City begins renovation project at Rio de Los Angeles State Park

City officials began a $9 million renovation project Tuesday to enhance Rio de Los Angeles State Park north of Dodger Stadium.

The effort is expected to improve three existing soccer fields at the south end, add new field lighting, replace an old bathroom, improve a picnic area, walking paths, and enhance the landscaping.

"We are fortunate to have beautiful parks like Rio de Los Angeles State Park in Council District 1, especially in such a densely populated city with limited access to green spaces," First District Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez said in a statement. "Projects like this are vital to creating healthy, safe, and connected communities, and I am grateful for the partnership of the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Bureau of Engineering for their work to begin this transformative effort."

Hernandez held a news conference at the park Tuesday alongside officials from the city parks and engineering departments and nearby residents.

The renovation is being led by the Bureau of Engineering for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and in coordination with the California Department of Parks and Recreation State Parks. The project is being funded by $6.2 million in state grants and $3.4 million from the city of Los Angeles.

Construction is anticipated to take approximately a year to complete.

"The renovation of the sports fields at Rio de Los Angeles State Park is a crucial piece of the vision for a 100-acre park that serves the whole community," resident Raul Macias said in a statement. "Our kids need safe places to play and exercise, as well as access to nature and the river. This shows that working together, with support from our elected leaders, we can have it all."

Deborah Weintraub, chief deputy city engineer, said officials were thrilled to break ground on this "long-awaited" project, which residents have been requesting for years.