LOS ANGELES — Today, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, alongside the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Bureau of Engineering, State partners, and community leaders, celebrated the $11 million transformation of Rio de Los Angeles State Park. The grand reopening welcomed neighbors with free food, family activities, a resource fair, and a youth soccer clinic.
The 16-month project, launched last spring, delivers major upgrades: three newly renovated soccer fields, a new public restroom, upgraded lighting, refreshed landscaping with shaded picnic areas, and a walking path encircling the park. This investment provides families with a safer, more welcoming space to gather, play, and thrive.
“Our $11 million investment in Rio de Los Angeles State Park gives working-class, immigrant families in Northeast Los Angeles the safe, beautiful green space they’ve always deserved,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “Study after study shows that when neighborhoods have green space, violence goes down, health outcomes improve, and neighborhoods become safer and stronger. Parks like this aren’t luxuries — they are essential infrastructure, and they are the foundation of a safer, healthier, more thriving NELA.”
“This collaborative project marks a momentous occasion in our community as we proudly unveil the vast upgrades and renovations at Rio de Los Angeles State Park,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks. “Projects like this reaffirm our collective commitment to providing Angelenos with beautiful open green spaces and safe areas for families to come together to enjoy sports and recreation activities.”
"More than six years ago, the Bureau of Engineering held community focus groups to discuss the restoration of Taylor Yard, the City's 42 acre future park and open space along the LA River," said Interim City Engineer Alfred Mata. "We also heard in those discussions concerns about access to and the condition of soccer fields in the area. The Bureau of Engineering worked with our partners at the City, local organizations and at the State to bring together the funds, and today we are delivering improved fields and related amenities. Thank you to the many community members that worked as our partners. It is because of you that these amazing fields are being handed back to the community."
This multi-million dollar renovation was led by the Bureau of Engineering with Recreation and Parks and California State Parks. Funding included $6.25 million in state grants, $1 million from the City of Los Angeles, and $3.7 million in federal contributions. Together, these resources delivered the safe, vibrant, and accessible park the community has long deserved.
"Today we celebrate more than new soccer fields - we celebrate opportunity and investment right here in Glassell Park,” said State Senator Maria Elena Durazo. “I was proud to help secure $6.2 million in state funding to make these improvements a reality. These fields will serve thousands of young people and families along the Los Angeles River corridor for generations to come. This project shows what's possible when we prioritize our communities and work together toward a shared vision of accessible green space for all."
“This $11 million investment in Rio de Los Angeles State Park is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local, state, and federal governments come together to serve the community,” said Assemblymember Jessica Caloza. “From the renovation of three soccer fields to upgraded lighting, walking paths, and landscaping, these improvements demonstrate how funding projects like this is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people and improving the quality of life for all of our families. I feel so proud to celebrate this milestone with our neighbors and look forward to seeing this open space be used by our AD-52 community for many more years to come.”
“The Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) is proud to support the Rio de Los Angeles Park project, which will provide lasting benefits for families for generations to come," said Abigail R. Marquez, General Manager of CIFD. "Now more than ever, it’s essential to invest in public spaces where our communities feel safe, welcomed, and connected. With upgraded soccer fields, improved lighting, and new areas for recreation, Rio de Los Angeles Park will offer Angelenos the high-quality amenities they deserve—the very best we have to offer.”
This revitalization is part of a larger 100-acre effort along the Los Angeles River to transform the former Taylor Yard rail site into restored habitat and public space. The 100 Acre Partnership at Taylor Yard — made up of local agencies, and City and State partners — together with the Los Angeles Regional Open Space and Affordable Housing (LA ROSAH) Collaborative, released the first Community Taylor Yard Equity Strategy (Community TYES) Progress Report, outlining 20 equity-focused opportunities shaped by community input, from housing stability to workforce development.
“The newly released Community TYES Progress Report acts as a launchpad, identifying priorities like housing and jobs,” said Christine Jerian, Community TYES Program Director. “Over the next year, TYES will move from listening to action, partnering with the community to confront green gentrification and ensure the entire project creates opportunity for every resident.”
Today’s grand reopening builds on Council District 1’s ongoing efforts to protect and expand green space across Northeast Los Angeles, reinforcing the role of parks as essential community infrastructure.
CLICK HERE for photos and b-roll of today’s event.