Grand Avenue Asphalt Could Give Way to Downtown's Next Park
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
Extra width on this stretch of Grand Avenue could become a linear park under plans being prepared by the Community Redevelopment Agency.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — A stretch of Grand Avenue between 9th and Olympic could soon be going on a "road diet," giving way to space for a new linear park that would replace two existing traffic lanes.
The Community Redevelopment Agency is spearheading the project and this week will kick off a series of public meetings intended to help it fast-track a design and pursue state funding.
While taking lanes away from cars may be a foreign concept in Los Angeles, new security rules imposed after 9/11 required that street parking in front of the Federal Reserve be removed. That left an extra lane's worth of road width that did not continue south of Olympic. North of 9th and south of Olympic, Grand is narrower and striped for only four lanes. The block in between is wide enough to fit seven.
The site is adjacent to Grand Hope Park, leaving the potentially awkward situation of two parks on a single block when neighboring areas have none. The CRA sees the two working together, though, and thinks the linear space could potentially have dog park features built in. Dogs aren't allowed in Grand Hope Park.
A series of four workshops and one bus tour kick off on Thursday, with a 6pm brainstorming meeting. Followup sessions would take place on January 13, January 18 and February 4. A bus tour of parks with features similar to those that might go in the space will be offered on Saturday, January 9. Meetings will be held at the Public Works building, 1149 S. Broadway, in room SB6.
Tornadoes28 on January 04, 2010, at 03:23PM – #1
I like that idea.
Ted on January 04, 2010, at 03:34PM – #2
I like the idea, too. A dog-friendly park just a block away from me!
Matt on January 04, 2010, at 03:56PM – #3
Bike lane!
Jasmijn on January 04, 2010, at 07:08PM – #4
I was always mildly curious about the lanes. Thanks!
Re. park: good idea! Yes. I hope they go through with it. The space isn't being used anyhow, and more green is always good with all this concrete and asphalt around.
LAofAnaheim on January 05, 2010, at 12:58AM – #5
Removing lanes? Heck yeah! Less driving lanes, mean slower cars, fewer space for cars, thus less traffic...
Ashley Zarella Hand on January 05, 2010, at 09:57AM – #6
The DLANC Sustainability Committee is looking for volunteers interested in helping with the workshops. For more information, please email us at sustainability@dlanc.com
P.S. There will be food.
Whitman Lam on January 05, 2010, at 10:25AM – #7
Finally, our Quimby fees are being used to build a park. But that's a small slice of green ... maybe 1/4 acre ?
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on January 05, 2010, at 10:31AM – #8
Whitman: Actually, they're chasing state Prop 84 funds.
Brian on January 05, 2010, at 02:28PM – #9
Then what is the latest on Quimby?
Brian on January 05, 2010, at 02:30PM – #10
I ask because seeking California state funds seems like a pipe dream (for a very long time to come).
Joel C on January 05, 2010, at 02:55PM – #11
This park would accomplish two things. First, it would narrow this bizarrely-wide section of Grand Avenue. And second, it would basically expand the existing park into more of a central square for the South Park neighborhood.
This still doesn't reduce the need for more parks in Downtown. But it is a step in the right direction.
Russell Brown on January 06, 2010, at 03:48PM – #12
Prop 84 funds are state bond funds that have already been approved by the voters. They are awarded on a competitive basis.
A park on this site would even out the street and I have heard it could be used as a pet care area. (Dog parks are much larger, enclosed and allow a "no leash" policy.
This will allow an area for neighbors with their dogs to congregate- Grand Hope Park does not. It also has the advantage of not being gated so it will be open 24 hours.
Brigham Yen on January 06, 2010, at 04:43PM – #13
I say BUILD IT! It's wonderful. It's symbolic that we are putting pedestrian needs further up the priority list. This is wonderful news for Downtown LA!
sean Miller on January 07, 2010, at 07:30AM – #14
What is the latest news / progress with the proposed Spring Street Park?
Rich Alossi on January 07, 2010, at 09:09AM – #15
Great to see this happening. Now if only they could do something about Olympic Boulevard. What could possibly help that street? More trees and a median maybe? I guess the parking lots would have to go as well.
downtown on January 07, 2010, at 12:09PM – #16
Yes what is going on with the spring street park?
Ashley Zarella Hand on January 08, 2010, at 10:19AM – #17
The first meeting was last night but there is more to come - well worth a visit if you're interested in green space Downtown. The CRA is actively seeking community feedback and this is a great opportunity to have your ideas heard and IMPLEMENTED. Plus, as this park will replace part of our city streets with a new park, this will be a welcome improvement to our neighborhood and a unique opportunity with the LADOT.
This Saturday, there is a bus tour of other park examples in Culver City and Los Angeles - there is limited capacity so please RSVP. Several workshops follow so get involved when you can! The complete schedule can be found online at http://www.downtownsustainability.com
More parks for Downtown in 2010!
Downtown Dude on January 11, 2010, at 11:52AM – #18
We need this park ASAP! More green space is desperately needed in South Park!
z-hwa on January 13, 2010, at 10:39AM – #19
is there any information on who is hosting/sponsoring the bus tour? and who it will be offered to?
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on January 13, 2010, at 10:53AM – #20
z-hwa: The bus tour took place on Saturday. We'll have a write-up on it and photos from the sites visited this afternoon.