On Feb. 7, Tobias Avenue Park reopened in Panorama City after years of disuse.
Google Reviews gave the park 3.6 out of 5 stars, with some saying it was not a good place for families due to the unhoused population that resided there getting upset with visitors. Paraphernalia and drug trade were also commonly reported to take place in the park.
Now, the property, which spans 1.61 acres of land, has been remodeled to be a cleaner space with a gate surrounding the park thanks to community organizer and City Councilmember Imelda Padilla.
The project scope included the installation of new play equipment, construction of an accessible path inside the park and improvement of the park’s landscaping, such as grass. One safety feature, built in hopes of making the park safer, is a brand new tall black gate that goes along Tobias Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard.
“Today we celebrated the grand reopening of Tobias Park — a refreshed space for families, friends, and neighbors to gather and enjoy time together. The improvements and shared moments were a great reminder of how vital public spaces are for connection and community,” the councilmember said in the park’s reopening post on Instagram.
According to a report from the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners, approximately 15,785 residents live within a one-mile walking distance of Tobias Avenue Park.
Padilla is the current member of the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 6th district of eastern San Fernando Valley communities, such as Sun Valley, Van Nuys and Panorama City. She has filled the seat since 2023, after a special election called for the resignation of Nury Martinez.
The councilmember reported she’s grateful for her team and the city department that helped clean up the park.
“It shouldn’t be overrun with encampments; it shouldn’t be overrun with illegal dumping,” she said.
