Phase one of the “Reconnecting MacArthur Park” initiative — a proposal that could see the closure of a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard that divides the park in two — has been completed, according to City Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez.
Phase one of the initiative had the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and the project team evaluate five potential concepts for reconnecting MacArthur Park, studying their impacts on traffic circulation, transit operations, safety, accessibility and neighborhood connectivity.
The analysis found that multiple concepts could improve public space and multimodal access while maintaining circulation through surrounding streets.
More than 2,500 residents provided feedback through surveys, focus groups, workshops and public open houses. The outreach effort was led by Central City Neighborhood Partners. Much of the feedback found that residents wanted safer streets, improved park amenities, more green space and better access for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.
The milestone marks the completion of a yearlong planning, engagement and technical analysis process led in partnership with Central City Neighborhoods Partners, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and the Southern California Association of Governments, according to Hernandez’s office.
“MacArthur Park has always been more than a park. It is a gathering place, a neighborhood landmark and the heart of the Westlake community,” Hernandez, who represents the area of MacArthur Park and Westlake, said in a statement.
“Reconnecting the park is one part of our broader commitment to invest in this neighborhood and create public spaces that are safer, greener and more welcoming for everyone,” Hernandez added.
With phase one complete, the project will now advance into conceptual design, led by the Bureau of Engineering.
Phase two will consist of conceptual engineering, environmental review, cost estimation, continued community engagement and additional technical analysis to refine the project’s vision and develop a road map for future implementation.
“This project is about more than reconnecting a park. It is about reconnecting people, strengthening trust and proving that the best solutions come from the community itself,” Eduardo Rodriguez, executive director of Central City Neighborhood Partners, said in a statement.
Hernandez launched the Reconnecting MacArthur Park initiative in October 2023, with the aim of closing down Wilshire Boulevard to reunite the north and south sides of the parks as a pedestrian-friendly open space.
Originally known as Westlake Park, MacArthur Park was designed as a unified public space in the late 19th century before Wilshire Boulevard was extended through its center in 1934, dividing the park into northern and southern halves.
The surrounding Westlake neighborhood faces high pollution levels, limited access to green space and several streets on the City’s High Injury Network, according to Hernandez’s office.
On July 10 and 11, the city will host a two-day open streets event called “Park to Park” at MacArthur Park in part to show residents what it could mean to close the stretch of Wilshire Boulevard.
Supported by Metro’s Open Streets Grant Program, Park to Park will temporarily close portions of Wilshire Boulevard and transform the space into a what Hernandez bills as a “people-centered open streets experience featuring walking, biking, community programming, local vendors and World Cup watch parties.”
The event will also help inform future planning efforts as the project advances.