LA River: Marsh Park Phase 2 Now Open

Photo: Diane Edwardson, August 16, 2014.  The latest addition to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy's Marsh Park features a spectacular gate to the river & some imposing signage forbidding, among other things, martinis in the river channel (defined as, I believe. 6' from the water line).  (Click on photos to enlarge.)

The 3-acre parcel now open also features exercise equipment in a fitness trail, grassy areas, bioswales, native plantings, bathrooms a river rock seating area near the river & an open Spanish revival style patio area (reminiscent of the River Center at the old Lawry's California Center) for rent for special events. 

Photo: Diane Edwardson, August 16, 2014. In front of a crowd of several hundred community members & children, a host of politicians and other officials talked for far too long before cutting the ribbon & opening the new park gates to the LA River.  Among those cutting the ribbon included FoLAR Founder Lewis MacAdams,  former City Councilmember Ed Reyes (CD1), City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell (CD13), Mayor Eric Garcetti, State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin DeLeon (SD22), Board of Public Works Barbara Romero, City Councilmember Tom LaBonge (CD4), Executive Director of Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Joe Edmiston, and LAUSD Boardmember Bennett Kayser.  From all the media & folks taking cell phone photos, you would think movie stars were present. People here just really want parks & trees.

It was a festive occasion with live music, an endless supply of food (for those who waited through the speeches), & educational demos on how biofiltration works around the park.