Monrovia press release on $250k county grant to fix up Julian Fisher Park:
A 1.8 acre park that had its aging and vandalized playground equipment removed more than two years ago will finally get some of the funding it needs.
On Tuesday, Councilwoman Becky Shevlin announced that Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich awarded a $250,000 grant to the City of Monrovia for the refurbishment of Julian Fisher Park, at Almond and California Avenues. The money is coming from Safe Neighborhoods Parks Propositions of 1992 and 1996, commonly referred to as Proposition A/Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. It is expected to be received by the City in three months.
It has not yet been determined what exactly the money will be used for in refurbishing the park, "but we are extremely excited and thankful to have the funds and look forward to putting it to good use in the near future," Councilwoman Shevlin said.
Mayor Mary Ann Lutz said she is grateful to both Supervisor Antonovich and Councilwoman Shevlin for working together to secure these funds for a park that has been on the forefront of many community members' minds.
"We have heard from residents for several years now that they want to see improvements at Julian Fisher Park," Mayor Lutz said. "It is refreshing to be able to say to the community that not only have we been listening, but we finally have some funding to make a change."
The Julian Fisher improvements and equipment upgrades have been on the City Council's approved Parks Capital Projects list for many years, but as an unfunded project. The playground equipment alone has a $350,000 price tag. Adding restrooms and upgrading the basketball courts, water fountains, gazebos and picnic benches are also on the improvement list but are still unfunded.
Family members of Mr. Fisher said they are elated that the park will be restored, and that it is a reminder to continue fundraising efforts to make up for the remaining funding gap.
"On behalf of the Fisher family, we are ecstatic to hear that we have received this funding," said Betty Thomas, a longtime Monrovia resident and granddaughter of Mr. Fisher.
The park is named after Julian Fisher, one of Monrovia's first African American police officers. Mr. Fisher was educated in the Monrovia schools and was the first African American male to graduate from the high school. He also played as a semi-professional baseball player for the Monrovia Merchants. Mr. Fisher was a respected member of the community and the police department, where he served for 30 years. He passed away in 1979 at the age of 82.
Mrs. Thomas said she will be announcing the receipt of the grant and the continued fundraising efforts at a Black History Month event hosted by the Monrovia-Duarte Black Alumni Association on Saturday, February 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Julian Fisher Park.
"Receiving this funding will hopefully light a fire under the community as work to continue to raise funds for this park," Thomas said. "Our main concern has been the full utilization of the park, and hopefully this funding and future fundraising will allow us to do that."
Julian Fisher is one of seven parks in the City.
"In working with our cities and town councils, developing parks and open space recreational areas is a vital part of the County's effort to improve the quality of life for our residents," Supervisor Antonovich said. "We are pleased to announce $250,000 to the City of Monrovia to refurbish Julian Fisher Park."
- Brad Haugaard
