Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Trust for Public Land (TPL), as well as local residents, celebrated the opening this week of Carlton Way Pocket Park, which is part of the City’s 50 Parks initiative.
The park, a public-private partnership with TPL, features an entry plaza with accessible picnic tables, porch swings, a playground, and six pieces of fitness equipment thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente. The park also contains mosaics, some of which were made by members of the community, and drought tolerant trees and shrubs.
“The beautiful new Carlton Way Park is the latest example of the fine work the Trust For Public Land has done in partnership with the City of Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, chair of the City’s Arts, Parks, and LA River Committee. “The new pocket park will improve the look and feel of the neighborhood, enhance the pedestrian experience, and establish a sanctuary for residents and families in the heart of Hollywood.”
The park is a welcome addition in Hollywood, which will now have a total of four parks in the 13th District: Carlton Way, Smith Park, and Selma Park, in addition to the Hollywood Recreation Center. The City of Los Angeles has some of the highest obesity rates in the county. Acquiring park space provides Angelenos with physical fitness outlets that help promote a healthier lifestyle.
“I’ve seen this neighborhood transform into something incredible,” said Josefina Avalos, who has lived in the Carlton Way neighborhood her entire life. “I am glad we could come together to build this park, and make this neighborhood a better place for kids.”
Carlton Way Park is the 31st park in the City’s 50 Parks initiative, and is located at 5927 Carlton Way, in Hollywood.
