Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Runyon Canyon Park Scores An Additional 15 Acres Of Green Space
Our photo of the week is a shot from Runyon Canyon with a gorgeous view of the city. Check it out as our cover photo this week on the LAist Facebook page. (Photo by Miguel Cruz Images via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Lace up your jogging shoes and ready your Instagram filters because L.A.'s favorite hiking spot has sealed the deal on a nearly 15-acre expansion. On Tuesday, officials announced that the acquisition of a 14.9 acre property adjacent to Runyon Canyon Park had been finalizing, meaning the parcel will be permanently protected from development and preserved as open space.
The acquisition, which included privately-owned property at the northwestern edge of the park, was spearheaded by Councilmember David Ryu, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), the Trust for Public Land (TPL), and the Department of Recreation and Parks. The park expansion was "something that people have been working towards for a long time," as Estevan Montemayor, a spokesman for the councilman, told LAist in December.
The Department of Recreation and Parks partnered with the Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit group that facilitates and funds the creation of parks and protected lands, to secure the funding needed to acquire the land, according to a statement from Councilman Ryu's office.
The city (via its Department of Rec and Parks) owns and manages most of Runyon Canyon Park, but the MRCA oversees the park’s open green space, according to CBS 2.
“Runyon Canyon is a beloved regional park that serves as a significant recreational resource for the people of Los Angeles. This purchase will expand our City’s open and green spaces, protect our natural habitats, and create healthier communities for all," Councilman Ryu said.
“Expanding Runyon Canyon is a victory for the millions of Angelenos who regularly visit this park to get outdoors,” Tori Kjer, Los Angeles program director of the Trust for Public Land, said in a statement. “This trail and knoll are one of the most popular spots in Runyon Canyon, and this is a perfect example of the value of investing in natural outdoors spaces for our densest urban communities.”
Related:
City Looks To Expand Runyon Canyon Park With Acquisition Of Neighboring Property
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
