Monrovia Receives Funding to Rebuild Park

Monrovia Canyon Park (File Photo – Christie Hunnewell)

Canyon Park has been a popular spot for hikers, both local and from afield, to the tune of some 250,000 visitors a year.

By Briony James

Monrovia’s Canyon Park had 80 acres with trails, camping, and a waterfall, plus a nature center and a cabin for events. But the 2020 Bobcat fire and the 2021 subsequent mudslides devastated the park, and it has remained closed.

The closure of Canyon Park has been a sad time for residents and visitors and has affected local foot traffic. So far, the state and FEMA have reimbursed 4.7 million dollars to fund the extensive clean-up of the park and environs, approved by the Monrovia City Council. In July of this year, Assembly Bill 102 passed the CA State Legislature, which included a 2 million dollar grant specifically for the restoration of Canyon Park. Assemblyman Chris Holden of Pasadena, presented the City Council of Monrovia with the check for this project, with hopes that some of the trails may be open as soon as this coming summer.

All of the San Gabriel foothills communities are pleased and excited to have this special local resource once again providing repose and recreation.