LOS ANGELES – Chair Hilda L. Solis released the following statement after the Board of Supervisors approved her motion to establish capital project, County funding, and Proposition A Funding for the MacLaren Community Park Project:

“A community vision to transform MacLaren Hall into a greenspace where residents can engage in recreational, educational, cultural and social activities for all ages to enjoy is finally underway with the Board’s approval today to allocate $13.56 million to the MacLaren Community Park Project.

This is our opportunity to take a space with a dark history and convert it into a space of hope, healing and community engagement.

The proposed park project would include family-friendly amenities such as a: a soccer field, basketball court, tennis court, walking path, fitness areas, restrooms, picnic areas, shade structures, outdoor classroom/performance space, children’s play areas, and more.

As Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this investment in the City of El Monte is part of my commitment to bringing greater access to green spaces that provide opportunities to enhance the health of under-resourced communities.”

The motion directs that the proposed actions are not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because they are activities that are excluded from the definition of a project by section 21065 of the California Public Resources Code and Section 15378 (b)(4) and (5) of the State CEQA Guidelines; Establishes the proposed MacLaren Community Park Project, Capital Project No. 69953; Authorizes the Director of Public Works or his designee to proceed with the preparation of technical studies and design and construction documents including engaging as-needed consultants previously approved by the Board and soliciting design-build proposals; Adopts the attached Resolution authorizing the County, through its Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), or her designee, to submit grant applications and execute grant agreements with the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for Proposition A Excess Funds and Competitive Funds, available to the First Supervisorial District, pursuant to the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition of 1996, in the combined amount of $3,560,000 to fund the proposed project if approved by the Board in the future; Adopt the attached Youth Employment Plan as required by the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, among other directives.

To view the full motion, click here.

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CONTACT:

Stephany Villaseñor, Communications Director, (213) 308-9017 or SVillasenor@bos.lacounty.gov