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Baldwin Park wins $2 million county park grant; public input guides Morgan and Hilda Solis park plans
Summary
City staff said Baldwin Park received $2 million through a Los Angeles County parks grant; public engagement sessions identified priorities for Hilda Solis Park and Morgan Park, including expanded green space, restrooms, two basketball/pickleball courts, fitness zones and improved accessibility.
City staff told the commission that Baldwin Park was one of 13 recipients in Los Angeles County awarded funding through a recent county parks and open‑space grant round. The city’s allocation was reported as $2 million; countywide reporting put total disbursements at roughly $17.4 million.
Commissioners and staff said the award will support a pocket‑park project on a vacant parcel adjacent to a U‑Haul on Puente Avenue, a location they described as an area lacking park access. Staff said the parcel is privately owned and that any conversion to public use would depend on acquisition and zoning.
Sandra (staff) and project consultants summarized public engagement held for two larger park projects. For Hilda Solis Park, community feedback called for improved restrooms, reconfigured playgrounds to better serve families with children of different ages, two full basketball courts, pickleball courts, a fitness zone behind the skate park and additional green space and shade near the splash pad. Organizers also discussed widening bridge access to make routes ADA‑compliant.
For Morgan Park, staff reported requests for artificial soccer fields, additional pickleball courts, moving the basketball court to the front to free interior green space, a soft walking path with distance markers, expanded splash pad shade, upgraded staging space for summer events and improved lighting and cameras for security. Staff said community meetings averaged about 20 attendees per meeting, with larger turnouts at some sessions.
Staff emphasized that many parcels discussed are privately owned; one site mentioned (the former Flanner school campus) is held by a school district and residents have opposed proposed condominium development there. City staff said private ownership limits the city's options unless the owner sells the parcel or agrees to a donation.
The commission did not take formal action during the meeting; staff said design concepts will be refined with architects and that grant timelines and follow‑up engagement are expected as plans develop.
