PLAYConnecting community through an urban forest
The Glassell Park Improvement Association (GPIA) aims to transform five medians along Eagle Rock Boulevard into a vibrant urban forest. This project will improve public health, air quality, and traffic safety while fostering neighborhood pride and identity. It has strong support from local residents, city officials, and nearby businesses.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Green space, park access, and trees
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Glassell Park is split by a freeway and its parallel artery, Eagle Rock Boulevard—formerly a Yellow Car transit route. When the tracks were removed, the space was replaced by medians of inconsistent design and upkeep. This project seeks to restore coherence and purpose to these neglected spaces, enhancing community cohesion through a unified urban forest.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
The GPIA has applied to adopt five of the 13 medians along Eagle Rock Boulevard to create an urban forest. However, the application is on hold pending proof of funding to repair or replace outdated irrigation systems. This grant will be used to meet that requirement, enabling city approval and allowing the project to proceed with tree and native plant installation. Once the first five medians are in progress, we will apply the rest of the medians until all are forested.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
This initiative could serve as a replicable model for other LA County communities looking to revitalize underutilized infrastructure. By restoring five of the thirteen medians initially and expanding over time, the project will enhance environmental quality, community well-being, and urban resilience.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 123,000
Indirect Impact: 123,000