The Walt Disney Company has committed to supporting Altadena with $15 million after the horrific wildfires that devastated many areas in Los Angeles earlier this year. $5 million of these proceeds is being directed to support the reopening of Altadena’s Charles White Park, which was destroyed in the January blaze. This will feature a new community center and an enhanced playground infused with Disney magic to bring joy to the families who visit.

More than just donating money, Disney is also utilizing its skills to help make this an incredible park when it reopens in 2026. Walt Disney Imagineering is utilizing its creative talents to rebuild and reimagine public spaces.

Earlier this year, Imagineers began to work closely with Los Angeles County staff to help reimagine the park in multiple ways. This includes site planning, landscape architecture, and playground. Some Imagineers tragically lost their own homes in the fires, which adds to the poignancy of these efforts. Disney is also supporting the recovery efforts of two other parks in Altadena, in addition to Charles White Park.

“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 Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “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 shared the following details about the plans for the rebuilt park:

The park enhancements will include play areas inspired by Altadena’s iconic Deodar Cedar pinecones, a whimsical splash pad, bridges, boulders, slides and swings that will create opportunities for imaginative play for kids of all ages. A new amphitheater will serve as a gathering place for performances and community events. Portions of the park that survived the fire will be carefully preserved, creating a meaningful blend of history and renewal.

“Knowing that Disney’s Imagineers will pour their time, talent, and compassion into Altadena’s recovery is truly inspiring,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Their work on Charles White Park and other community spaces is more than restoration. It is a gift of hope, joy, and healing for families who have endured so much this year.”

Disney has committed to helping restore Los Angeles, its home city for over 100 years. After the fires, Disney immediately responded with both an initial response with rebuilding efforts as teams from across the company mobilized to provide urgent support. Employees came together and organized donation drives, assembled hundreds of comfort kits and care packages, and honored local first responders with complimentary tickets to Disneyland Resort. There, they were honored with a cavalcade down the parade route at Disneyland.

“Charles White Park continues to be an integral part of the Altadena community,” said Emily Dow, Studio Executive, Architecture and Design for Disney Imagineering. “Disney is honored to partner with Los Angeles County to help restore and reimagine this special place, ensuring families can gather, play, and make memories for generations to come.”

“I want to express my appreciation to the Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation and Disney for their tremendous efforts in making this transformative moment possible,” said Ian White, son of Charles White. “Having a place and space for gathering with friends and neighbors to exchange ideas and share reflections is incredibly meaningful, as our community has been spread across the Los Angeles County area due to the devastating and tragic Eaton Fire. What this building will represent in terms of programming possibilities and community engagement is monumental to the spirit of the park and Charles White’s life’s work.”

Disney is also supporting one of the most cherished traditions in Altadena: The Christmas Tree Land Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival. This takes place on December 6th. It was first organized in 1920 and is one of the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas light displays in the world. The company will bring some of its signature Disney Magic to the lighting event. There will be character appearances, festive moments, and volunteer opportunities to support families in need during the season. On top of that, Disney is going to support the community’s annual toy drive with a donation of more than 1,000 toys on that evening.

Disney has also been bringing joy to local students in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and Altadena with its “Disney Field Days.” These are highly immersive experiences that feature themed activities from Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. This includes hands-on activities, interactive games, and visits from classic Disney characters. Disney has also provided its films for 60 family movie nights in different locations throughout Los Angeles County during September and October.

More information about Disney’s support for the Los Angeles wildfires relief can be found here.

What do you think of the park renderings and these initiatives? What do you think of Disney using its resources to help with this recovery? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!