Elysian Park Opens Expanded Area to Public

Residents of the Eastside now have more green space in which to frolic -- Elysian Park has been expanded by five acres, and the new area is now open to the public.

In a statement, Councilman Eric Garcetti announced that the addition of landscaped acreage would include two game courts, a playground, lawn areas, picnic tables, a walking path, an outdoor classroom area, and parking spaces.

“Elysian Park is a gem in our community and now it’s getting bigger and better," he said. "The expansion provides a new place for kids of all ages to play everything from basketball to checkers in a beautiful outdoor environment."

Founded in 1886, Elysian Park is the oldest public park in LA. It's also the second-largest, after Griffith Park.

The expansion cost $880,000, and was paid for using funds from Prop 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act passed in 2002.