On Tuesday, city officials announced that the Pico Rivera Sports Arena and other community venues may disappear due to repair work on the Whittier Narrows Dam. The Army Corps of Engineers stated that the dam requires repairs to prevent critical flooding, which would impact these facilities.
The closure of these facilities is expected to have a negative impact on the city’s economy, resulting in income and job losses. The Pico Rivera Sports Arena has been a popular destination since it opened in 1979, hosting concerts, rodeos, and cultural events for the Hispanic community in Los Angeles County.
Pico Rivera Mayor Andrew Lara expressed concern over the potential loss of these valuable assets but emphasized the city’s resilience and strength. He also highlighted that Streamland Park closure will lead to discontinuation of Pico Boys Baseball League, which has been running for 68 years.
To address these potential losses, the city has introduced a $125 million revitalization program that includes the development of new parks, open spaces, and sports facilities. Lara emphasized that the city is working to secure funding to mitigate the impact of closures and capitalize on new opportunities for growth and development.