On September 6, 2020, the Bobcat Fire erupted in Los Angeles County, prompting evacuation orders for residents in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Duarte, Bradbury, and Monrovia. The Bobcat Fire burned more than 115,000 acres, including 278 acres in Monrovia. Thankfully, Monrovia did not suffer any loss of life or structure. However, Monrovia Canyon Park suffered significant damage, including dead trees, burnt vegetation, and significant ash. Even though Canyon Park suffered significant damage, Canyon Park Volunteers, Park Naturalist, Public Works Crew, and City Contractors in the Park worked tirelessly to re-open the park to the Public in August 2021. During this time, staff conducted a hydrology study to determine the flows and identified key areas where placing k-rails to protect the park and property. While the Park was open on a limited basis, the threat of mud and debris flows following the Fire was real.  On the evening of Monday, December 13, 2021, and continued through to Tuesday, December 14, a strong storm brought heavy rain to the LA County area, totaling over 5”. The Rainstorm caused debris and mudflows from the Bobcat Fire burn area into Canyon Park, causing catastrophic damage to park facilities, including:

• Roadways
• Parking lots
• Handrails
• Fencing
• Trails Water systems

This event caused the park to once again close, making it inaccessible to staff. The City began clean up efforts shortly shortly after in March 2022 but subsequent rain events in December 2022 through January 2023 resulted in the need for additional debris clean up through out the park. The Park sustained additional damage including:

• Damage to existing 6” water main
• Water damage to Park Ranger Station 
• Large boulders on roads and hiking trails 
• Debris in culvers and slopes throughout the park

The rain events washed away all the debris that had accumulated during the Bobcat Fire in 2020, resulting in dirt in roadways, fallen trees and logs, overflowing culverts, and more. Staff, along with the city-approved contractor, worked on clearing all the debris while ensuring that it was repurposed for the park. Fallen trees were buried in the park to feed its soil and provide nutrients to existing plants and vegetation. Boulders were relocated to various areas of the park to provide clearance while also preserving them. Some boulders were repurposed and used on walls and culverts to protect the park's authenticity. As clean-up efforts were underway following the Bobcat Fire and Rainstorms, it was clear that the project had suffered significant damage, necessitating necessary infrastructure repairs to ensure the park would be safe and operational, allowing it to reopen.  Necessary Infrastructure Repairs include:

• Water System Repairs
  • In addition to repairing water main line breaks during the Bobcat Fire, the City was able to identify areas of the water system in the Park that needed improvement to ensure a quick response in future firefighting efforts. It also allows for water to be distributed throughout the park, including restrooms, water fountains, and other facilities.
  • Installation of a booster pump was also added to supply water to all areas of the park and better maintain water pressure throughout the park, including restrooms, water fountains, and fire hydrants.
• Sewer System
  • Our sewer system was outdated and in dire need of repair and improvement. During the closure, we were able to improve our overall sewer system for the long term within the Park. We've also eliminated all septic systems and cisterns too!
• Masonry Repairs
  • A significant repair was conducted to an existing retaining wall near the Nature Center. The retaining wall was had been severely damaged by the rain and the soil underneath was dangerous. The existing stone walls are beautiful, and the staff, along with contractors, worked to repair the retaining wall while also repurposing the rocks and stones found during the clean-up process, thereby preserving the existing stone.

• Road Repairs / Parking Lots

  • Many of the roads throughout Canyon Park received damage from the heavy equipment during the Bobcat Fire, and the rainstorm events that followed further damaged them.  The mud and debris flow undermined the road in several locations, blocked culverts, redirected water, and caused additional damage to the asphalt road. There were numerous large potholes throughout the road and in the parking lots. The repairs are found from the beginning of the Park entrance road repairs from the Park entrance through to the upper parking lot. The road were all engineered in a way to complement Mother Nature and fight against it. 

Most repairs were consequence of the fire and rainstorm, however, allowing the park to be closed for an extended period of time assisted in the identifying process of other issues that would have caused future closures. 

Much of the reorientation in the Park, as a result of the debris cleanup following the Bobcat Fire and mud/debris flow, allowed for enhancements to take place. The closure of the Park presented an opportunity to make enhancements that the community could enjoy for years to come without facing a closure of this length.  City Council approved the enhancement in 2023. The Monrovia Canyon Park Groundbreaking took place in April 2024. Below are the upgrades that took place during the closure:

• Installation of Conduit
  • The Park received installation of conduit under the roads to allow for better connectivity and access to the Park. Internet and power are needed to ensure that water pumps, emergency alarms, and tools needed by staff online are accessible during all events, including emergencies.
• Increase in Parking Spaces
  • The Park increased its total vehicle parking from 87 to 111, including adding spaces to include ADA parking spots near the Canyon Park cabin.
• Expanding and Enclosing the Entrance Kiosk for Rangers
  • The new enclosed Kiosk will allow for two rangers to manage the entrance and exit of the park. It has windows, an HVAC system, storage, and a computer area. This allows them to have access to the internet and tools they need to ensure the Park continues to be managed efficiently.
• Canyon Park Educational Center
  • The new educational center has been installed after the existing picnic tables in the area were washed away during the rainstorms. The open gathering space will allow events, educational programs, and more to take place in a raised and safe area in the park. The educational center is filled with river rock, and repurposed tree trunks and decomposed granite was used in the gathering space.

• Overlook at Nature Center

  • A safe overlook area was installed at the Nature Center parking lot to allow people to overlook the park and beyond. Safety measures were also installed, allowing for the overlook area to be brought up to code and allow everyone to enjoy the views. 

All of the enhancements made over the last year have been with the Community's best interest in mind. We can't wait for you and your family to hike our trail, visit our overlook, and have our elementary schools take advantage of our education center. We promise, it will be worth the wait!