Eric Richardson [Flickr]

Participants in Walk Downtown LA head down Los Angeles street.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — At 5:30 this evening a crowd will gather on the Olive street side of the L.A. Athletic Club. Once assembled, they'll go for a walk.

It's a pretty simple idea, and one that encourages residents and office workers to explore their surroundings. Walk Downtown LA kicked off two weeks ago, and this Friday's walk takes participants down to South Park and the developments at LA Live.

The weekly walk series was put together by the L.A. Athletic Club. There's a one-time $25 suggested donation that benefits Good Samaritan Hospital, and in return walkers get a guide-book to the streets of Downtown and a spiffy green t-shirt.

The walks last until 7:30pm, and average roughly three miles. The goal is to give each week a destination, where walkers can learn about Downtown as they trek around it. Week one headed to City Hall, where Councilman Tom LaBonge took the crowd up the tower to the observation deck. Week two passed through the Old Bank District, and developer Tom Gilmore gave tours of Vibiana and the Farmers & Merchants Bank. Today's walk heads south and features a stop at LA Live.

The walks are the brainchild of LAAC's Adventure Club, which has set the more lofty goal of walking every street in Downtown. The Friday evening strolls are the group's chance to involve more of the community and help an important Downtown institution.