The U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded the City of Glendale a $5.95 million grant to support the Central Park Block Project, aimed at expanding and revitalizing Glendale’s Central Park. The project will enhance green spaces, recreational facilities, and cultural programming to benefit the local community.
On September 25, 2024, the Department of the Interior announced the largest investment in the history of the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), providing $254.68 million to 54 projects across 24 states. Glendale’s Central Park Block Project was one of 15 neighborhood park initiatives in California to receive a portion of this funding, focused on increasing public access to outdoor recreation, particularly in underserved areas.
The Central Park Block Project will transform 2.13 acres of underused urban space into a multi-purpose park. The revitalized park will feature several playgrounds (for ages 2-5 and 5-12), a splash pad, an outdoor amphitheater, multiple plazas for gatherings, a multi-generational game plaza, and outdoor exercise equipment. Visitors will also enjoy a shaded boardwalk with forest-like surroundings for a peaceful retreat. The park is located on a block that includes the Adult Recreation Community Center, Glendale Central Library, and the future Armenian American Museum, which is currently under construction. This park is essential to the neighborhood as one of the few green spaces and public areas in downtown Glendale.
Onnig Bulanikian, Director of Community Services & Parks, expressed his gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are thankful to the U.S. Department of the Interior for recognizing the importance of the Central Park Block Project. This funding will help us create a sustainable and accessible space that will enhance the quality of life for all Glendale residents.”
The design development for the project began in March 2023, with final construction drawings expected by November 2024. Construction is slated to begin in Summer 2025.
