During the 1960s there was an abundance of toads when the water flow was lower, and contained poorly-treated waste water. Yet this area had been channelized for several decades. So possibly cleaner, more abundant water and more predators reduced the toad population. 28 Taylor yard is one of the most promising areas for community redevelopment and recreation along the river. Proposals include a plan for a new park along the river with shops, resturants, and a hotel.
Several acres are available for incorporating redevelopment and open space.
Friends of the Los Angeles River hopes that community input will help create a project that meets more community needs than just moving water quickly to the ocean. Many local students participate in FoLAR's annual river clean up. A concrete floor is again in place as the water flows under the 110 freeway and south towards downtown Los Angeles and the convergence of the Arroyo Seco. Within a mile or two the river channel will pass the location where spanish explorers first recorded the river in 1769 and eventually established a community there. Two hundred years later, this area is an industrial urban center and transportation hub.