The Taylor Yard G2 Parcel Park Project has long been identified as the “crown jewel” of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, which envisions a connected series of green spaces along the entire 51-mile Los Angeles River. The site will potentially provide more than 40 acres of open space in one of the most heavily urbanized regions in the nation.
“Our team of urban designers and environmental engineers is eager to assist the city reimagine the Los Angeles River as part of its vision to be the most livable city in the nation,” said Gregory A. Kelly, president and chief executive officer of WSP USA. “This is a transformational project and we are proud to be part of the project team.”
Located in the Cypress Park neighborhood, near the intersection of the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5) and the Glendale Freeway (State Route 2), Taylor Yard is currently an inactive brownfield site. The site was previously owned by Union Pacific Railroad and used for rail maintenance and fueling, servicing nearly all freight rail transport in and out of downtown Los Angeles until 1973. The yard was fully closed in 2006. In 2009, most of the structures on the site were demolished.
The site will require soil remediation before construction can start. WSP will produce an implementation plan and pre-design report that includes a site remediation strategy and concept designs for phased development (interim and long term uses). A phased approach of the project is intended to address required remediation as funding is available, while allowing more immediate public use of portions of the site.
“We are excited to begin working on one of the most significant steps toward the city’s vision of a revitalized Los Angeles River,” said Michael Drennan, WSP’s project manager. “The Taylor Yard G2 Parcel Park Project is moving one step closer to reality with the launch of this project team.”
The project includes a robust stakeholder engagement process to gather input from the surrounding neighborhoods about how this new park could serve them.
About WSP USA
WSP USA, formerly WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, is the U.S. operating company of one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms—WSP. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment sectors. With more than 7,000 people in 100 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. www.wsp.com