SMALL PROJECT BIG IMPACT
CUDAHY RIVER PARK Cudahy River Park serves as a model for open space development along the lower portion of the Los Angeles River in southeastern Los Angeles County. The project illustrates how a small-scale and relatively low cost park can revitalize the LA River, address local needs for open space, and improve storm water management and water quality. Figure 3 – 8: Cudahy River Park provides the community with open space, serves as a rest area along the LA River bike path, and improves local water quality. (Picture taken when park opened.)
The City of Cudahy has a land area of only 1.226 square miles, but it has one of the highest population densities of any incorporated city in the U.S. The majority of the residents are first-generation Latino immigrants and nearly 30% of the population lives below the poverty line. This park-poor, underserved community is adjacent to the LA River, making it a prime location for revitalization. In 2006, the nonprofit organization North East Trees and the City of Cudahy partnered to do just that. They transformed a narrow, vacant corner lot along the east bank of the LA River into a small pocket park with open green space, a nature trail, native vegetation, decorative gates, shaded seating, storm water management features, and improved access to the river and bike path. Figure 3 – 9: The entrance to Cudahy River Park today (now with denser tree coverage).
Credit: North East Trees
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CHAPTER 3: PARKS
Credit: Henry McCann