Cultivating The Park Stewards of the Future

Green space, park access, and trees

Central LA

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

Clockshop has been near the LA River for over 20 years. Local communities face constant flooding risk from 50-100 year storms, yet understanding the river as watershed and flood control infrastructure, or even as habitat, is elusive. Why is there water during dry season? Is the river dirty? What drains in and where does it go? Can we recycle the water?
Climate catastrophes are intensifying, and water management is a dire issue. These disasters most impact low-income communities of color in park-poor neighborhoods. We need a cultural shift regarding land and natural resources to advocate for green spaces, climate-resilience, bioswales and habitat restoration combating urban heat, drought, and pollution.
Clockshop is at an inflection point. The Bowtie Parcel, where we've programmed for 10 years, is becoming an innovative park with climate resilience measures. This opportunity expands our educational programming model—arts, sciences, and community engagement—coinciding with the new park.

Clockshop seeks support for WHAT WATER WANTS—community programming connecting culture, art, and science to increase public understanding of LA County's water systems through a new Northeast LA park. The Bowtie Wetland Demonstration, led by The Nature Conservancy and CA State Parks, is a 3.5-acre stormwater management and riparian wetland opening Spring 2026 along the LA River.
Programming will reach disadvantaged communities, exploring nature-based, climate justice solutions. Activities include youth and family programs about water, habitat, and climate science, grounded in an interpretive exhibition by artist Rosten Woo featuring permanent interactive sculpture encouraging "citizen science" plus AR components.
Alongside, we'll seed a Bowtie Community Steering Committee of local residents, youth, and tribal representatives—a long-term self-governing body guiding future park programs and operations. Our model invites artists and culture bearers to collaborate with scientists, water experts, and working-class immigrant communities on meaningful programs, shaping how communities understand this land's ecosystem role, participate in stewardship, reflect on water practices, and advocate for expanding such spaces citywide.
An engaged resident Steering Committee ensures programming continues long-term, remaining relevant to represented communities.

People want thriving, culturally relevant green spaces. Most LA parks, especially in immigrant working-class neighborhoods, result from community activism but face constant threat and disrepair due to budget crises. LA ranks 90th of 100 US cities for parks, yet successful parks have active "Friends Of" groups and multigenerational programming.
By stewarding programs addressing social and climate justice issues while seeding engaged residents (the Bowtie Steering Committee), we're creating a model integrating park programming with climate science and artistic vision, catalyzing new relationships to land and climate justice.
Urban public land is perfect for this work—third spaces facilitating social connection, belonging, and stewardship where government, community, and nature converge and thrive.
Clockshop's relationship with CA State Parks positions us to test, improve, and document this impact. We'll present findings at CALPA, Greater Greener Conference, and City Parks Alliance.