By the end of the year, Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park is set to undergo a million-dollar refresh, aiming to make the park into a public green space by potentially leveling Wilshire Blvd.
The aim is to unite the northern and southern sides of the park and pedestrianize one block west of the park to add open space with $2.5 million in grants, according to the park’s councilmember Eunisses Hernandez’s site.
Over the next six months, the park’s soccer field will be leveled with new artificial turf, and upgrades are coming for Bandshell entertainment areas.
Hernandez told KNX News’ Craig Fiegener that nearly a century ago, Wilshire Blvd. was pushed through the center of the park to prioritize traffic.
She envisions the boulevard can become a part of the commitment to the community.
“The families who live in Westlake deserved world-class public service and public space every bit as much as anyone else, and for generations, MacArthur Park has been defined by people who don't live here and reduce this community to headlines while ignoring the resilience and promise and culture of this neighborhood,” said Hernandez.
In early June, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the LAPD arrested 18 people as part of an operation called Free MacArthur Park. The operation is a multi-phase initiative to interrupt drug trafficking.
L.A. County’s District Attorney Nathan Hochman made a pledge that this Labor Day, the park will be safe enough to bring his family for a picnic in the park.
“You [Hochman]can come on July 10th and 11th to see what MacArthur Park is,” said Hernandez. “I hope he comes so that he doesn't have to wait until Labor Day to see how beautiful this neighborhood is.”
July 10th and 11th, Wilshire Blvd. will be closed for the Park to Park event, with live music, vendors and World Cup watch parties.
Follow KNX News 1070 AM
