More industry or parks along the L.A. River?

Pivotal Decision for Rio de Los Angeles State Park Nears

by Justin Cram

http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/landofsunshine/la-river/contending-the-future-of-the-rio-de-los-angeles-state-park.html
on December 30, 2011 1:27 PM

The long term vision for Rio de Los Angeles State Park hangs in the balance as a key decision by a real estate developer comes to a head this New Year's Eve.

Formerly known as Taylor Yards, a freight-switching facility from the 1920s until 1985, the nearly 200-acre property has been highly sought after by public space and environmental advocates for revitalization due to its proximity to the Los Angeles River. 40 acres were acquired by the city (see map label D below), establishing a multi-functional park in 2007 providing soccer, baseball, and softball fields, as well as a walking loop. The park serves the Cypress Park and Glassell Park communities and is a primary example of the collaborative efforts of organizations to revitalize the Los Angeles River.





Map of the land parcels in the area formerly known as Taylor Yards

Trammell Crow Company, a Texas-based real estate developer, has the option until December 31st to purchase a 44-acre parcel (see map label G-2) of river front property that could link the state park directly to the Los Angeles River. Many of the original advocacy groups--The City Project, Friends of the Los Angeles River, and The River Project--involved with securing the first 40 acres of the property have joined together in urging the company to drop its purchase option and are urging the public to help by signing their online petition.