News of the Arroyo


Title:

L.A. River To Become Revitalized With 40-Acre Park

Subtitle:

Date:

2006-04-20

Summary:

April 20, 2006 - Plans for the Rio de Los Angeles State Park are unveiled along with new proposed legislation from Senator Boxer to cleanup and restore the river.

Author:

Staff

Publication:

KNBC TV

Content:

LOS ANGELES -- Plans for a 40-acre park along the Los Angeles River were unveiled Thursday as the first phase of a large-scale effort to revitalize the 32-mile concrete-lined waterway.

The Rio de Los Angeles State Park will cost an estimated $17.5 million and is expected to be completed by March 2007. The park will feature several tennis and basketball courts; outdoor fields for baseball and soccer; an outdoor amphitheater; and a natural wildlife habitat.

\"This will be one of the large, large gems in the emerald necklace that we hope to create along the Los Angeles River,\" said Ruth Coleman, director of state parks.

The city\'s revitalization plan envisions restoring most of the river to a more natural state and adding park space and development along the banks over 20 to 30 years.

Also Thursday, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., announced she will introduce a bill that would require the Army Corps of Engineers to work with the city to develop a plan to remove graffiti along the concrete banks and restore wetlands, natural habitat and water flow.

Boxer\'s proposed bill would also require recreational opportunities be provided and improved flood control projects.

\"I think we\'re going to use everything we can use to bring attention to this project,\" Boxer said. \"It\'s a project that just focuses us on our future, on hope for our children and our families.\"

On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal by a coalition of 21 cities that challenged a trash reduction program for the Los Angeles River.

The program requires the cities, Los Angeles County and others to reduce trash through enhanced street sweeping, litter law enforcement, nets at the end of storm drains, and trash capture devices.

\"This decision reaffirms the water boards\' ability to require programs that actually improve water quality,\" State Water Board Chair Tam Doduc said. \"The results will be cleaner streams, rivers, and beaches.\"

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