Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took significant steps toward realizing Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ long-held vision of transforming the former Puente Hills Landfill into a vibrant regional park. The Board’s approval of critical actions, including the certification of an updated environmental report, authorization to begin Phase 1A construction, and securing additional funding, sets the stage for the creation of the Puente Hills Landfill Park – a much-needed green space for the San Gabriel Valley.

This action builds on years of advocacy by Chair Pro Tem Solis, whose unwavering commitment to restoring the landfill site dates back to her time as a State Assemblymember. As part of her ongoing efforts to address the lack of green spaces and access to clean air in the region, Solis authored legislation in 1994 that would require the landfill to be converted into a public park. The approval of the Puente Hills Landfill Park Master Plan in 2016 was a pivotal moment in the project, made possible through a partnership between Solis, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts.

“I grew up in unincorporated La Puente, not far from the Puente Hills Landfill, and I can still remember the garbage trucks that passed through our streets, leaving a stench in the air,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “I made it my mission to close the landfill and one day restore this degraded land to something that would benefit our community. Today, we are one step closer to fulfilling that vision and providing a space for recreation, education, and environmental stewardship.”

The Board’s approval today includes a $105 million budget for Phase 1A construction. This initial phase will focus on essential infrastructure, such as an entry plaza, visitor center, and recreational spaces. Once completed, the park will offer 142 acres of parkland – Los Angeles County’s first new regional park in over 35 years.

The long-term vision for the Puente Hills Landfill Park includes the development of multiple phases over the next three decades. Phase 1A, set to break ground in April 2025, will lay the groundwork with foundational amenities, such as trails, bike areas, and the visitor center, with future phases expanding the park to include additional green spaces and educational opportunities. Phases 1B and 1C will further enrich the park with more trails, interactive educational spaces, and enhanced recreational facilities. Throughout this process, environmental restoration, sustainability, and inclusivity will be prioritized to ensure the park serves the community’s diverse needs.

“The Puente Hills Landfill Park is a testament to the power of community-driven transformation,” added Chair Pro Tem Solis. “It represents environmental justice – creating a space where families can reconnect with nature, students can learn about the environment, and all Angelenos can enjoy clean air and open space. This park will become a lasting legacy for future generations, and it’s a privilege to see it move closer to reality.”

Upon completion, the park will serve as a major community hub, offering a wide range of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities. It will address the long-standing need for parks in the San Gabriel Valley, where access to green spaces has historically been limited. Beyond providing a place for physical activity and leisure, the park will also play a crucial role in promoting environmental education and community engagement, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among its visitors.

The Puente Hills Landfill Park is poised to become a model for environmental revitalization, showcasing how former industrial sites can be transformed into thriving public spaces that benefit both the community and the environment. Chair Pro Tem Solis’ leadership remains central to the project’s success, ensuring that the park will not only provide essential green space but also offer the community an opportunity to heal from the environmental challenges that have long impacted the area.