Yesterday, Mayor Karen Bass announced that the City of Los Angeles has received a $11-million grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior to help build Jordan Downs Central Park in Watts.

The new park, named for the public housing complex in which it will be located, is slated to feature a meadow, two basketball courts, walking paths, lighting, outdoor seating, and a community pool.

“The development of Jordan Downs Central Park will be a transformative step in ensuring that Watts has the green spaces and community areas it deserves,” said 15th District Councilmember Tim McOsker, who represents the area, in a news release. “This park will be a key part of the revitalization of Jordan Downs, and I can't wait to see families, especially our young residents, enjoying a beautiful space to play, exercise, and thrive. I'm grateful to the U.S. Department of the Interior, HACLA, and our partners for securing this important investment. Together, we can create environments where every resident can grow and succeed right in their own community.”

The funding is part of the largest grant investment ever from the Department of the Interior's Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which will invest more than $254 million in 54 projects across 24 different states.

Jordan Downs, a 1940s public housing complex now in the midst of a years-long redevelopment process led by HACLA and private developers, is slated to have more than 1,500 affordable and market-rate homes when complete. Other components of the redevelopment include a 115,000-square-foot retail center and nine total acres of park space.

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