Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Los Angelean Interpretation of "Park"

When I see the word "park" on a map, generally what comes to mind is an open space covered in grass, often with some trees as well as some play-related amenities (like swings) and perhaps a concrete court or two for sports. We have investigated the two "parks" nearest to us in Los Angeles, according to our handy street maps. The one slightly less close by is community focused, but it has little greenspace -- in fact it has more parking than grass -- and a community centre building which seems to be the actual focus. The one nearest to us is devoted to plant life, but it does not seem to be open to the public. It is filled with lots of garden-like spaces growing lots of interesting looking things, but you can't get in. In fact, one section of the fence that surrounds it is actually topped with barbed wire. I don't know if this is a repository that the city uses to grow plants it uses in other places, or if residents who don't have yards get to rent space and grow whatever they want. Particularly if the latter guess for the nearer park is correct, both of these are pretty cool uses of urban space. But they are not parks.

3 comments:

RTof said...
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RTof said...

Okay... so I needed to be the first person to post a comment on your blog (yay! Blog!) just because all the entries with "0 comments" was kind of depressing (people have been reading but you might not know that).

If Google is any indication, I'm sure that a study of L.A. urban parks would be an interesting photo project as a side project (just for fun). The first results you get when you search for: "Los Angeles" & Park; include: Park Hyatt Los Angeles (first hit); Los Angeles Dept of Parks and Rec; Los Angeles Theme Parks; and Huntington Park Courthouse. hmmm.... Hotels, Disney, Lawyers and Recreation (it isn't as surprising as one would think).

I'll just go back to lurking on your blog now... later.
CRC

Scott Neigh said...

Hey Chris...don't know if I have time for the suggested photo essay, though I concur that it would be interesting. Thanks for the comment -- the encouragement that comes from evidence of readership!

SN