South Los Angeles Wetlands Park Breaks Ground

It's been a long five year process--sometimes nasty--but yesterday marked the beginning steps in transforming a former blighted Metro bus yard into the South Los Angeles Wetlands Park, located on Avalon Blvd north of Slauson.

Expected to be completed by 2011, the first phase of the wetland park will feature the passive park elements followed a rail museum and community meeting space in phase two. The space will also act as an outdoor classroom.

"The Ninth District represents a mere 14-square miles of the City yet houses over 250,000 people," said Councilwoman Jan Perry at yesterday's groundbreaking. "It is one of the most densely populated communities in Los Angeles and the need for green, recreational space is present and immediate. Parcels of land this size is rare and expensive to acquire; this is a unique opportunity to bring a one-of-kind nature center to the heart of the Ninth District."

Curbed LA has renderings of the park and View from a Loft has more photos from yesterday's event.