Six acres in El Monte, shaped by the community and for the community.
Norwood Elementary closed more than eight years ago. The 6-acre site has sat fenced off since, with no other parks in the immediate neighborhood. This project turns that land into a community park — trees, paths, a playground, and space for neighbors to gather.
Nature-based playgrounds, walking paths, and an edible garden where kids can grow food and learn about plants.
Over three workshops, El Monte residents voted on what should go on the 6-acre site. These are the features the community chose.
A new canopy replaces asphalt, cooling the park and the streets around it.
Safe routes through the site for families, kids, and neighbors on foot or wheels.
Nature-themed play alongside traditional equipment that kids can grow with.
Native plantings and an edible learning garden where kids can grow food.
Tables and shade for birthday parties, lunches, and family time outdoors.
Flexible outdoor space for community events, classes, and celebrations.
Four moments that turned a closed elementary school into a park El Monte can call its own.
Neighbors came together for the first workshop to shape the vision for the old school site.
Two more workshops let residents vote on features and review the concept design.
The LA County Safe Clean Water Program funds the project, clearing the path to construction.
Construction and the park’s opening are planned within the following years.
The Norwood Greening Project is led with the Trust for Public Land, ActiveSGV, the El Monte City School District, and the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. Additional support comes from First 5 LA, Resources Legacy Fund, the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, and the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.
Funded by the LA County Safe Clean Water Program.