City of Glendale Receives Recommendation for $6 Million in Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for the 1000 S. Central Ave. Park Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2026

Parks Media Contact: Julianna De La Cruz
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (818) 548-2000

City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (818) 548-3342

City of Glendale Receives Recommendation for $6 Million in Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for the 1000 S. Central Ave. Park Project

Glendale, CA - The Glendale Community Services & Parks Department (CSP) has been recommended to receive a $6 million Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to support the development of the 1000 S. Central Avenue Park Project in south Glendale. The recommendation is part of California State Parks' proposal to the National Park Service (NPS) for $42.6 million in LWCF funding for 18 park projects statewide. The LWCF grant program provides funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians.

Dependent on NPS approval, the $6 million LWCF award would advance Glendale's efforts to transform the 2.39-acre former commercial site into a vibrant public park in one of the City's most park-deficient neighborhoods.

The future park, projected to become the fifth largest in the area, is expected to offer recreation amenities designed for people of all ages and abilities. The amenities may include, but are not limited to, children's play areas, restrooms, picnic areas, fitness equipment, walking paths, and a great lawn.

The LWCF recommendation builds on the City's recent success in assembling the resources needed to secure the land and begin project planning. In July 2025, the City identified available funding sources and strategically assembled a financing plan that leveraged eligible local and regional funds to secure the property.

The City evaluated and acquired the 2.39-acre through a strategic combination of local and regional sources, including $8.08 million in Park Mitigation Fees previously earmarked for multi-purpose fields, $14.3 million from Park Mitigation Fee and Capital Improvement funds, and $2.1 million in Measure A grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD). In March 2026, the City received a $500,000 Measure A grant from the Los Angeles County RPOSD to support planning and design for the project. By leveraging these funding sources, the City was able to make a major investment in expanding parkland in the neighborhood, marking Glendale's first major park property acquisition in more than 25 years.

Community input will be essential in shaping the park's final design, and CSP will host public meetings and provide regular updates as the project moves forward. To support this effort, the City will hire a consultant to lead project design and community engagement efforts.

A Concept Design/Feasibility Study informed by community feedback will be presented to City Council within 12 months of kick-off, with the engagement process beginning in Fall 2026 and the Concept Design/Feasibility Study approval expected by late 2027. City staff continue seeking grants and other non-City funding sources to identify funds for the future development of the site.

For project updates or to sign up to receive project information, please click here.

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About the City of Glendale:

Known as the "Jewel City," Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov. For more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.