An effort to transform a former landfill into Los Angeles County’s first regional park in decades is getting a boost from a $12.5 million state grant.
Funds approved by the Wildlife Conservation Commission late last month will be allocated to the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department to begin construction of the 142-acre Puente Hills Regional Park next year.
The park is nestled in the hills near Rose Hills and is surrounded by unincorporated Hacienda Heights and Whittier, the City of Industry, and South El Monte. El Monte), with street access via Workman Mill Road and North Drive.
Jennifer Norris, executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Commission, a small agency within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the funds are earmarked for restoring 40 acres of native grassland, coastal sage scrub and chaparral.
“Several members of our board are from the Los Angeles area, which brings personal satisfaction to them and all of us,” Norris said. “We are excited to see this project develop.”
The funding is the largest the board has provided in a series of grants in May. The state commission ultimately provided funding to 43 habitat conservation and restoration projects in 23 counties.
Announcement June 22 national budget Allow the board to release funds.
“Punt Hills Regional Park is the culmination of a decades-long vision to transform the former landfill and its 150 million tons of waste into a public space, natural and wildlife habitat, and a place of healing, restoration and regeneration.” Los Angeles County Parks with Entertainment Director Norma E. Garcia-Gonzalez, said in a statement.
The park site was once home to the Puente Hills Landfill, which operated from 1957 until its closure on October 31, 2013. 130 million tons.
The landfill once handled one-third of the county’s trash.
The waste is now covered under a protective clay cover at the landfill to prevent rainwater from mixing with the debris. There is also a pipeline system that removes gas, primarily methane, from the waste and stores it for eventual sale to Southern California Gas.
As for the construction itself, Parks Department officials confirmed they are still on track to break ground in the summer of 2025.
According to Parks and Recreation officials, the park’s first phase of construction will include the entrance, an adjacent parklet and picnic area, an environmental justice center, parking lots and operating yards. Officials said the work should be completed by fall 2026.
Once funding and permits are secured, additional work will begin around the site, including park loops, walking trails, cycling skills, landscaping and other park facilities.
Park officials confirmed they have raised $135 million so far.
Norris said wildlife officers visited Punt Mountain several times and came away impressed with the program.
“It really checks off a few priorities for us,” Norris said. “This project restores habitat and is part of a larger vision to provide recreation and wildlife habitat while also hosting biodiversity. It’s a winner.
