Satoru Tsuneishi Park Development Project

The City of Monrovia is currently working on the final design concepts for Satoru Tsuneishi Park!  We would like to thank the community members who offered their ideas, participated Community Services Commission meetings, and contributed to park planning activities. As the project moves forward we expect to complete the design concepts and project engineering this Fall 2024, followed by bidding the project for construction in the Fall.  It is anticipated that park construction by the end of the year.

Below, you can find background information on the new park project, how the park got its name, and links to learn more about Satoru Tsuneishi.

As a part of the development of the former Claim Jumper site, The Hale Corporation donated approximately 8,600 square feet to the City for the purpose of a new park in South Monrovia.

The City of Monrovia cherishes its history and many of our park names tell a story of Monrovia's history. On September 5, 2023, during its regular City Council Meeting, the Monrovia City Council opened the nomination period to name the new park with the hope that the tradition of sharing Monrovia's history continues. 

A few possible themes discussed during the meeting included:

• Route 66
• Citrus Industry
• Japanese Farmers

Please review staff's presentation for more information, or refer to the YouTube video below beginning at 2:04:58 mark.  

On October 7, 2023 the City hosted a Community Meeting to hear from residents about what they would like the new park to look like. Community members were also given the opportunity to vote on their favorite park amenities and create park maps to offer input on the overall park design.

On January 16, 2024 the City Council voted unanimously to approve “Satoru Tsuneishi Park” as the name for the New City Park located at 1111 Encino Avenue.  The City has a history of naming park facilities after notable community members, such as Julian Fisher Park and Lucinda Garcia Park, both contemporaries of Satoru Tsuneishi. In honoring Mr. Tsuneishi and his family, the City also honors Asian Americans who have lived or remain living in Monrovia and contribute significantly to our City’s quality of life.

 To learn more about the process taken to name the park and the history of Satoru Tsuneishi, watch the YouTube video of the City Council Study Session held before the Council Meeting on January 16, 2024.

Over the course of several months, City Staff and the Community Services Commission worked to incorporate the ideas from the community into the new Tsuneishi Park design.  On May 21, 2024 the City Council held a Study Session to review the park concept design and proposed park amenities. You can view the Study Session video and park design below. If you have any questions or wish to offer a suggestion, please email Heather Gibson at HGibson@monroviaca.gov

City Council Study Session, May 21, 2024

Additional Resources and Links

• Learn more about Monrovia’s History, including the Tsuneishi family, by visiting the Monrovia’s Legacy Project at https://cityofmonrovia.pastperfectonline.com/
• Learn more about Monrovia Parks - Parks in Monrovia
• Learn more about the Parks Master Plan - City of Monrovia Parks Master Plan

For more information, please contact the Monrovia Community Services Department at (626) 256-8246 or email Heather Gibson at HGibson@monroviaca.gov