State Park Gets $350,000 to Build New Facilities

Topanga State Park has received a $350,000 grant to renovate a 35-acre corner of the sprawling recreation area that had fallen into disrepair, an official said.

The money to improve lower Los Liones Canyon came from the California Transportation Commission’s Environment Enhancement and Mitigation program, said Susan Ross, superintendent of Topanga Park.

The grant will allow the park to build a picnic area, nature trail, outdoor recreation center and restrooms at the site, which abuts Sunset Boulevard, she said.

For years, volunteers and the park staff have worked to clear the canyon of debris and revive plants and shrubs that are native to the Santa Monica Mountains.

“It’s an ideal example of how a public agency can work cooperatively with a community group,” Ross said.

At 10,000 acres, Topanga State Park is the largest wilderness area within an urban area in the United States, Ross said.