Today the LA River is flowing river of water and greenery running over 50 miles long - from the suburbs of the San Fernando Valley to the ocean in Long Beach - the Los Angeles River flows through 14 cities and countless neighborhoods winding its way from East Los Angeles to the upper North end of the San Fernando Valley.
Decades following the first communities of the LA River, the first proactive steps were taken to preserve and enrich the communities along the river. In 1991 Mayor Tom Bradley created the first river revitalization task force. The task force master plan was approved for development of the 32 mile water greenway from Canoga Park through downtown LA to the city of Vernon. In 2011 President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, is announced calling on agencies to support innovative community efforts to provide safe, healthy and accessible outdoor spaces.
One agency that has continued to develop the idea that LA River is a vital community asset is FoLAR, Friends of the LA River. FoLAR was founded on the belief that education, collaboration and imagination can accomplish great things. The organization founded in 1986, whose mission is to protect and restore the natural and historic heritage of the Los Angeles River through community support and education.
FoLAR has helped build the community around the river by developing recreational and commuter bikeways, pedestrian paths and horse trails on the riverbanks; as well as places for canoeing and kayaking in the River and creating educational programs which bring students to celebrate and study the River.
EDUCATIONAL
This year marked the 10th annual community-based clean-ups and graffiti removal along the River. The river supporters have always been proponents of education and involving the youth and community along the river by creating educational programs which bring students to celebrate and study the LA River and to explain the importance of the River, its tributaries an its watershed.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
CAR CARAVAN: takes groups of adventurous explorers to the lovely and green Glendale Narrows section of the River, as well as the concrete canyon known for its role in movies and on TV. Meet at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens and form carpools. This year a new pilot program has started allowing canoeing in the LA River guided down the river by park rangers kayakers will be able to paddle down the river from the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin a three mile stretch.
THE FUTURE OF THE LA RIVER (PIGGYPACK YARD PROJECT)
The Piggyback Yard project is the future of the LA River, the project is driven by the belief that diverse groups can collaborate to realize and achieve the enhancement and betterment of the communities surrounding the LA River.
The plan calls for a multilevel transformation providing entertainment, recreation living creating the opportunity for communities and local residents to take part and be part of the nature and ecology that is the LA River.
For me the heart of Los Angeles lies along the LA River. As I step out my front door I see and hear the sights and sounds of Los Angeles, Chaves Ravine home to the LA Dodgers is to my right and as I walk along the river not far in the distance I can see and hear the hustle of cars moving down and around the freeway junctions leading to and through Downtown LA. I often think I must be luckiest guy around, to be walking along the river with my dog Cujo saying hello to all the walkers and runners from the neighborhood and other communities.The River gives a sense of peace and camaraderie to its neighbors and surrounding communities that have joined in the river offerings. With continued efforts by FoLAR and other supporters one day the river will stand out amongst the many attractions of Los Angeles, but for now it’s a little kept secret that should be seen and experienced by everyone living in or visiting Los Angeles.
