Money donated by the Aileen Getty Foundation will help fund the project's environmental impact report.

Plans for creating a 44-acre park over the Hollywood Freeway are moving forward "one major step" following the announcement of a substantial donation to the planning process.

Supporters of the "Hollywood Cap Park," as it's locally known, were seeking to close a $1.2 million gap to help fund an environmental impact report, which is a state-required analysis.

Thanks to a donation from the Aileen Getty Foundation announced on Wednesday, the analysis can move forward. It helps supporters reach their $2 million goal combined with the city's $825,000 approval to fund a portion of the study.

Initially, the Community Redevelopment Agency of L.A. had committed to fully funding the report, but funding hit a snag when the California State Supreme Court abolished the agencies.

“The Hollywood Central Park is all about building community and celebrating our commonality in a natural environment – an imaginative urban park built atop the
Hollywood Freeway,” said philanthropist Aileen Getty in a press statement. “The Park will allow people of all ages to connect to each other and to nature. I am energized by the opportunity to support this project. I believe it is a vital link in creating greater quality of life in our city.”

Friends of the Hollywood Central Park have made trips to Washington D.C. seeking federal support for the project. It is estimated to cost $950 million. Supporters say the project will create 45,000 jobs and help unite commities separated by the freeway.

“FHCP is overwhelmed by Aileen Getty’s magnificent donation – her indomitable spirit and commitment to Hollywood knows no bounds,” said FHCP President, Laurie Goldman. “Aileen Getty is an extraordinary and special person whom we are honored to call our friend. The Aileen Getty Foundation gift allows FHCP to begin the environmental review process and takes us one major step closer to building the Hollywood Central Park.”

— Lindsey Baguio