The park under the 6th Street Bridge won’t open until next year. Here’s why

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

A 12-acre park beneath the 6th Street Bridge won’t open until early 2027, months later than city officials had expected. 

The delay is due to scheduling changes to the installation of playground equipment, according to Mary Nemick, the director of communications for the city’s Bureau of Engineering.

Known formally as the Sixth Street PARC (Park, Arts, River & Connectivity), the park will  feature an arts plaza, complete with a performance amphitheater, garden and terrace seating. Other amenities include a café, dog park, fitness equipment and sports courts. 

The delayed opening comes after months of concerns from residents over the park’s maintenance and safety. Community members have raised concerns about the possibility of homeless encampments forming at the park, as well as graffiti and whether copper wire theft from the bridge could affect the park’s safety. 

A recent DTLA Insider video on Instagram ignited hundreds of comments from people worried about the park’s upkeep. The video posed the question, “How are they planning on keeping this park safe and clean?” 

“Let’s all use it and embrace it, and keep it clean together. Tags do not equal “unsafe” i wish we could embrace street art a little,” one commenter wrote, adding, “I’m glad it’s getting attention and scrutiny to keep the city on their toes.”

Others referred to it as the “next MacArthur Park” or “MacArthur Park 2.0.” One person suggested turning it into a state park “like L.A. historical park with park rangers.”

An Arts District resident has also spearheaded an effort calling for the city council to consider a camping ban around the park.

Graffiti is seen at the Sixth Street PARC (Park, Arts, River & Connectivity).

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Steve Saldivar

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The LA Local

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Earlier this month, Councilmember Ysabel Jurado said her office was working on a formal agreement with various city departments, including public works, recreation and parks and cultural affairs, to establish “responsibility for the park’s security measures, maintenance, programming, and day-to-day management before it opens.” 

Her statement came as rumors swirled that the fencing surrounding the park would come down in October. 

“Keeping this park safe requires clear accountability, consistent maintenance, regular programming, and a coordinated response when concerns arise. We will share additional details publicly once the agreement and opening plans are finalized,” Jurado said in a statement.

Construction of the park began in 2023, just a year after the grand opening celebration of the bridge, which connects historic Boyle Heights with the Arts District neighborhood and crosses the Los Angeles River. The park was set to open later this year.

The city’s Bureau of Engineering and the Department of Parks and Recreation did not provide any additional details about the delays, nor did they provide a specific date for the park’s opening.