In the crowded Los Angeles neighbourhood of Huntington Park, the Santa Ana River has been flowing since long ago, providing invaluable fresh water to local residents. But it was not until recently that the river has become a source of inspiration and hope for the people here.
Every day, people from all walks of life, including kids, adults and seniors, take a short stroll down to the riverbank, where they can find the simple pleasures of life that often cost nothing: the laughter of children playing, the smell of the flowers and the sound of the birds singing. Along the riverbanks, they pass the crystal-clear flowing water and the beautiful sunsets, while reconnecting with their cultural and community roots.
This transformation of the river is nothing short of a miracle. After years of neglect, the public health, community resilience and physical beauty of the rivers in the area have been restored. The water in the river is now clean enough to safely swim in. And, with the formation of the Santa Ana River Parkway, a 10-mile long pathway of bicycle and pedestrian trails along the river, people can now enjoy walking, biking and jogging along it.
The Santa Ana River revitalization project has also highlighted the importance of water conservation, by providing insights into water’s value and importance in our lives, and presented creative strategies for conserving and protecting our most important natural resource.
The Santa Ana River has reconnected the neighbourhood of Huntington Park to its roots and has taught its residents how to appreciate water as something more than a basic necessity My. The transformation of this river has helped to create a lasting culture of appreciation and respect for the Santa Ana River, its environment and its importance to the Huntington Park community.
Today Huntington Park is a place of thriving communities and revived pride. The Santa Ana River has become a medium of inspiration, giving people even more reasons to be proud of their neighbourhood, their life and the world they live in. And it all started with a single step.
