On Tuesday, City officials announced that the repair work on the Whittier Narrows Dam could lead to the disappearance of community venues in Pico Rivera. The Army Corps of Engineers has deemed necessary repairs to prevent critical flooding and impacting iconic sports stadiums, golf courses, and parks.
The closure of these venues is estimated to have a significant negative impact on the economy of the city and surrounding areas. Loss of income and jobs are expected as a result of these closures. The Pico Rivera Sports Arena has been a vital community hub since its opening in 1979, hosting concerts, rodeos, and cultural events for Los Angeles County’s Hispanic community. Streamland Park would also eliminate the Pico Boys Baseball League, a youth baseball program that has been in operation for 68 years.
Pico Rivera Mayor Andrew Lara expressed concern over potential losses but emphasized the city’s resilience. In response, the city launched a $125 million revitalization program aimed at creating new parks, open spaces, and sports facilities to offset losses caused by dam repair work. The mayor emphasized their commitment to securing funding for these projects to seize new opportunities for growth and development.
The loss of these valuable community assets could be devastating for Pico Rivera residents who rely on them regularly. However, with Mayor Lara’s leadership and commitment to reinvestment in the city’s infrastructure and facilities, there is hope that they will be able to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever before.
