San Fernando, a city with a rich history in the San Fernando Valley, celebrated a significant milestone as it broke ground on a new multi-use path along the Pacoima Wash. The project, spearheaded by San Fernando Mayor Celeste Rodriguez, aims to enhance the community’s beauty, health, and safety by providing spaces for bicycling, walking, and gathering.
The Pacoima Wash, a concrete-lined channel that runs through the urbanized San Fernando Valley, has posed safety concerns, especially during rainstorms. The tragic loss of Elias Rodriguez in 2017 served as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with the wash. To address these issues, the new project will include safety improvements such as new railing and a walk/bike bridge.
Assemblymember Luz Rivas, who played a crucial role in securing state funding for the project, shared her excitement for the initiative. Having worked near the wash as a high school student, Rivas emphasized the importance of creating a safe and accessible environment for families to enjoy. The new path, spanning 1.4 miles initially, will connect key points along the Pacoima Wash, with future plans to extend it further northward.
Aside from promoting active transportation, the project also incorporates elements of environmental sustainability. Native landscaping, fencing, lighting, and watershed features are integrated into the design to enhance the area’s ecological balance and functionality. The Pacoima Wash Vision Plan, of which the path is a part, underscores the comprehensive approach to urban planning and development.
Securing funding for the project was a collaborative effort that spanned two decades and involved multiple sources. In addition to the earmark from Assemblymember Rivas, financing was sourced from various programs and agencies, including the state Active Transportation Program, Metro Measure R Local Return, and Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, among others.
As construction progresses, the community looks forward to the completion of the project in September 2024. The new walk/bike path is not only a testament to San Fernando’s commitment to enhancing public spaces but also reflects a broader trend towards promoting sustainable and accessible infrastructure in urban areas.
With the groundbreaking ceremony marking a significant step forward, the Pacoima Wash project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven initiatives in creating safer, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhoods.
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