Toxic waste left over from the work done at the Taylor Yard had to be systematically removed and treated before it would be deemed safe for public use by the city.

After months of demolition and work done by conservationist groups, Rio de Los Angeles State Park was opened on April 21, 2007.

The vast majority of the area consisting of the former Taylor Yard has now become overgrown and covered in thick brush consisting mainly of deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), greasewood (Adenostoma fasciculatum), desert lavender (Hyptis emoryi), manzanita, desert fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), California poppy, and various other species of plants.

The park is inhabited by a thriving population of coyote, gray fox, raccoon, striped skunk, Virginia opossum (introduced), desert cottontail, brush rabbit, California ground squirrel, woodrat, Botta's pocket gopher, various species of mice, as well as the highly invasive brown rat.

The park also hosts a variety of reptilian and amphibian species which include California kingsnake, Pacific rattlesnake, gopher snake, two-striped garter snake, bullfrog (introduced), western fence lizard, common side-blotched lizard, common mudpuppy (introduced), as well as the endangered western pond turtle.