Taylor Yard: From Railroad Hub to Urban Ecological Landmark

The history of Taylor Yard is deeply rooted in the rich narrative of Los Angeles. It was the original home of the Tongva Indians and the place where Los Angeles was first named. On August 2, 1769, the Portola expedition crossed the Arroyo Seco and camped here, describing a lush valley with ample water sources and diverse wildlife. The region’s fertile soil and abundant natural resources were a magnet for early settlers, shaping the unique identity of Taylor Yard.

Taylor Yard became a major railroad hub in the 1920s when the Southern Pacific Railroad, having outgrown its Midway Yard, developed the site in the early 1930s. This development included machine shops, a south turntable, and other infrastructure for freight-switching operations. At its peak, Taylor Yard employed many local residents and was crucial to the Southern Pacific Fruit Express line, managing freight car inspection, repair, and storage. Its importance waned after World War II due to emerging railroad facilities elsewhere, and by the late 1970s, operations declined significantly. It was eventually abandoned by 1985, though a small area is still used by Union Pacific to repair locomotives. Most of the land is now owned by the City of Los Angeles, including the Rio de Los Angeles State Park.

Taylor Yard G2 River Park Project

The Taylor Yard G2 River Park Project aims to reclaim a 42-acre former railyard in Northeast Los Angeles and transform it into a vibrant public open space featuring parkland, walking trails, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and recreational areas. Known as “The Crown Jewel” of the Los Angeles River revitalization, this site represents one of the largest and most significant restoration efforts along the LA River corridor. The City of Los Angeles purchased the G2 Parcel in March 2017 for $60 million, with a vision of creating new opportunities for the surrounding communities to connect with the river.

Design Concepts

Multiple design concepts have been developed to guide the transformation:

1. “The Yards.” This concept pays homage to the site’s industrial heritage by incorporating historic rail yard elements alongside natural features. It preserves the existing concrete trapezoidal river channel and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) power lines while introducing a network of paths and cantilevered overlooks extending over the channel. A constructed wetland will treat diverted stormwater and river water before returning to the river, surrounded by rolling hills, open meadows, and broad esplanades for recreation.
2. “The Island.” This approach envisions an island within the river to facilitate close interaction with the water. It involves relocating existing power lines and reshaping the western edge of the river channel to replicate natural fluvial processes, creating multiple riparian and upland habitats. The island would blend scientific research, habitat restoration, and recreational access.
3. Early Activation—“Paseo del Rio.” As an initial phase, this project will enable safe public access to the LA River and include a wetland to improve water quality. It will allow visitors to experience riverfront space ahead of larger-scale redevelopment.

Ecological Challenges

Because of its 80-year history as a rail yard, the Taylor Yard G2 Parcel is a known brownfield subject to oversight by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Soil contamination poses potential risks to human health and the environment, requiring comprehensive remediation. This strategy involves detailed site assessments to pinpoint contaminant locations and concentrations, followed by systematic clean-up phases to remove or neutralize pollutants.

A phytoremediation pilot program conducted with the University of California–Riverside explores using specific plants and fungi to extract or degrade contaminants naturally. Beyond clean-up, the site presents opportunities for habitat restoration, water quality improvements, enhanced flood defenses, and wetlands rehabilitation—efforts that will benefit the broader watershed.

Community Input

Community engagement has been central to the development of the Taylor Yard G2 River Park Project. Over nearly two years, the Bureau of Engineering and its partners gathered public input through workshops, tours, events, focus groups, discussions, surveys, and canvassing. Two advisory groups one of local stakeholders and another of technical experts—were formed to ensure ongoing feedback.

This inclusive process, spanning nearly two years, was instrumental in shaping the design concepts of the Taylor Yard G2 River Park Project. The community's perspectives were integral in addressing issues such as flood risk, habitat restoration, recreation, and open space. Their input was crucial in shaping plans for park areas, walking trails, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and river access. Transparent communication continues through newsletters, presentations, and public meetings, keeping the community engaged and informed and reinforcing their integral role in the project's success.

Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance

The Taylor Yard G2 River Park Project is a key component of the City’s 2007 LA River Revitalization Master Plan. This strategic plan aims to restore the river's ecological functions and reconnect communities with the river. The project's alignment with this plan ensures that it will deliver long-term benefits, including improved water quality, reduced flow velocities, and restored natural hydrology. The plan also includes Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as hydrodynamic separators at stormwater inlets and constructed treatment wetlands, to support these long-term efforts.

An early activation element, the Paseo del Rio Project, will provide safe public access to the river and feature a specialized wetland to enhance water quality. By integrating community involvement with local and state agency collaboration, the Taylor Yard G2 River Park Project is poised for sustained ecological recovery, offering lasting benefits for residents and the environment.