Work Finally Underway to Replace LAPD Lawn
Ed Fuentes
A worker digs into the freshly cleared lawn behind LAPD's new headquarters on Thursday morning.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Eight months after it was unceremoniously killed, the nearly one-acre lawn behind LAPD's new headquarters is finally getting replaced.
The patch of grass had been unveiled just two months before a massive tent was constructed atop it for a November fundraiser conducted by the Police Foundation. When the tent was removed, the grass that emerged was withered and matted.
The Foundation quickly took responsibility for the damage, but months dragged on with no progress on-site. Behind the scenes, insurance companies haggled over who would pay for what.
Finally, though, work is underway. The site has now been cleared, and will be re-sodded once all the irrigation equipment is in working order.
Whether Downtown's new little park will have some better luck this time around remains to be seen.
Ginny Brideau (@ginnycase) on July 08, 2010, at 09:27PM – #1
Finally - some good news!
John Apodaca on July 09, 2010, at 06:41AM – #2
Rather than planting a lawn where chemicals that are put in it end up in the ocean, the city should consider planting an ocean friendly garden with native plants that don't require lot's of maintenance and water or harmful chemicals.
www.daddyosmartinis.com
Bud Coffey on July 09, 2010, at 06:55AM – #3
Native and drought tolerant would be great ... unfortunately the grass is on it's way.
Guest on July 09, 2010, at 07:27AM – #4
And keep your dogs off it this time around........has anyone down here ever gotten the word that we are suppose to curb our dogs! Check out Pershing Square lawn if you need proof.
Guest on July 09, 2010, at 07:34AM – #5
Perhaps the LAPD could spring for some signs that would inform people to curb their dogs. It really is sad to see all the burnt grass spots from dog urine on a fresh lawn. And some "curb your dog" signs elswhere in the downtown area wouldn't hurt either.
alexandra on July 09, 2010, at 10:05AM – #6
i had an unofficial conversation yesterday with an LAPD officer who, while she was playing with my dog next to the expanse of new-lawn-to-be, said she and her colleagues love watching DTLA dogs romp on the lawn, that the influx of dog-owning residents creates the need for more grassy dog-romp areas, and that it's hard to expect the pooches not to relieve themselves in the grass. i've lived in the historic core for 5 years and this is but one of the growing pains regarding this urban life that has not abated.
i've just returned from 2 weeks in my hometown of NYC, where curbing and picking up after your dog is A WELL-ENFORCED LAW. it's ingrained in your consciousness...and it shows. i was struck by the comparatively pristine condition of manhattan sidewalks (the piles of bagged garbage are another matter), even though it hadn't rained for many days. i spent time in virtually every neighborhood on the island; dog owners simply abide by the law, or pay a stiff penalty.
our streets, on the other hand, are unbearably filthy; yesterday, i found myself sidestepping dog messes on every block. it isn't the fault of the dogs, obviously, but their irresponsible, unchecked owners. i understand we have the same law here...with zero enforcement. our local police certainly have their hands full with more pressing issues; however, this is not just a question of esthetics, but a critical sanitation and health issue.
BTW, the same officer told me that they have as much trouble with human waste in the DTLA streets as with canine waste...and they're nowhere close to solving THAT problem.
enough complaining...how do we solve the problem? could the purple shirts be empowered to issue legitimate citations? is there a citizen participation program we can put into effect in association with the LAPD? a neighborhood waste-watch, as it were?
here endeth my scatological mini-treatise.
Guest on July 09, 2010, at 01:35PM – #7
Well said Alexandra ! I would gladly participate in a program that would help with this problem. It would be good to get it going soon as we have several new parks coming our way.
Guest on July 10, 2010, at 11:59AM – #8
Eric, who is responsible for maintaining the lawn? I want that contact so I can call them when the lawn starts to look shabby, dying, trashy, etc. Will it be the same number to call when I see graffiti, 311? If the neighbors don't get involved, the landscaping will be neglected, similar to the landscaping around the Caltrans building next door.
Rich Alossi on July 12, 2010, at 12:31PM – #9
One thing that would help with the dogs-going-on-the-sidewalk issue is to plant more trees, so the dogs can go in the tree well rather than on concrete or on utility boxes or fire hydrants or the sides of buildings. Of course, it still requires enforcement to make sure lazy dog owners pick up after their pets no matter where they go. I'm angered that many dog owners don't pick up after their dogs.
Target sells a litter bag attachment for your dog's leash. You simply buy a bunch of refill bag rolls and insert them into the attachment when you run out. You'll never forget to bring a bag with you that way. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/bKrk36
Brandy Zzyzx on July 12, 2010, at 02:28PM – #10
I would LOVE to help enforce residents cleaning up after their dogs... Actually I already do. I can't tell you how many times I have handed people baggies and embarrassed them into picking up their dog's poop. (and how many times I have been called "crazy bitch" and to "mind my own business") This city's streets aren't ever going to be cleaned up if all the residents don't help it happen. Everyone should say something to ANYONE they see littering or not picking up after their pets. Have some pride in YOUR city, people!
Guest on July 15, 2010, at 01:58PM – #11
How does one pick up dog urine?