Green Light for Glory: Palisades Recreation Center Rises from the Ashes with Caruso's Steadfast Boost

SANTA MONICA - Just over a year after the devastating Palisades Fire scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and upended countless lives, Pacific Palisades is getting some long-awaited good news: the beloved Recreation Center is officially cleared for a full-speed rebuild.

Developer and philanthropist Rick Caruso took to X on Wednesday to deliver the update that has neighbors cheering. "We got the green light!" he posted. "LA Department of Recreation and Parks officially signed off & we are moving full speed ahead rebuilding Palisades Park."

The project is the flagship effort of Steadfast LA, the civic nonprofit Caruso launched in February 2025 to cut through red tape and bring private-sector muscle to public recovery. Working hand-in-hand with the city, the group is delivering exactly what Caruso promised from day one: "accelerate recovery by bringing the speed and expertise of the private sector to public projects."

Teaming up with Lakers head coach JJ Redick - a Pacific Palisades resident whose own home was lost in the flames - and Redick's LA Strong Sports Foundation, Steadfast LA has already helped redesign the facility with upgraded indoor basketball courts, modern playgrounds and community spaces built to withstand the next wildfire. A slick video attached to Caruso's post offers a tantalizing glimpse of what's coming: brighter, safer, better than before.

Twitter

Rick Caruso in Palisades Park

For a community still digging out from $25 billion in damage and the loss of 12 lives, the approval feels like a genuine win. "Stay positive," Caruso urged his followers - and many are.

Not everyone, of course. Some replies on X wondered why park upgrades are moving faster than home rebuilds. Others asked about fire-aid money or grumbled that resources should go to housing first. One skeptic quipped it better not turn into a homeless shelter.

Yet even the doubters can't deny the symbolism. The Palisades Recreation Center wasn't just a gym and playground - it was the heartbeat of the neighborhood. Kids learned to swim there. Families picnicked. Coaches turned raw talent into champions. Watching it burn was heartbreaking; watching it rise again is healing.

Steadfast LA's public-private model is already being eyed for other fire-ravaged sites. If the Palisades project stays on its accelerated timeline, it could become the blueprint for turning disaster into opportunity across Los Angeles.

In a city often criticized for moving at a glacial pace, Caruso and company just proved private-sector hustle and city partnership can deliver results - and hope - when it matters most.

Pacific Palisades residents can expect shovels in the ground soon. The phoenix is officially clearing its throat.

The Santa Monica Observer will keep you posted as dirt starts flying and basketballs start bouncing once more in the Palisades. Original x.com thread: https://x.com/RickCarusoLA/status/2026721133660352721