ALTADENA, Calif. — A major piece of Charles S. Farnsworth Park’s post-fire restoration is moving into construction planning, with $1.4 million committed to rebuilding two baseball and softball fields. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Los Angeles County scheduled a groundbreaking for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the historic Altadena park.

The new facilities are designated Dodgers Dreamfields 69 and 70 in the foundation’s youth recreation program. The partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is intended to restore organized sports opportunities and bring families back to a community gathering place damaged in the January 2025 Eaton Fire.

What happened to the park?

The fire severely damaged the park, including the historic William D. Davies Building, support structures, facilities and utility systems. The 2026 ballfield investment addresses two recreation areas; it does not mean that every building, playground or public facility has already been restored.

What organizers announced for November 5

The Dodgers Foundation’s November 2 notice called for a ceremony with county and foundation representatives, including Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell. The Altadena Town Council also publicized a county restoration program beginning at 10 a.m. and a ballfield groundbreaking at 11 a.m. These were advance announcements; completion of the fields and reopening of the entire park are separate milestones.

When can residents return?

Farnsworth Park remains on LA County Parks’ list of facilities closed because of the fires. Residents should not interpret the groundbreaking as authorization to enter closed areas. The county’s reopening notices, construction progress and access rules should be checked before making recreation plans.

Local residents who want to follow the recovery can consult LA County Parks’ official site and announcements from the Altadena Town Council.

Sources: Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Nov. 2, 2026; Los Angeles County Parks: current closures.

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