A new half-acre park is taking shape on a previously undeveloped hillside property in Chinatown, one of the more densely populated and park-poor areas in L.A.
According to the Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment, Chinatown is located in a study area with a high level of park need. The area only has 1.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which is substantially below the Countywide average of 3.3. acres per 1,000 residents. Thus, it is good news that Chinatown will soon be getting a beautiful new park.
Located just north of Chinatown Library, the new half-acre park sits on a previously undeveloped hillside property at the intersection of Yale and Ord Streets. Former City Councilmember Ed Reyes and former County Supervisor Gloria Molina have pushed hard to convert the land to public green space for over a decade.
As reported by Steven Sharp, landscape architecture firm AHBE | MIG designed a project characterized by staircases and various terrace levels due to its hillside location. The stepped levels provide three entrance points along Ord Street and Hill Place, and will include landscaping, seating areas, viewing platforms, and exercise equipment. The original project cost was $8.5 million, but has since escalated to over $11.3 million due to the rising costs of construction in the Los Angeles area.
Read the full story: Terraced Pocket Park Takes Shape in Chinatown
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