Officials to Break Ground Saturday on Rebuilding Altadena’s Fire-Burned Charles White Park

Officials will break ground Saturday, Oct. 3, on the rebuilding of Charles White Park in West Altadena, the five-acre county park that, along with its new playground, was consumed by the Eaton Fire in January 2025.

The program is scheduled to include the planting of a large oak tree with a backhoe, a ceremonial dirt toss by dignitaries, an art activities corner, T-shirt printing, and displays of the future park, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said.

Expected guests include U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Assemblymember John Harabedian, state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, artist Ian White, Charles White’s son, officials from the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation and the county parks department, and the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, the department said.

The restoration plans include dozens of native trees, a new playground designed by Disney Imagineers, a new recreation center, and public art and displays honoring Charles White, the park’s namesake, the department said. The department credits funding from Harabedian and The Walt Disney Co. with kickstarting the plans.

Barger’s office said in November 2025 that a $5 million contribution from Disney brought the total secured for the park to $10.5 million. Disney has said the plans include a splash pad and an amphitheater.

“Having a place and space for gathering with friends and neighbors to exchange ideas and share reflections is incredibly meaningful, as our community has been spread across the Los Angeles County area due to the devastating and tragic Eaton Fire,” Ian White said when Disney announced its contribution.

NEED TO KNOW: The Charles White Park Groundbreaking is Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at Charles White Park, 77 Mountain View St., Altadena. For more, visit parks.lacounty.gov/charles-white-park.