Altadena Rises: $60 Million Boost for Park Restoration
After the devastating Eaton Fire, Altadena is seeing significant progress in its recovery efforts, particularly with the restoration of its beloved parks. A remarkable $60 million has been secured through a blend of public and private funding, signaling a powerful community-wide commitment to rebuild these vital green spaces that serve as the heart of the town. These efforts are not just about bricks and mortar but about revitalizing the spirit of a community that saw 17,000 residents displaced.
Rebuilding a Community After the Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire, which tore through Altadena on January 7-8, left a scar across the unincorporated town at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Beyond the homes and neighborhoods, the fire decimated many of the area’s cherished parks. For many, including Ian White, whose father Charles White Park is being rebuilt, these spaces are more than just recreational areas; they are essential for community healing and reconnection.
A Collective Effort: $60 Million Secured
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced on November 21, 2025, that $60 million has been raised for park restoration projects. This impressive sum, collected in just over 10 months, highlights a strong partnership between state, county, and private donors. Norma Garcia-Gonzalez, director of the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation, expressed immense gratitude for this collective effort, underscoring the vital role these rejuvenated spaces play in bringing joy back to Altadena.
The Road Ahead: Significant Funding Still Needed
While $60 million is a monumental achievement, it represents only about one-third of the more than $190 million required to fully restore all impacted park spaces in Altadena. The county’s ambitious recovery plan, designed by Parks and Recreation and the Altadena Town Council, outlines the work underway and the substantial funding gaps that remain.
Altadena Park Restoration: Project Breakdown
Here’s a look at the key park projects, their current funding, and what’s still needed:
| Park/Area | Status & Key Projects | Funds Secured (Approx.) | Additional Funds Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loma Alta Park | New playgrounds, ballfields (Dodgers Dreamfields), renovated gymnasium (Clippers Foundation) | $3.4 Million | None (Completed May 2025) |
| Triangle Park | 3,000 native plants installed | Undisclosed | None (Completed June 2025) |
| Charles White Park | Community building planned for completion by March 2027 | $10.5 Million ($5.5M State, $5M Disney Co.) | None (Fully funded for this phase) |
| Charles Farnsworth Park | Phases 1 & 2 (reflection garden, new restrooms, two new ballfields, amphitheater restoration) | $8.75 Million | $68.1 Million (for Davies Building rebuild) |
| Eaton Canyon Nature Area Park | Landscape Recovery Center, native plant restoration | $19.1 Million ($16.2M State, $1M County, $1.9M R&M Conservancy) | $19 Million (for Nature Center rebuild) + $18 Million (for trails) |
| Altadena Golf Course | Driving range restored by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Undisclosed (for driving range) | $25.2 Million (for coffee shop rebuild) |
| Altadena Area Trails | Work on some trails to be completed next month | $800,000 | $8 Million (for major trails like Altadena Crest, Eaton Canyon) |
Parks: Pillars of Healing and Community Value
The emotional and practical importance of these parks cannot be overstated. Ian White emphasizes the need for residents to return and discuss community challenges, seeing Charles White Park as a potential “healing space.” Norma Garcia-Gonzalez highlights that parks increase nearby home values and studies show communities with adequate parks can even increase residents’ life expectancy. For Altadena, these restored and reimagined spaces are crucial for the long-term well-being and revitalization of the entire area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Altadena’s Park Recovery
- What caused the damage to Altadena’s parks?
The Eaton Fire in January 2025 severely damaged many parks and natural areas in Altadena, leading to widespread destruction of landscaping, structures, and trails. - How much money has been raised for the restoration?
As of November 2025, $60 million has been secured through state, county, and private donations for various park restoration projects. - Is the restoration fully funded?
No, the $60 million raised represents only about one-third of the total estimated $190 million needed to fully restore all impacted park spaces in Altadena. Significant funding gaps remain, especially for larger projects like the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park and the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. - Which parks have already seen improvements?
Loma Alta Park and Triangle Park have completed their initial restoration phases, including new playgrounds, ballfields, a gymnasium, and native plant installations. - How can residents get involved or support the ongoing efforts?
The article implies an ongoing need for support. Residents can likely inquire with the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation or the Altadena Town Council for information on how to contribute to the remaining funding needs or volunteer for restoration efforts.
The journey to full recovery for Altadena’s parks is ongoing, but the significant progress and community dedication demonstrate a powerful resilience. Supporting these efforts ensures that Altadena’s vital green spaces continue to be sources of joy, health, and community connection for generations to come.
Altadena Parks Get Sixty Million Boost
