Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe today presented to Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster $5 million in Proposition A funds to restore dozens of acres of historic wetlands, acquire land to be developed into greenspace linking existing parks, and develop other areas into park space.
My vision for the Los Angeles River is to make it an asset for all, so that anyone that comes in contact with the River and the neighborhoods around it benefit from the resources that we have invested right here, said Supervisor Knabe. With this $5 million contribution we will be making another important commitment to the Los Angeles River in the form of much-needed additional and improved green space throughout this part of Long Beach.
"Today is a big step in restoring our wetlands, preserving our natural open areas and developing community parks on the Westside of Long Beach," said Mayor Bob Foster.
The $5 million will be earmarked for the following four projects in Long Beach:
Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Land Acquisition ($1 million)
Land along the lower Los Angeles River will be acquired to begin to connect Chavez and Drake Parks to 16 acres of recently acquired land to form a 46-acre greenway and parkland area on the east bank of the Los Angeles River. This project will link downtown Long Beach with the LA River. This land will be developed into a greenway with: wetlands, trails, open space, and a wildlife habitat along a biologically significant and unique area of the Los Angeles River where salt water meets freshwater.
DeForest Wetlands Development
($2.5 million)
In the middle of an urban area and running along the Los Angles River next to the 710 Freeway, this project is part of a larger lower Los Angeles River parkway plan that will implement multipurpose wetlands in several Los Angeles County river flood detention basins. The project is a joint project among the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the City of Long Beach, the California Coastal Conservancy and the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. This development will include: the re-creation of 34 acres of historic wetlands, scrub and woodland habitat; providing water quality improvement; Passive recreational amenities; and retaining flood control properties to create a river parkway along the lower Los Angeles River.
Wrigley Greenbelt Development
($1 million)
Covering nearly eight acres of land, this development is located along the east bank of the lower Los Angeles River, between Willow and 34th Streets. The proposed project will enhance the site and complete the park with: native plants, a multipurpose trail, a drinking fountain, a storm water runoff swale, and a rest area with bike racks for bikers riding along the Los Angeles River bike trail.
Baker Mini-Park Development
($500,000)
This project will develop a 1.34-acre neighborhood mini-park in the Wrigley Heights area of Long Beach near the Los Angeles River and the 405 Freeway. The project consists of installation of: irrigation, playground equipment, turf and trees, and picnic tables.