The NELA River Collaborative project builds upon the growing momentum of efforts already underway to transform the Los Angeles River into a "riverfront district" and to create a focal point of community revitalization. For more information visit www.mylariver.orgKCET Departures is the media partner of the Northeast Los Angeles Riverfront Collaborative.
Between the thundering roar of the 5 freeway and the serene Los Angeles River lies the neighborhood of Elysian Valley. Home to roughly 8,000 residents, this community has the distinction of having the L.A. River as its own backyard and playground. This section of the river is known as Glendale Narrows, one of the few natural, soft bottomed sections of the river, and home to many species of ducks, mallards, and herons. The L.A. River Greenway Trail, part of the National Recreation Trails program, runs along the winding eastern edge of the neighborhood, dotted with pocket parks.
Marsh Park, located near the north edge of the neighborhood, came alive last Saturday with an event that brought the community together. Hosted by the Northeast L.A. Riverfront Collaborative, the event attracted local residents, bikers, walkers, visitors, curious onlookers, and community organizations, with a bike ride and a walk, educational activities related to the L.A. River, a bike-powered music station, local food vendors, and more, culminating with a free outdoor movie screening with the river serving as backdrop.
During the festivities, community members and visitors shared their stories and experiences of the river and were asked the question, "How do you envision a Riverfront District?" Here are their stories.
Click below to view their stories. Scroll down below to tell us yours:
Omar Brownson
Ricardo Fierro
Wendy Figueroa
Joe Ibarra
Schanique Kennedy
Alberto Lopez
Miguel Luna
Andrea Martinez
Mitch O'Farrell
Miguel Ramos
Christine Rodriguez
Hans Sicker
Jill Sourial
Josef Taylor
Lupe Vela
Don Ward
Dorothy Wong
How would you envision a Riverfront District?
About Story Share:
Departures StoryShare is an ongoing series of community recording events aimed at capturing the stories of individuals who have strong personal memories and history attached to their neighborhoods. Our goal is to create a collective narrative cartography of neighborhood stories by exposing the subjective and personal history through the eyes of community members.
Funders and Partners
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