CCS worked closely with Legacy LA, the community-based leader in this North Boyle Heights community, to develop the vision and plans for the Natural Park-Air Pollution Solution for the Ramona Gardens Housing Development. This is a first-of-its-kind, nature-based approach to improve air quality and public health, integrating ecosystem science, engineering and community needs to help make Ramona Gardens a healthier place to live, work and play.

The Ramona Gardens Housing Development is located immediately adjacent to a 15-lane freeway and transit corridor, and is in the top 1% of the most polluted communities in California. It is designated as severely disadvantaged by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).

CCS conceived of the vision and the integration of air pollution reduction measures for the Natural Park at Ramona Gardens, and directed the concept planning, coordination with public agencies and community outreach and engagement. CCS developed the communications strategy and materials in both English and Spanish, and the website design.

CCS secured over $1 million from state agencies for the concept plan, community engagement, Air Pollution reduction measures analysis and schematic design. CCS led a large team of air quality scientists, engineers, habitat restoration scientists and landscape architects to develop these plans. CCS supported Legacy LA in pursuing additional public funding sources, and Esther Feldman provided in-depth training for Legacy LA staff in advancing projects from concept to construction and in working with elected officials and public agencies.

Update: As of June 2022, Legacy LA was successful in getting a $1 million congressional earmark to advance the Natural Park, and additional funding from the California Air Resources Board.

Combining community priorities, ecosystem science and engineering, the Natural Park will plant native trees, shrubs and plants to transform land between Ramona Gardens and the 15-lane freeway corridor into a beautiful ‘Nature in the City’ park. This innovative 'Big Nature' approach will reduce air and noise pollution, recycle stormwater, build resiliency to climate change and provide a wonderful green open space for families and children to gather, walk and play.

The Natural Park design features an Anti-Pollution Green Buffer with over 15,000 native trees, shrubs and plants and a pollution and sound barrier to maximize reduction of air pollutants and noise from the three freeways surrounding Ramona Gardens, and especially from the immediately adjacent 15-lane freeway and transit corridor.