LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The city of Los Angeles is considering a proposal to expand MacArthur Park by removing Wilshire Boulevard from the center and reconnecting the two halves of the park.
Westlake Park highlights many of Los Angeles’ biggest challenges, including substance abuse, homelessness and mental health issues.
“It’s really dirty, especially that pond there which isn’t maintained properly. I feel like the birds are getting sick. It doesn’t feel safe at all,” said BB, a park user who did not want to give her surname.
The city has attempted several projects to make residents safer in the area: In 2021, the park was closed for two months to make $1.1 million in repairs and install 24-hour security cameras.
Since then, crime has continued in the area: in April, a store owner was shot outside a nearby bookstore, and in June, a body was found in the park’s lake.
“MacArthur Park is the epicenter of drug overdoses in the City of Los Angeles and we cannot ignore it,” said Los Angeles City Council Member Eunice Hernandez.
The next solution under consideration is to close Wilshire Boulevard, which has bisected the park for nearly 90 years and stretches from Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles. If the plan goes ahead, about four acres of road would be swallowed up by the park and would no longer be a through road.
“This reconnection is about social justice – addressing racism, environmental injustice, and unequal health and education outcomes,” said Los Angeles Unified School District School Board Member Rocio Rivas. “Lack of access to parks and green spaces impacts urban communities.”
Some local residents are concerned that the road closures would cause traffic congestion, but many say they support the proposal if it makes the park cleaner and safer.
“It’s not just about providing housing for our residents here, it’s about bringing the community back to the park and making sure everyone has access to this park,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said.
Starting next year, the city plans to periodically close the MacArthur Park section of Wilshire Boulevard to study the impact on nearby roads.
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