New Public Waterfront Area Opens Near LA Port

LOS ANGELES, CA — As part of an effort to create new public waterfront access, officials on Saturday opened the $77.3 million Wilmington Waterfront Promenade, a nine-acre "window on the waterfront" near the Port of Los Angeles.

The project is located along the water's edge of berths 183- 186 and adjacent to Banning's Landing Community Center. It includes three areas: the promenade, the bluff and the upland expanse, each of which offer seating, views and amenities for pets, city officials said.

"The lack of public access to the waterfront in Wilmington has been a longstanding injustice, especially given the significant history of this community in the founding and development of the Port of Los Angeles," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker. "This promenade will allow residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, dynamic setting and admire the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, right here in the heart of the harbor."

The upland expanse includes pedestrian and bike trails and is landscaped with more than 200 pink trumpet, Italian stone pine, Torrey pine and palm trees. It also includes planters with California-native and drought-tolerant plants and a six-stall public restroom, officials said.

"When the Port does well, our local community benefits, allowing us to invest in more projects like these that enhance the quality of life for our surrounding Port communities," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.