Since 2005 there has been over a 2,600% increase in trail use at Hellman Park. The average daily use at this trailhead is 1,087 people, far more than was designed for this location. It is fantastic that people are exercising and enjoying nature, however, trail overuse has the potential to cause negative impacts to the flora and fauna, and trails on the property.
Balancing recreation with natural resource preservation is what we try to accomplish with our management of the Puente Hills Preserve, which is in total 3,870 acres including areas of Whittier, Hacienda Heights and La Habra Heights. We are currently examining how to address this issue, and staff is planning to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors in October.
Permanent closure of Hellman Park will not be recommended at this time. As always, we welcome everyone to come out and enjoy the trails, at anyone of our many trailheads identified on our website.
