Riverpark Coalition and Los Angeles Waterkeeper announce landmark settlement to expand public park space and protect the Los Angeles River
The Riverpark Coalition (RPC) and Los Angeles Waterkeeper are proud to announce a comprehensive settlement agreement with the owner of the property at 3701 Pacific Place. The agreement resolves the organizations’ lawsuit under the California Environmental
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2026
CONTACT
Leslie Ann Garretson, Riverpark Coalition, C: (310) 874-2632
Benjamin Harris, LA Waterkeeper, O: (310) 394-6162 ext. 102, C: (415) 233-1590
Riverpark Coalition and Los Angeles Waterkeeper announce landmark settlement to expand public park space and protect the Los Angeles River
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Riverpark Coalition (RPC) and Los Angeles Waterkeeper are proud to announce a comprehensive settlement agreement with the owner of the property at 3701 Pacific Place. The agreement resolves the organizations’ lawsuit under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, regarding the Pacific Place Project, a self-storage and RV parking facility adjacent to the Los Angeles River that had been approved for construction by the Long Beach City Council. Resolving the case advances the organizations’ commitment to enhance public open space, improve regional trail connectivity, and protect the Los Angeles River.
The property owner has agreed to work in partnership with RPC and LA Waterkeeper to advance the future development of publicly accessible open space on the adjacent Los Angeles County Flood Control parcel, including improvements to multi-modal and equestrian trails and other design improvements at the project site to reduce the project’s environmental impacts. The County Parcel, located immediately west of the project site and connected to the existing LA River (LARIO) trails, serves as a vital opportunity site for the western Long Beach community, which currently has very limited public open space.
“This cooperation is a gamechanger for local residents,” said Leslie Garretson, president of the Riverpark Coalition. “By securing meaningful support specifically for the County property, we are ensuring that what was once a vacant parcel can finally start to be transformed into the vibrant green space and trail system our neighborhoods deserve.”
The parties have also agreed to work together on other design improvements at the project site to reduce the project’s environmental impacts. Among other improvements, this includes an increase of green buffer area onsite and dedication of a 15-foot-wide public trail easement on the north side of the project site, providing an improved and safer public access point from the Pacific Place street to the LA River, the LARIO path, and existing equestrian trails.
“This settlement demonstrates that through dedicated advocacy, we can ensure development projects actually contribute to the health of our watersheds and the well-being of our communities,” said Bruce Reznik, executive director of Los Angeles Waterkeeper. “We are grateful to have played a meaningful role in assisting RPC with their tireless work to preserve and improve open space in their community, and we are pleased with this outcome.”
The agreement resolves the lawsuit filed by the groups challenging the project’s prior environmental approvals, turning a yearslong legal dispute into a collaborative effort to improve the Long Beach riverfront. RPC and LA Waterkeeper are eager to see the property owner move forward with an improved version of its project, while helping to advance the organizations’ goal of enhancing open space around the project site.
About Riverpark Coalition
The Riverpark Coalition is a community-led 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to environmental justice and the expansion of recreational green space along the Lower Los Angeles River. Focused on Western Long Beach—a region historically burdened by industrial pollution and park inequities—the Coalition advocates for the transformation of underutilized land into vibrant community assets. By partnering with residents, indigenous groups, and environmental advocates, we work to ensure the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan replaces industrial blight with native habitats, equestrian trails, and accessible parks. Our mission is to secure a healthy, equitable, and sustainable river corridor for the communities that need it most.
About Los Angeles Waterkeeper
For more than three decades, Los Angeles Waterkeeper has served as LA’s water watchdog, safeguarding inland and coastal waters using the law, science and community action. The group works to eliminate pollution, achieve ecosystem health for local waterways, and secure a resilient, multi-benefit, low-carbon water supply to the region.
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