Whittier has completed initial construction on the Whittier Greenway Trail, a five-mile bicycle/pedestrian trail which replaces an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The official dedication of the trail was held Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Palm Park.

The Whittier Greenway Trail begins in the northwest corner of Whittier, near the 605 Freeway, and closely parallels Whittier Boulevard. When it reaches Painter Avenue, it travels along Lambert Road to Mills Avenue, which is where the abandoned right-of-way ends. There is an active rail line traveling east from Mills to the City limits, and Whittier hopes to eventually acquire an easement along this line to take the Trail to the City limits and link the Greenway to Orange County.

The Whittier Greenway Trail is included in the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (LACMTA) "Southeast Area Bicycle Master Plan." The trail passes through residential, commercial, industrial and institutional land uses in Whittier, connecting these various elements of the community and allowing residents and visitors to hike or bike through town.

Special benefits of the Whittier Greenway Trail to the City include alleviating traffic congestion, improving air quality and providing a scenic greenbelt area through the center of Whittier. The trail also provides increased safety for those who prefer to bike or walk to their destinations. The Greenway connects with the local and regional bus systems, including Whittier Transit (operated by Norwalk Transit), MTA, Foothill Transit, Montebello Bus Lines and Norwalk Transit.

The cost to purchase the abandoned Union Pacific right-of-way was $3.2 million, and the City closed escrow in December 2001. Construction costs of the trail were approximately $8 million. All acquisition and development funds come from state and federal sources. The bulk of the money for the project has come from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Caltrans grants. Also, the State has contributed more than $2.3 million, primarily through bond funds.

Whittier Greenway Trail Brochure 

Whittier Greenway Trail Plant Brochure   (May experience long download time)

Whittier Greenway Trail Bike Map 


Whittier Greenway Trail Grants                                                                              
The Whittier Greenway Trail has received several new grants since the pathway was opened in 2009.

    Wind Sculptures – West of Mills; at Five Points; and at Palm Park. A commercial development fee paid for the eleven beautiful and unique wind sculptures at three locations along the trail. The AIPP Committee and the Cultural Arts Commission worked with New Mexico artist Lyman Whitaker to install these large pole-top designs about four and five feet in width that move with the wind, creating a dynamic and energetic element to the Greenway Trail. funded by Art in Public Places.
  Oak Station – West of Mills Avenue. This exhibit describes Whittier's founding as a Quaker colony and traces the community's evolution. Three wind sculptures are displayed near the interpretive panels. Funded by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.


  Sycamore Station – North of Five Points. This exhibit recognizes the native California sycamore trees and describes the history of transportation along this corridor from the wagons and railroads that transported citrus crops to the early automobiles that traveled along the path of a pre-Whittier Boulevard. Funded by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. 

  Citrus Station – South of Penn Street. This exhibit features Whittier’s agricultural history and the need for water policy and conservation.
The exhibit is near the old Sunkist packing house (now King Richard’s Antiques) and focuses on the historical importance of that facility and the railroad to the local citrus industry. Funded by Central Basin Water District and Metropolitan Water District. 


  Palm Station – At Palm Park. The Whittier Conservancy received a grant from Southern California Edison to use historic wooden columns from the Fred C. Nelles site for an arbor on the Whittier Greenway Trail.  Future Palm Station exhibit panels will review the architecture of Whittier’s oldest residential neighborhoods with the predominant styles of architecture of Craftsman, Spanish, and Victorian.


Whittier Greenway Trail Awards

Several organizations have recently recognized the Whittier Greenway Trail for its design, operation, and community benefit. The City Council was pleased to accept these awards and is thankful that the trail was purchased, designed and constructed with regional, state, and federal funds, leaving our limited City funds to be used on other community priorities.
California Park and Recreation Society        
Park Planning - Specialty Park
Award of Excellence
2010

State of California Parks
California Trails and Greenways
Merit Award
2010

League of California Cities
Helen Putnam
Award of Excellence
2010