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Consultants outline vision for Sela Cultural Center on riverfront; community engagement ongoing
Summary
Consultants presented designs for a multi‑acre Sela Cultural Center near Hollydale Park in South Gate, described a phased planning process with California State Parks funding for planning, and invited further community input and a June 25 public meeting.
Esmeralda Garcia, a consultant with MIG, presented the progress of the proposed Sela Cultural Center to the Paramount City Council on June 9, describing a multi‑building arts and cultural complex envisioned on roughly ten acres just above Hollydale Park in neighboring South Gate.
Garcia said the concept grew from the Lower Los Angeles River revitalization planning effort and community outreach that identified more than 150 opportunity sites. The consultant team’s conceptual plan includes rehearsal and dance spaces, performance areas, gallery spaces, a café and pedestrian breezeways connecting to the river trail. She said California State Parks is a funding partner for the planning phase and that the project will be advanced in phases, with an operations plan and governance options to be recommended early next year.
"We are getting the presentation up," Garcia told the council, noting ongoing public engagement and a digital binder of materials for residents. She urged residents to attend the Sela advisory panel meeting scheduled for June 25 at Linwood Bateman Hall at 4 p.m. and said a large workshop is planned for August to solicit broad community input.
Garcia cautioned that funding is incomplete and the schedule is tentative; a 2028 opening date has been discussed but may be pushed out because of delays. She described the project as a regional collaboration involving county and state partners and a panel that includes artists, community‑based organizations and local representatives.
The presentation concluded with the council thanking the consultants and encouraging local participation in upcoming engagement activities.
