Re: The March 30 front page photo, “Glendale Narrows gets a trail” of the new Bette Davis Park bridle trail fence, there's a back story on impacts to the Rancho's Garden Street, homes across from this Los Angeles park near Glendale Riverwalk trailhead, horse amenities, and to Rancho Avenue homeowners.
The L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks just completed year-long irrigation system upgrades in the park's two sections that have long benefited from robust border resident stewardship, neighborhood watch and trash pickup. Reclaimed water will ensure green turf where brown was summer's norm. Funding source L.A. Department of Water & Power mandated a 20% turf reduction, so unwatered areas are covered in brown mulch or decomposed granite.
Rancho residents learned of the project in November 2011, demanded an opportunity for input, and were shown the plan in January 2012. Concerns by neighbors continued, focusing on view quality, relocation of picnic areas, public safety, rescue access and habitat preservation.
