One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Plans For MacArthur Park Renovation Take Another Step Forward
Photo by John Verive via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
In 1990, 30 people were murdered in MacArthur Park. But, in recent years, the park, closing in on its 150th anniversary, has begun to shake its connection to drugs, crime, and prostitution as it follows (if slowly) in the footsteps of its more family-friendly brother to the north: Echo Park.
According to the Los Angeles Times, In 2008, City Councilman Gil Cedillo initiated a $2.5 million renovation of the park, which "brought in a popular artificial-turf soccer field, stadium lights, picnic tables and a children’s playground."
Cedillo is still pursuing a grander vision for the park. One that comes with a $20 million price tag. And the project is moving forward (if slowly).
The plan moved forward recently with the Housing and Community Investment Department's $1.3 million proposal for federal funding to upgrade the park and make it more ADA compliant. Urbanize LA adds that the funds would go to improvements "including pathways, parking stalls, a preschool area and restroom improvements. Additionally, the funds would allow for preliminary architecture and engineering for a new boathouse with restrooms and concession facilities."
Echo Park debuted its new concession stand in 2013. East Hollywood brunch darling Square One operated an outfit there from 2013 to 2016. In 2017, a new cafe called Beacon took over. According to The Eastsider, 2015 saw "$580,000 in food and drinks [sales], according to a parks commission board report. About $29,000 - or 5% - of that revenue went to Recreation and Parks."
Not $20 million, sure, but we'll settle with enjoying a meal at MacArthur Park lake instead.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
