DOWNEY — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn today announced nearly $10 million in grants going to expand, renovate, and acquire parks and open space in cities across the Fourth District, including $1 million to renovate Rio San Gabriel Park in Downey.

The grants were announced Wednesday by the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) as part of the special district’s ongoing implementation of Measure A. 

“This funding is huge for the communities I represent, and I am so grateful that of the $26 million awarded Countywide, nearly $10 million is going to expand and renovate the parks in my district,” said Hahn.  

“Our local parks are some of the most important places in our neighborhoods and I think we too often took them for granted before the pandemic. These grants are a way to make sure our cities have the funding they need to expand and improve local parks so we can ensure everyone has access to open space where they can play, exercise, and just enjoy the outdoors.”

install new playground and fitness zone equipment, repair sidewalks, create ADA compliant access, install new picnic shelters, install pedestrian and security lighting, create a bicycle station and rest area, install bike racks, and create an interpretive nature garden.

“This funding is huge for the communities I represent, and I am so grateful that of the $26 million awarded Countywide, nearly $10 million is going to expand and renovate the parks in my district,” said Hahn.

“Our local parks are some of the most important places in our neighborhoods and I think we too often took them for granted before the pandemic. These grants are a way to make sure our cities have the funding they need to expand and improve local parks so we can ensure everyone has access to open space where they can play, exercise, and just enjoy the outdoors.”

Mayor Blanca Pacheco and Councilmember Claudia Frometa accepted the grant during a ceremony Wednesday at the park.

“This is incredibly exciting for our city and our residents,” said Pacheco. “This grant will help fund much needed improvements at Rio San Gabriel Park and we look forward to getting this project underway.”

“Downey residents will benefit tremendously from this grant award, as we realize the park’s condition has been of concern to our residents for quite some time,” Frometa added. “I’m sure they share our excitement.”

Grants awarded in the Fourth District include:

• City of Maywood - Maywood Riverfront Park Renovation - $655,364

• City of Cudahy - Clara Expansion Park Renovation - $680,000

• City of Bell - Acquisition for 4773-4777 E Gage Ave l- $1,000,000

• City of Pico Rivera - City of Pico Rivera Land Acquisition - $1,000,000

• Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy - Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly Acquisition (Rancho Palos Verdes) - $1,000,000

• City of South Gate - Circle Park Renovation - $1,000,000

• South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation - Children & Family Garden (Rolling Hills Estates) -$1,000,000

• Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles - Rancho San Pedro Park Promenade City of LA (San Pedro/ Port of Los Angeles) - $700,000

• City of Bell Gardens - Marlow Park Renovation- $893,000

• City of Downey - Rio San Gabriel Park Renovations & Rehabilitation- $1,000,000

• City of Lakewood - Development of Carson Street Multiuse Nature Trail- $1,000,000

Los Angeles County voters passed the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure (Measure A) in 2016, with nearly 75% of voters approving the annual parcel tax.  The passage of Measure A confirmed Los Angeles County residents’ commitment to parks and open space and secured perpetual funding to address the park inequities identified by the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Park and Recreation Needs Assessment. 

Since the passage of Measure A, RPOSD has allocated $245 million in Measure A funds to cities and park development agencies to help fund new park space, create better access to existing parks, and improve park amenities.