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Councilmember Price and DPW welcome new trees along MLK

Posted on 11/19/2020
Tree Planting Ceremony on MLK blvd with CM Price Commissioner Garcia and StreetsLA staff and executives

City Councilmember Curren Price and Public Works employees were in front of Wadsworth Elementary School near Exposition Park in November to plant a tree as part of 50 new sidewalk trees that will be added on Martin Luther King Boulevard by StreetsLA.

“The addition of these trees will revitalize one of Los Angeles’ largest and most iconic streets while improving the air quality, creating a cooling effect and providing a healthier environment for all people using Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Price. “This is the start of an exciting project that will transform this portion of District 9 over the course of the next several years; one that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, whether walking to and from school or visiting one of the many destination attractions in Exposition Park!

Joining the Councilmember were Board of Public Works President Greg Good, Board of Public Works Commissioner Teresa Villegas and StreetsLA Assistant Director Greg Spotts along with a few local students, with social distance protocols followed.

"Tree canopy is an important element in helping cool densely populated areas of our City,” said Board of Public Works Commissioner Teresa Villegas. “Planting trees along the busy corridor of Martin Luther King Blvd. will be a great visual and health benefit for those living and working in this area.”

"We're adding dozens of trees along Martin Luther King Boulevard to provide shade and urban cooling," said StreetsLA Executive Director and General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. "This is part of our commitment to equity and to increase tree canopy in the areas of the City that need it most."

The tree plantings are part of a larger street improvement project that is planned along Martin Luther King Boulevard and proposed to include pedestrian-level lighting, sidewalk and curb ramp upgrades/repairs, new landscaped medians, and placemaking elements, such as gateway monuments and custom bike racks.