Disney has shared new details about a major community restoration effort underway in Southern California, announcing that a reimagined public park designed by Walt Disney Imagineering is set to open to the public in 2026. The project is part of The Walt Disney Company's broader commitment to helping Los Angeles County recover after the catastrophic wildfires that swept through the region earlier this year, leaving several devastated neighborhoods down the road from Disneyland Resort.
Disaster Down the Road From Disneyland
The January wildfires in Los Angeles County were among the most catastrophic in California's history. In the aftermath, The Walt Disney Company committed $15 million toward recovery efforts benefiting Disneyland Resort's neighboring Southern California communities. As part of this commitment, Disney announced that $5 million would be allocated toward the redesign of Charles White Park and two other community parks in Altadena, all of which sustained significant damage from the January disaster.
Walt Disney Imagineers have been collaborating with local leaders and Los Angeles County officials to completely reimagine Charles White Park, transforming the space into a family-friendly environment that honors the community while rebuilding what was lost. Several Imagineers personally affected by the 2025 wildfires have contributed volunteer hours to the project, making the effort even more meaningful to those involved. Imagineers have also stepped in to assist with the rehabilitation of two additional parks in the region.
“Los Angeles has been home to The Walt Disney Company since its founding more than a century ago, which is why we felt a special responsibility to help this community rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires earlier this year,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “I'm incredibly proud of our Imagineers who are volunteering their time and talents to help reimagine cherished public spaces like Charles White Park. Their work is not only a testament to Disney's creative spirit, but also to our deep commitment to our neighbors throughout this region. We hope this effort brings comfort, joy, and a sense of renewal to the Altadena community for years to come.”
Disney Park Magic in Southern California
The updated Charles White Park will reopen in 2026 with new play areas inspired by Altadena's iconic Deodar Cedar pinecones, along with a splash pad, boulders, slides, swings, and a redesigned community center. Plans also include an outdoor amphitheater for public entertainment, and Imagineers have made efforts to preserve surviving elements of the original park that were not destroyed by the wildfire.
Theme park journalist Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) shared concept art of the newly designed space on X (formerly Twitter):
Disney is directing $5 million toward the reopening of Altadena’s Charles White Park as part of its ongoing $15 million commitment to help LA recover after wildfires. The park will reopen next year with a new community center and an enhanced playground with Disney touches.
Disney is directing $5 million toward the reopening of Altadena’s Charles White Park as part of its ongoing $15 million commitment to help LA recover after wildfires. The park will reopen next year with a new community center and an enhanced playground with Disney touches. pic.twitter.com/fIn7qxUKHn
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 17, 2025
Beyond Charles White Park, Disney is also supporting redevelopment at two nearby Altadena parks affected by the wildfires. Additionally, the company will play a significant role in this year's Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival, scheduled for December 6, 2025. The event will feature “character appearances, festive moments, and meaningful volunteer opportunities to support families in need during the season.” Disney also plans to donate 1,000 toys to the holiday toy drive associated with the century-old community tradition.
Since the wildfire recovery efforts began, The Walt Disney Company has hosted several “Disney Field Days” in Palisades, Brentwood, and Altadena. These student-focused events have included character visits and immersive experiences inspired by Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and more. In addition, Disney loaned films to 60 family movie nights across Los Angeles County in September and October, helping bring entertainment and community connection to families still recovering from the disaster.
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