New Park Additions Unveiled at Toyon Canyon Landfill

Councilman Tom LaBonge joined public works officials Monday at the site of an inactive landfill to unveil new park amenities, including a picnic area and a horse drinking trough.

The Toyon Canyon Landfill, which operated from 1957 until 1985, became a Griffith Park hiking and horseback riding destination after the dump's official closure in 2008.

In 2012, the city's Bureau of Sanitation began planting trees and shrubs and installing fencing for hikers and equestrians. The park enhancements also include a water trough for horses and a small picnic area.

"It's been a long 55 years, but this site is starting to look like a part of Griffith Park again," LaBonge said. "To reverse a quote from Joni Mitchell, this is an effort to bring back some paradise out of the parking lot."

The Toyon Canyon park site, which offers a view the city, is at 5050 Mt. Hollywood Drive.