In a historic step to expand green space in District 5, both the Mountain View School District and the City of El Monte voted this week to approve a Joint Use Agreement to transform part of the former Prescott F. Cogswell Elementary School site into a long-awaited park and green space; demonstrating both agencies’ commitment to moving the project forward.
The creation of a new park addresses a significant need. Only 52% of El Monte residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, far below the national average, and less than 1% of the city’s land is dedicated to parks and recreation. This partnership provides an opportunity to expand green space and recreational opportunities for children and families in neighborhoods that currently lack access.
Green space is both limited and essential in El Monte. The currently vacant field on the east side of the Cogswell school buildings represent a rare and vital opportunity to serve a densely populated community that has never had a dedicated park in recent memory. The District’s decision to make this land available reflects its commitment to health, wellness, and community building, extending its impact beyond the classroom.
“The District is happy the City approached us with this partnership so we can support this need and work together in the best interest of our students and families,” said Dr. Raymond Andry, Superintendent of Mountain View School District. “I am grateful for our Board of Education’s vision, and we thank the City of El Monte’s leadership and City Manager, Alma Martinez, for their work in making this transformative project possible.”
“Our Board, many of whom grew up in this community, is proud to support this partnership,” said MVSD Board President, Jacqueline Saldaña. “We see firsthand how transformative this park will be for children and families. We are committed to creating safe, accessible spaces that bring our community together.”
Through swift collaboration between the District and City’s leadership, the City is now able to meet a tight deadline to apply for a $5 million Los Angeles County Regional Park grant that would partially be used to fund the park’s development.
City Manager Alma Martinez praised the partnership, noting that MVSD’s leadership and rapid response made the project possible. “This came together in record time thanks to the Mountain View School District’s leadership and commitment. Their support gave us the opportunity to bring a long-awaited green space to a community that has never had one.”
District 5 Councilmember Cindy Galvan, who grew up attending Cogswell Elementary, expressed gratitude to MVSD. “Cogswell will be our first park in District 5, and it’s deeply personal because that was the school I grew up in. I want to thank my colleagues and the Mountain View School District for giving us the opportunity to develop this for our children and families.”
Other councilmembers described the project as “transformative” and a “model of collaboration” between local government and the school district, promoting community health, equity, and togetherness.
The Cogswell green-space project stands as a clear example of how Mountain View School District continues to serve families and strengthen neighborhoods beyond the classroom, advancing its mission to inspire every student—and every community member—to succeed every day.
