda Park in South Los Angeles today.
“I am excited by the future opening of Jacaranda Park,” said Councilmember Harris-Dawson. “Residents of South LA deserve the highest quality parks and open space, which are critical to the health and well-being of our communities. Jacaranda Park is only the first of many to come as we build the South LA we deserve.”
Located on the corner of Avalon and 98th Street, the LADWP owned vacant lot is being transformed into a public park. The 5.35 acre parcel will provide new recreational opportunities for approximately 12,321 youth and families in a community that lacks green space.
“Making this underutilized property available for development as a park to bolster South LA’s drought tolerant green space was a natural fit,” LADWP General Manager David H. Wright said. “We look forward to coming back soon and joining Councilmember Harris-Dawson, LA Neighborhood Land Trust and LA Recreation & Parks to celebrate the opening of Jacaranda Park.”
In partnership with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, $4.9 million in grant funding was secured from Proposition 84 Statewide Park Program for construction of the new park. This grant program provides awards to projects that demonstrate the creation of new park and recreation facilities in proximity to the most critically underserved communities throughout California. The development plan for the park includes the construction of open space areas, children’s playgrounds, a picnic area, a family game table area, basketball half-courts, multi-use open spaces and turf areas, walking/jogging trails with outdoor fitness stations, perimeter fencing and gates, and California-friendly landscaping.
“The Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust is excited to break ground on Jacaranda Park in South LA. The Land Trust is thrilled to add over 5 acres of green space to a city where currently 2 out of 3 people do not have access to a safe park within walking distance,” said Carl Cade, Chair of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust Board of Directors. “We are honored to work with Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Department of Water and Power, Department of Recreation and Parks, and with the community that helped envision this green space. All played a role in making this important resource a reality for all to enjoy.”
Jacaranda Park is part of the Department of Recreation and Parks’ 50 Parks Initiative program designed to address park disparity across the City.
“The Department of Recreation and Parks is thrilled to work closely with our partner agencies to continue working towards increasing access to open green spaces in South Los Angeles,” said Michael Shull, General Manager, Department of Recreation and Parks. “The youth and families in this community will benefit immensely from having a new playground, walking trails, and fitness equipment that will enhance their quality of life and offer recreational activities as an alternative to negative influences.”
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