Richard Lillard Outdoor Classroom
Park Details
Address:
Valleyheart Dr. and Longridge Ave., Studio City
Features:
Located on the Los Angeles County flood plain along the Los Angeles River between Coldwater Canyon and Fulton Avenue in Studio City, the Richard Lillard Outdoor Classroom enhances the natural beauty of the Los Angeles River. This shady walking park, which includes interpretive displays, an outdoor amphitheater, and native riparian landscaping, spans several blocks of the river’s edge.
The Studio City park has long been informally used for dog walking and jogging by the neighborhood surrounding it. The MRCA improved access to the trails by adding stairs, and improving the pathways. The nonprofit Village Gardeners volunteer to clear vegetation, plant flowers and clean the river bank in the area.
The park is named for Richard Lillard, one of Los Angeles’ first great conservationists, who was the author of Eden in Jeopardy, Man’s Prodigal Meddling with his Environment: the Southern California Experience. Lillard helped lead the fight against converting Mulholland Drive into a freeway. He was also one of the first to propose a regional park in the Santa Monica Mountains to permanently preserve open space.
Parking:
Street parking is available on Vallyheart Drive
