In an announcement on Tuesday, city officials revealed that the Pico Rivera Sports Arena and other community venues may be lost due to repairs on the Whittier Narrows Dam. The Army Corps of Engineers stated that the dam requires repairs to prevent critical flooding, which would impact the sports stadium, golf course, and Streamland Park in Pico Rivera.
The closures of these facilities are expected to have a significant negative impact on the city’s economy, resulting in income and job losses. The Pico Rivera Sports Arena has been a popular destination since its opening in 1979, hosting concerts, rodeos, and cultural events for the Hispanic community in Los Angeles County.
Pico Rivera Mayor Andrew Lara expressed his concern over the potential loss of these valuable assets but highlighted the city’s resilience and strength. To address the 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 the closures and capitalize on new opportunities for growth and development.