The Merced Avenue Greenway Project in South El Monte has transformed a busy corridor into a safer, greener, and healthier place for people. The project shows how thoughtful street design can improve public health, reduce heat, and enhance water quality in the neighborhood.

Phase I, completed in December 2024 south of Rush Street, introduced the San Gabriel Valley’s first sidewalk-level bike path. The 0.65-mile stretch also features bioswales, porous pavement, native gardens, and more than 133 new trees that provide shade and restore habitat. Together, these improvements capture and treat over 3.3 million gallons of stormwater in a typical rainy season while making the street more inviting for walking and biking.

The project earned national recognition with the John Sanford Todd Award for municipal innovation and is now being honored as this year’s Outstanding SGV Project at Noche de las Luminarias. The Greenway demonstrates how underserved communities can benefit from sustainable, equitable infrastructure and serves as a model for the region.

Looking ahead, Phase II will extend the Greenway north of Rush Street toward Fern Avenue. Design work is scheduled to finish in 2025, with construction expected to be completed around 2027.

Be part of the celebration as we honor the Merced Avenue Greenway Project and other local leaders at Noche de las Luminarias. This special evening will bring together advocates, organizations, public agencies, and city staff who are working every day to create healthier, safer, and more connected communities across the San Gabriel Valley.

Join us on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Hurst Ranch Historical Center in West Covina and help mark 15 years of ActiveSGV’s impact. Get your tickets today: http://bit.ly/noche2025