City seeks funding for Riverwalk

City officials are pressing for nearly $1 million more in state funding for the second phase of the long-awaited Glendale Narrows Riverwalk, which has moved forward slowly in recent years due to roadblocks involving property access and funding.

The project is part of a much larger effort to beautify and restore the Los Angeles River for recreational use. Its components range from equestrian amenities to bike and pedestrian paths. But the state financial crisis, coupled with hang-ups over property easements, has extended the timeline for Glendale’s portion.

Now, with work on the first phase of the project well underway, the City Council on Tuesday directed officials to ask the California River Pathways Grant Program for $975,000 to help pay for the second section.

The money would pay for a park, interpretive signs and a river outlook with seating areas near the L. A. River along Fairmont Avenue and Flower Street. The second phase also will include a small bridge across a storm drain outlet into the river, which will be paid for with other funds, according to a city report.

The $1.7-million first phase, which is expected to be completed in January, includes a parking area and entry park on the west end of the project area near Paula Avenue, a park along the river, an equestrian center and trails along four acres that stretches to riverbanks near DreamWorks.

So far, two equestrian arenas have been installed, utility connections for water at both ends of the site have been completed and the existing service road has been demolished.

Phase three of the project would see construction of a bridge from pathways across the Los Angeles River to Griffith Park and the Verdugo Wash into the North Atwater neighborhood of Los Angeles.