Disney Imagineers to help rebuild beloved Altadena park destroyed by Eaton fire
ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Disney Imagineers are giving back to communities affected by the Southern California wildfires in a special way.
On Monday, the Walt Disney Company announced that its Imagineers are helping rebuild and reimagine public spaces that were lost in the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County. Specifically, Charles White Park, a beloved park in Altadena, which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
"Our ethos is creativity," said Emily Dow, lead Disney Imagineer on the reconstruction effort. "It is about families. And I hope that we inspire the joy that returns to the community, but also the imagination and the creativity it will take to bring Altadena back."
Rebuilding Charles White Park is part of Disney's ongoing $15 million commitment to help L.A. County recover from the disaster, according to a statement from the Walt Disney Company. $5 million will be directed toward the reopening of Charles White Park.
The rebuild will have elements inspired by Altadena's Deodar Cedar pinecones, a splash pad, bridges, boulders, slides and swings.Additionally, Disney will build a new amphitheater for performances and community events.
"With the donation from Disney and the community coming together, I think it has really become a possibility to get this back in action as quickly as possible," Dow added.
Disney's efforts to help Altadena rebuild don't stop there. This holiday season, the company will also support the community's beloved traditions: The Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival on Dec. 6.
The press release says that a touch of Disney Magic will be present with character appearances, meaningful volunteer opportunities to support families in need and more. Additionally, Disney will support the community's annual toy drive with a donation of more than 1,000 toys.
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When asked what all of this will mean to Altadena, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena, said it will mean "hope."
"I want people to feel a sense of community again," Barger told ABC7. "Right now you have people relocated all over the county, outside the county. I want this community to come back together and celebrate not just the homes, but the businesses."
"The start of construction for the re-design of Charles White Park is scheduled to begin in March of 2026.
ABC News contributed to this report. Disney is the parent company of this station.
