The Zev Yaroslavsky Los Angeles River Greenway Trail, opened on June 3, and is being hailed as the “missing link” of the San Fernando Valley, but it’s so much more.
The half-mile stretch from Whitsett to Coldwater, bridges the gap between existing trail segments to create three continuous miles of the trail. It provides a much-needed recreational opportunity for Los Angeles residents needing a reprieve from the bustling and congested city life by connecting them with the rich history and native landscape of Los Angeles.
This Trail is the largest greenway in the Valley and is part of the 51-mile stretch of the Los Angeles River. The new “River and Mountains” Entry Gate and “River Story” Fence Panels designed by Owen Gabbert will aid in connecting residents and visitors to the landscape’s history whether they take a short bike ride, stroll with a pet, or rest in one of the shaded seating areas.
The new entry gate with its spinning birds pays homage to the river’s origins in the Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains while the panels narrate the L.A. River’s history as a nexus between nature and human history, displaying representations of plant and animal life.
The river’s link to nature is evident with more than 3,000 native trees and plants to be found along the half-mile Zev Yaroslavsky trail. Visitors can also see the variety of animal life—
40,000 species are attracted by the greenery—an effort by the city to restore the native ecosystem and habitat.
The trail offers a native forest and recreation in an area of the Valley that is short on park space, while cleaning and improving the quality of the water through a system of “bioswales” that catch polluted water.
The Zev Yaroslavsky Los Angeles River Greenway offers visitors a chance to trade in their cars for walking shoes, a bike, or a dog that will walk you, even if it’s only for a half-mile walking stretch. This project continues the goal of making the entire L.A. River accessible.
Reprinted from supervisorkuehl.com, “Happenings” newsletter.