LA City Councilmember Curren Price, President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners Cynthia McClain-Hill, Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) General Manager Mike Shull and members of the community joined together on March 26 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the future Sen. Bill Greene Memorial Park on the corner of Figueroa Street and Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.
The newest park in District 9 will have walking trails, an outdoor amphitheatre, outdoor fitness equipment, drought-tolerant landscaping and trees, and will feature a mural and various art installation projects. Since 2013, Councilmember Price has delivered more than $60 million in improvements across every park and recreation center in the District. In addition, under his leadership, six new parks have opened with four more on the way.
"It is important to me that our families have clean streets, beautiful parks and green space," said Councilmember Price. "That's why I'm thrilled that this year alone, we will be breaking ground on three new parks. Sen. Bill Greene Memorial Park will have something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy!"
Under a Memorandum of Understanding between LADWP and Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, in consultation with Council District 9, the approximately 20,000 square-foot vacant lot will be transformed to provide new recreational opportunities for youth and families.
“With this partnership we are bringing much-needed green space to the heart of Los Angeles,” added McClain-Hill. “This park rightly honors the legacy and service of the late Sen. Bill Greene who fought for civil rights, and will provide an important community benefit to nearby residents that can be enjoyed for years to come.”
For decades Bill Greene served as Democratic member of the California State Assembly and the California State Senate representing South Los Angeles. His role as a labor union advocate and a civil rights Freedom Rider propelled him into a political career. Greene was best known for his work authoring legislation, which transformed the welfare system within the State of California that became a model for the nationwide Congressional welfare-to-work program.
“The Department of Recreation and Parks is thrilled to be partnering with LADWP and Councilmember Price on this new park project,” Shull said. ”This opportunity is part of our goal and commitment to increasing walkable park access in communities with the greatest need. We look forward to celebrating the opening of Sen. Bill Greene Memorial Park soon."
Construction of the park is estimated to be completed in late 2022, early 2023.