Rio de Los Angeles State Park

Rio de Los Angeles State Park is a 247-acre California State Park located along the Los Angeles River, approximately 2.5 miles north of downtown Los Angeles in the Glassell Park neighborhood. The park was established on the site of the former Taylor Yard, an abandoned freight-switching facility used by railroad companies from the 1920s until 1985.

The park serves as a unique blend of urban recreation and ecological restoration. It features restored wetlands that showcase native plants and provide habitat for returning wildlife. This natural area offers visitors an opportunity to experience a serene environment within the industrial and residential surroundings of northeast Los Angeles.

Rio de Los Angeles State Park is co-managed by California State Parks and the City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. It is divided into two main sections: one side dedicated to active recreation and the other focused on hiking trails through restored urban habitat. The park plays a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to create the Los Angeles River Greenway, a series of riverfront parks and trails extending from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean.

The park's development represents a significant transformation of urban space, turning a former industrial site into a public recreation area. It provides critically-needed open space in one of the nation's most park-deficient urban regions. The surrounding area offers less than 1.3 acres of public open space per 1,000 people, well below the city's objective and national recommendations.

Environmental education and interpretive programs are key features of the park, offering opportunities for visitors to learn about the area's natural and cultural heritage. The park also serves as a demonstration site for habitat restoration along the Los Angeles River, showcasing how urban areas can be reclaimed for both ecological and recreational purposes.