RECONNECTING MACARTHUR PARK
The project is an initiative led by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez to explore reimagining Wilshire Blvd adjacent to MacArthur Park. The project would unite the north and south sides of the park and pedestrianize one block west of the park to add open space and improve safety for local residents.
THE HISTORY
Initially named Westlake Park, MacArthur Park was built in the 1880s as an idyllic retreat. In 1934, before the I-10 freeway was built, the park was split by Wilshire Blvd to accommodate automobile travel from the coast to downtown. Today, the Westlake Neighborhood is one of the most transit-dependent and densely populated areas facing significant challenges:
- High-Injury Network (HIN): Four of five streets adjacent to MacArthur Park are part of the City’s HIN, which represents 6% of city streets but accounts for 70% of deaths and severe injuries involving pedestrians
- Limited Green Space: Only 0.5 acres of green space per 1,000 people, compared to the city's average of 8.9 acres
- Sparse Tree Canopy: Coverage ranges from 4-18%, far lower than the city's average of 24%
- High Pollution Levels: Diesel particulate matter ranks in the 99th percentile nationally
- Health Disparities: High rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, with a life expectancy ranking in the 98th percentile nationally
PRIORITIZING QUALITY OF LIFE
Longtime residents deserve better. The Reconnecting MacArthur Park Project is a chance to help address harms caused by car-centered infrastructure and put working-class families at the wheel of bringing investments into the Westlake neighborhood. Here is how it can positively impact their quality of life:
- Green spaces
Adds and enhances open space in a park-poor neighborhood
- Mobility
Creates L.A.’s first major pedestrianized street, prioritizing people over cars
- Climate Resiliency
Greenery will help mitigate the urban heat island effect and poor air quality caused by vehicles
- Improved Health
Sanctuary for physical activity and mental well-being, benefiting both residents and regional transit commuters
- Economic Development
Centers equity, which stems displacement, strengthens local economy, and improves economic stability
- Safety
Increases access to the park, schools, and community by making routes safer
BRINGING OPEN STREETS TO MACARTHUR PARK
Our office is using grants to bring temporary open streets, community events, and semi-permanent infrastructure to Council District 1:
- Metro Open and Slow Streets Program creates temporary car-free spaces where people can enjoy arts, culture, and recreation.
- U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant funds the deployment of features such as bollards, wayfinding signs, and movable planters to temporarily pedestrianize streets.
These efforts will let us try out ideas during the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
We tried out the Weekend Play Street concept at Park to Park 2026! We connected MacArthur Park to Lafayette Park by closing Wilshire Blvd from Alvarado to Hoover and filled it with soccer activities, vendors, and live music.
LEARN MORE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- 1. What is Reconnecting MacArthur Park?
Reconnecting MacArthur Park is a multi-phased project to reimagine the segment of Wilshire Boulevard through and adjacent to MacArthur Park, and create open space in one of Los Angeles’ most densely populated and diverse communities. This project has the potential to restore one of LA’s most historic parks as a welcoming place for people and families while improving neighborhood health through added green space, enhancing safety for people walking and rolling, and enhanced air quality.
Phase 1 of Reconnecting MacArthur Park has officially concluded. Phase 2 is now underway and is led by the Bureau of Engineering. This phase will focus on developing the design, environmental impact report, concept analysis, and budget development.- 2. Why does Wilshire Blvd need to be reimagined?
The construction of Wilshire Boulevard in 1934 split both MacArthur Park and Lafayette Park, and created a physical barrier in the community. Today, Wilshire Boulevard is considered a dangerous street for biking and walking, with a high concentration of traffic collisions, injuries, and deaths. There is a high number of schools in the area and the surrounding streets are ranked by Vision Zero as the least safe to travel in the City of Los Angeles. The majority of schools do not have on-site green space, making the park a vital place for children to play. Since 2023, there have been ten crashes near the park resulting in severe injuries for people walking and bicycling. Reconnecting the park will create 2.3 additional acres of open space in one of LA’s most park-poor and overcrowded neighborhoods, and allow for more activities and amenities people want in the park.
- 3. What decisions have been made about the project?
Phase 1 produced recommendations based on extensive community engagement and technical analysis. Phase 2 will further refine those recommendations with engineering plans, environmental review, and continued collaboration with the community.
- 4. What efforts are taking place to improve the park now?
The office of Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez is addressing challenges within MacArthur Park, including homelessness, public safety, cleanliness, and public health. Initiatives led by CD 1 aim to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors while preserving the park’s role as a vital community space. For more information, visit https://cd1.lacity.gov/MacArthur-Park
- 5. When will changes take place?
Transforming a major public space takes time and careful planning. Phase 2 will create conceptual engineering plans, environmental review documents, and continue outreach with the community. This phase is expected to be completed by 2030. Phases 3 & 4 will include the final park design, complete engineering plans, and construction of the project.
- 6. What’s going to happen to car and bus travel?
Survey findings for this project show that over 60% of MacArthur Park users travel to the park by walking, and this project would support safer walking connections while still allowing people to access the park by any travel mode. The project is considering options for re-routing vehicles and transforming the roadway for pedestrians to increase access to green space for neighborhood residents. We hope these transportation improvements will remove Wilshire Blvd, 6th St, and 7th St from the City’s High Injury Network.
The transportation analysis for Phase 1's preferred "Neighborhood Transformation" concept found that a majority of analyzed intersections will see less than a 10-second delay during peak times. Only three intersections are expected to have a delay greater than 20 seconds: 7th and Park View (22 seconds during AM peak), 7th and Alvarado (38 seconds during PM peak), and 6th and Rampart (20 seconds during PM peak).
Though this project may impact car travel on Wilshire Blvd, neighborhood residents and visitors will still have sustainable east-west travel options including Metro B and D lines, Metro Bus on 6th St and 7th St, and nearby LADOT DASH buses. In the coming years, access to MacArthur Park will benefit from the Metro D Line extension, connecting downtown with the westside via Wilshire Blvd. The Metro D Line extension mirrors Metro 720 and 20 bus services. With this new high-capacity transit option, Metro is considering service changes to bus routes along Wilshire Blvd.- 7. What are the next steps/considerations for this project due to existing
immigration enforcement activities? The well-being of the Westlake community and MacArthur Park users is our highest priority. Out of an abundance of caution for our immigrant neighbors, the project team decided to indefinitely postpone Community Boulevard Day (originally scheduled for June 21, 2025). As we navigate accelerating threats to the safety of our communities, we will carefully consider the feasibility of hosting large group gatherings and create protocols to safeguard dignity and respect for all participants. In the meantime, we’re finding alternative ways to engage with Westlake residents.
- 8. How can I give feedback?
While Phase 1 is complete and the final report is now published, your voice still matters. For questions or updates regarding Reconnecting MacArthur Park, please email reconnectingmacarthurpark@laccnp.org. Phase 2 will have more opportunities for input on the project, including continued meetings of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). More details to come.
STAY CONNECTED!
Be the first to know about Phase 2 updates, future open streets events, and opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of MacArthur Park. Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter!