The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Awards $500,000 to Glendale Community Services & Parks Department for 1000 S. Central Ave Park Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 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

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Awards $500,000 to Glendale Community Services & Parks Department for 1000 S. Central Ave Park Project

Glendale, CA - The Glendale Community Services & Parks Department (CSP) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) to support the planning and design of the 1000 S. Central Ave Park Project. This project is part of RPOSD's largest competitive grant investment in Measure A history-allocating more than $78 million across 72 planning and construction projects and 48 awardees.

The 1000 S. Central Ave Park Project includes the development of a 2.39-acre former commercial site-previously occupied by a large retail building and surface parking lot, including the former JOANN Fabric and Crafts store-into a public park in south Glendale. This future, vibrant, multi-benefit public park is expected to become the fifth largest in the area, offering both passive and active recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities in one of the City's most park-deficient neighborhoods. Park amenities may include, but are not limited to, children's play areas, a water play feature, restrooms, picnic areas, fitness equipment, walking paths, murals and living green walls, turf and native grasses, native and drought-tolerant planting areas, and a demonstration garden.

This project reflects over a decade of documented community need. The 2016 LA Countywide Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment identified all of south Glendale-home to more than 86,000 residents-as a "Very High" park need area, with residents ranking creation of a new park as a "top ten" priority.

To secure the property, the City identified available funding sources and strategically assembled a financing plan that leveraged eligible local and regional funds. The City evaluated and acquired the 2.39-acre site in July 2025 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 $2.32 million in Measure A grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. 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 mid-2026 and the Concept Design/Feasibility Study approval expected by late 2027. City staff have already begun the process of 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.

Funded by Los Angeles County 2016 Measure A

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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.