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Arts & Entertainment

Photos: MacArthur Park's Lake Is So Full Of Colorful Balls

garcetti_macpark_balls.jpg
Mayor Eric Garcetti goes rowing on MacArthur Park in front of its balls (via Portraits of Hope)

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Not to be outdone by its reservoir brethren, MacArthur Park finally got its own balls this weekend.On Saturday, the first of what will eventually be 2,500 colorful vinyl ball were released into MacArthur Park's lake. Mayor Eric Garcetti was on hand at the ceremony, telling the L.A. Times, "This project involves everything that's good about Los Angeles—great weather, open space, creativity and social conscience."

The balls don't serve the same utility that the shade balls do, but according to the Massey brothers—who founded the arts nonprofit Portraits of Hope—they wanted the balls to bring attention to a public space that has fallen by the wayside and also to bring people together. "Our philosophy is we take iconic symbols that people don't always think about, but that have relevance to the city, and we find ways to work with them," said Bernie Massey. The balls themselves were painted all summer by volunteers, mostly schoolchildren.

Installation of the balls is set to continue on through Tuesday. Be sure to catch them before they're gone!


(via Portraits of Hope)

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