Site Visit Report: Bowtie Parcel

Ronnie's SIP team visited the Bowtie Parcel on October 21st and met with Superintendent of the LA section of California State Parks Sean Woods and Interpretive Specialist Luis Rincon. The groups learned that the Bowtie Parcel is a retired trainyard that has been converted into a state park along a soft bottomed section of the L.A river. They discovered that "the channelization of the river isn't the only thing that needs to be fixed," and pointed to the underground pollution as an issue worth focusing upon.

In addition to learning about the contamination in the Bowtie Parcel, Ronnie's SIP group learned about different species of native and invasive plants and birds, some of the moonlight poetry and storytelling events that happen at the Bowtie, and about the history of the LA River.

This section of the river is located near the Amtrak train route in Glassell Park. Because this is the site of future development, both California State Parks and local arts nonprofit Clockshop have collaborated to create programming and educational opportunities where local residents may learn more about the specific issues in the area. The SIP group pointed out that "development in the area may lead to the displacement of long-time residents.".