Angels Knoll Park Still Coming Soon

By Eric Richardson
Published: Thursday, July 24, 2008, at 07:42PM

Eric Richardson [Flickr]

Angels Knoll Park may not yet be open for people, but pigeons have found it quite the place to hang out.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — When the redone Lower Angels Knoll Park got a delivery of greenery on June 24th, it seemed possible the park might just made its promised June 30th opening date.

One month later, a few more plants have made their way into the ground, but there’s no sign that opening the park to the public is much of a priority.

The project has been a long time coming. First conceived by the Council District 9 office in 1998, the project was largely funded out of the 2001 Metro Call for Projects, where CRA received $440,000. Additionally, $110,000 came out of the city’s Proposition C funds and $192,000 out of Bunker Hill Tax Increment / Bond Proceeds.

Once the funds were lined up and a design was completed, an RFP on construction was put out in September of 2006. In December, the CRA awarded Thomsen Landscape – the only bidder – with the construction job.

Work on the site commenced in the first quarter of 2007, and has progressed very slowly. In May, Assistant Project Manager Sharon Gi told Curbed that the park would be open June 30th. A call this afternoon to ask about a new opening date was not returned in time for this story.

PREVIOUSLY: Angels Knoll Park Gets a Planting

Lower Angels Knoll Quietly Opens at Foot of Bunker Hill
December 12, 2008
Stretch Run: L.A. Live vs Lower Angels Knoll
November 25, 2008
CRA To Use Goats to Clear Angels Knoll Hillside
September 05, 2008

Comments

® writes:

You know, I was just commenting that I should jump the fence and enjoy the park before it becomes our local boozers new hangout.

# on Jul.24.2008 AT 09:01 PM

Norbie 7 writes:

Yeah, hurry up and breathe in the freshness, before the scent of urine takes over. soon there’ll be so much yellow, it’ll prolly cause soil erosion.

No really: the CRA outta go out and hire sharpshooters. Any male who whips it out in public gets taken out.

# on Jul.24.2008 AT 11:28 PM

JM writes:

That area’s jinxed. Maybe the whole Angels thing is a curse on all projects in the area. The only way the park will stay clean is if Angels Flight ever opens (!?!?) and residents and tourists can walk around the area. This seems to be the best solution for the urinating. That and actually opening the public toilet that’s been sitting across the street for eons.

# on Jul.25.2008 AT 08:39 AM

William writes:

Yeah the toilet across the street hasnt worked for quite a while now! And yes, I believe that maybe the opening of the Angels Flight would in a way put stop to the urination maybe

# on Jul.25.2008 AT 09:11 AM

Haven writes:

Wont the CRA provide security and maintenance for the park? If so it seems they might be able to keep the place in good condition.

And- “- the only bidder -” that cant be good for the design or the budget. Couldnt they have asked a few more of the many landscape design companies to submit proposals?

# on Jul.25.2008 AT 09:22 AM

Richard writes:

Off topic, but it must be said! Angels’ Flight MUST be opened soon!

# on Jul.25.2008 AT 07:24 PM

Juanito writes:

“landscape design companies”?

Simple. Just use Platanus acerifolia ‘Electronimbus’ (Juanito’s Electrostatic Plane Tree). Anyone who pees near it get’s zapped up the wazzooo.

# on Jul.25.2008 AT 09:22 PM

David Kennedy writes:

I’ve occasionally wondered why some entrepreneur hasn’t created the ‘Electronimbus’. It would certainly meet a market need. Hmm, probably the start-up costs would have to include capital to fight off the ACLU and their inevitable lawsuit equating the right to urinate anywere with free speech. ‘Tis sad how far the ACLU has fallen.

# on Jul.26.2008 AT 09:22 PM

Brady Westwater writes:

The plant choices are totally bizarre. They don’t match each other, they don’t complement each other - succulents and ferns? - and what little ground cover there is to cover the dirt - is hideous.

# on Jul.28.2008 AT 07:58 PM

RC writes:

Why the hell don’t they plant a colorful flower garden? I agree with Brady. Some people have criticized the domes at Main and Spring, but at least they offer great color..as well as the trees that blossom. Does Downtown have an organization for gardeners who live in lofts? It seems like the Neighborhood Council could fund some flowers and have an organization tend to the flower beds. Anyone?

# on Aug.01.2008 AT 06:01 AM