City of Riverside’s Pamela Galera Elected to Prestigious American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows
Published: 10/23/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 23, 2024
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City of Riverside’s Pamela Galera Elected to Prestigious American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows
One of the highest honors from the organization recognizes exceptional contributions in the field
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has named Pamela Galera, the City of Riverside’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, as one of 40 Fellows in 2024, recognizing her for exceptional contributions to the profession and society at large.
Galera was nominated by the Southern California Chapter for leading more than 300 city employees to plan, design, construct, maintain, and program 3,000 acres of park and open space, and 14 community centers in Riverside. Galera now is focused on reconnecting the Riverside community to the Santa Ana River by creating a vibrant environmentally sustainable public realm called the River District.
“Pamela Galera’s leadership is moving Riverside’s parks, open spaces and recreational programs to a higher level of quality and accessibility, creating new opportunities today and for future generations,” City Manager Mike Futrell said. “Her groundbreaking work with the River District and connecting the community with the Santa Ana River is truly putting the ‘river back in Riverside’.”
Galera previously transformed the Santiago Creek corridor in the City of Orange by creating an 8-mile trail and bike path, leading creek restoration, and completing several new and renovated parks. She then focused on reconnecting the community to the Santa Ana River, forging new partnerships to create the Anaheim Coves natural open space, providing 2.5 miles of accessible trails, fitness zones, native riparian habitat, and a nature play area for nearby disadvantaged communities.
“The Santa Ana River is a Southern California treasure, and I am proud to have played a role in helping families across our region enjoy its natural beauty,” Galera said. “The ASLA recognition is a testament to the work we have done together to create a vibrant and engaging public space.”
Galera prioritizes creating meaningful opportunities for emerging professionals. As chapter president, she started a mentoring program, with partnerships with four university programs, partnering two dozen students with established landscape architects annually. That successful program led her to launch a networking group for female managers to mentor emerging women professionals.
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 15,000 members. Its mission is to empower members to design a sustainable and equitable world through landscape architecture.
“Landscape architecture makes the world a better place, and ASLA Fellows represent the most accomplished and admired leaders in the entire field,” said ASLA President SuLin Kotowicz, FASLA. “The professionals recognized in this year's class of ASLA Fellows have made consistent and exceptional contributions to resilience and sustainability, stronger and more beautiful communities, and human health, safety, and welfare.”
