For nearly a decade, the site of the former Norwood Elementary in the El Monte City School District has stood largely vacant, serving only as a storage space for the district and a seasonal sports venue. This 6-acre property, once bustling with students, features two softball fields, a snack bar, basketball courts, and expansive green spaces, but it has been closed off to the public, underutilized and fenced.

Recognizing the need for more green spaces in a neighborhood devoid of parks, ActiveSGV has teamed up with a consortium of community-focused organizations, including The Trust for Public Land, First 5 LA, and the UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, to reimagine this site. This initiative is part of the broader Link Initiative aimed at enhancing park access and active transportation across El Monte.

The vision for the Norwood Greening Project is to transform this underused property into a vibrant public park that serves multiple community benefits. Plans include replacing asphalt with native and drought-tolerant plants, significantly increasing the number of trees to improve the area’s canopy, and installing new walking paths and nature-based play areas. This not only offers a new recreational space for residents but also addresses environmental issues such as heat, carbon storage, and stormwater management through innovative natural systems.

The project design, developed with extensive local community input, promises to deliver a cool, green oasis amid the urban environment. It will feature an edible learning garden for educational programs and local food production, enhancing both community engagement and sustainability.

To learn more about the Norwood Greening Project and how you can get involved in this transformative community effort, visit norwoodgreeningproject.com.

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