Tape Watch: Some of Pershing Square Reopens
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Yesterday some of the Pershing Square tape came down, and ended up piled in the crate you can see pictured. Basic gist is that the east side periphery of the park is now open, as is the seating on the southeast side. The grass area and the seating area on the northwest side of the park remain closed.
It's a very welcome change, but an incomplete one. The grass area remains the central feature of the park. The fact that it is closed is the first thing people notice when they enter the park.
More after the jump.
Yesterday, walking around the newly opened areas I came to a realization: this tree-covered walkway on the southeast side of the park is its most compelling public space. In retrospect it's pretty obvious. It's shady. It has seating. It's green. In short it's most of the things the rest of the park isn't.
I'm headed out of town tomorrow (to go get married; more on that later), but I really hope the Pershing Square issue keeps getting brought up while I'm gone. Like the park or not, it's important public space.
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Kathleen Flynn on July 24, 2006, at 11:19AM – #1
I am writing a story for the Downtown News on the police tape situation at Pershing Square and I'm wondering if anybody who has been actively posting about it on this blog would like to be interviewed for the story. Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks, Kathleen Flynn Downtown News 213-481-1448
michael on July 24, 2006, at 02:40PM – #2
Here is an interesting response from Carol Jacobsen, the Pershing Square Facility Manager; "The area is currently opened during programs and concerts but is taped off at other times by our Parks unit. They are taking extra measures to make sure the grass stays healthy during our extremely hot weather. Parks will re-assess the situation next week and make an appropriate decision at that time."
That is just nonsense. I have replied, asking why the flat dirt needs the same healthy measure, but haven't yet received a response.
Big Dog on July 25, 2006, at 08:05AM – #3
More comes down today!
Here is a petition online: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/235665133
Michael
lbHUSTLER on July 25, 2006, at 01:49PM – #4
When I saw the tape I figured it was to keep all the creatures from skid row off the grass. It's news to me that heat kills a properly watered lawn? Grass will get ruined when folks and there belongings lay on it for extended periods of time. Also, the downtown variety of urine coming from the SR bums will scortch even the most resiliant of grasses. I think the truth of the matter is that they want to save the grass for special occasions and don't want the homeless (or their K-9 companions)ruining the grasses before they can throw another concert in the park series.
lbHUSTLER on July 25, 2006, at 02:57PM – #5
Celia, How have you been? I used to work in your building. Remember the white security gaurd. I used to open the garage for you and walk you to your door? I quit working there last summer, I work at The Hilton in Long Beach now. Just thought I'd say HI. Take care.