Recreational activities in Elysian Valley segment of LA River ends Labor Day

For the first time since the 1930s when the L.A. River was lined with concrete to prevent flooding, a segment of the water and riverbank opened this summer for free fishing, kayaking and hiking.

The pilot project began on Memorial Day and ends at 5 p.m. on Labor Day.

Kayakers have been putting their boats in the water at the river entry point at Rattlesnake Park— near Fletcher Drive — and paddling south two-and-a-half miles to an exit point near Interstate 5.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, working with city and county agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers, administered the free access as part of a river revitalization project.

Although that portion of the river closes to boaters and hikers after Labor Day, other shoreline improvements on the Los Angeles River Greenway remain open year round, including a string of small parks connected by a scenic bike path and walkway.