Disney Pledges $5 Million to Rebuild Altadena’s Charles White Park With Help From Imagineers

Disney has pledged $5 million to help rebuild a park in Altadena that was destroyed by January’s wildfire, with help from the members of the company’s famously innovative Walt Disney Imagineering department.

Charles White Park, which sits just off Fair Oaks Avenue near the Pasadena-Altadena border, will include “the revitalized park will feature a new community center and an enhanced playground infused with Disney magic to bring joy to families in the area for its anticipated reopening in 2026,” Disney said.

Disney disclosed Monday that some Imagineers have already been working with Los Angeles County officials on the site planning, landscape architecture and playground design for the five-acre site. Disney is supporting the rebuilding of the park as part of its $15 million donation to Los Angeles area wildfire relief that followed the wind-whipped infernos that devastated Altadena in the foothills above Pasadena as well as across the county in Pacific Palisades near the Santa Monica coastline.

Disney is also helping to rebuild two other park sites in Altadena that were nearly destroyed by the fire. A number of staff in Walt Disney Imagineering lost homes during the Altadena and Palisades fire, adding urgency and purpose to their work.

“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 chief 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.”

Kathryn Barger, member of the LA County Board of Supervisors, praised Disney for its donation of money as well as resources via the Imagineers.

“Knowing that Disney’s Imagineers will pour their time, talent, and compassion into Altadena’s recovery is truly inspiring,” said 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 also embraced a longstanding Christmas tradition that kicks off the holiday season for many families in the wider area. Per the Disney annnouncement:

“Disney is also supporting one of Altadena’s most cherished traditions: The Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival on December 6. First organized in 1920, this event is one of the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas light displays in the world. The company will bring some signature Disney Magic to the lighting event, including character appearances, festive moments, and meaningful volunteer opportunities to support families in need during the season. Disney also will help support the community’s annual toy drive with a donation of more than 1,000 toys that evening.”