Comments on: A Tricky Spot for Los Angeles’ New Grand Park

By: judithcharlette

judithcharlette — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:43:35 +0000

In reading about the Grand Park, I think I am involved in a rewrite of the Emperor’s New Clothes. If it was called a Mall I would say, fine. It is just that. But a park?
The upper tier (of 3) is terrific. The wonderful fountain, once hidden from most LAers in the old space, was remodeled and made for kids to play in. KIDS. Remember them? Apparently one thought of them only for the warm days as that’s it for them. Beyond that, only grass and cement. Mostly cement.
When are we going to wake up and realize that LA NEEDS shade. Trees, shade trees, but if impossible, overhangs or tented areas or umbrellas.
Look at a where people are in the park on any normal day. Seeking shade, and there is little to be found. Thank goodness the benches are moveable because hot pink metal will roast fannies. Grass is fine if its’ surrounded by trees but if you check out the photos (or visit, which is best), people on the grass are huddled under the trees.
Another shame is the terrible garage situation at the loser part of the 2nd Tier. To cross the street to the lowest tier, one must cross TWO driveways!
A first consideration should have been a walkway over the garage to connect the tiers.
I don’t understand who is writing these articles about the park. What we needed was shade, greenery, water, a place for all sorts of folks, including kids and older folks. We didn’t get a park. We got a Mall. Let’s call it that.
Maybe the parks will come if the buildings on either side go.

By: Bryan M.

Bryan M. — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 01:17:10 +0000

Love it! More great parks in LA. Next, Pershing Square.

By: Ruth Taylor Kilday

Ruth Taylor Kilday — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:02:21 +0000

We attended a guided tour by the design firm last night. After a day of rain, the night sky was clear and the weather crisp. The city lights, the smells, the views, the buildings around the park…all were fascinating. We loved the scale of the park, the walk up and down the entire 4 blocks. A great idea for aerobic walking for office staff. The focus upon City Hall is wonderful and it was magic to see the Los Angeles Times building with the lighted letters, a site we’d never seen previously. Wish the letters were in the style of the Times’ masthead! The ability to make the visual and the physical connections between the Music Center, the Disney Symphony Hall, Superior Court, and City Hall is astounding.

We’ll return during daylight to capture its essence. I’m sure the kids’ pool is wonderful. But no less was the experience on a crisp Fall evening wearing jackets and hiking boots with a cup of Starbucks at the end of our tour. Can’t wait to return during the holidays and bring out of town friends.

By: Steven Chavez

Steven Chavez — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:12:50 +0000

I visited the park on opening weekend of phase one and was delighted to see large numbers of people enjoying the park’s intimate settings, open spaces, and interactive features. The place was socially dynamic and visually appealing. However, the decision to keep the existing underground parking garage and associated ramps at Hill Street has led to a compromised park-street connection. Despite the compromised connection with Hill Street, the park has the main ingredients of being a positive catalyst for public placemaking in Los Angeles.