Spring Street Park opens in the Historic Core of DT (Selma: neighborhood, gated)

[pwright1]

Snapped a few around 6:00 tonight. I didn't realize so many downtowners own dogs.

[JohnG72]

It looked nice. I walked by about the same time you were there. Just hope it doesn't turn into another homeless hangout like Pershing Square. Last night there were two guys tossing a football, and even children playing.

[nmnita]

What a wonderful idea and park...I too, hope it doesn't end up like Pershing Square. I remember how wonderful the square was at one time, only to be taken over by the less than desirables.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by nmnita

What a wonderful idea and park...I too, hope it doesn't end up like Pershing Square. I remember how wonderful the square was at one time, only to be taken over by the less than desirables.

A lot of Pershing Square's issues stem from its terrible make-over a few decades ago.

If the park was more accessible to the street it wouldn't be such a homeless magnet, and might actually attractive nearby residents.

[Urbcentric]

Thanks for posting the photos. Looks like they did a nice job.

As a former resident of downtown and someone who currently works in downtown I welcome the much needed addtional green space in downtown.

Agree with all the comments that the key to the park's long-term success is that is enjoyed by all of downtown...and that it not become a magnet for panhandlers, drug dealers, etc.

One positive sign is that the park will be managed by a non-profit association run through the local Neighborhood Council. Don't know all the details but it is a similar structure to how NYC's Bryant Park is managed. That park was a den of drug dealing and vagrants in the 1980's before it was put into the hands of a non-profit to manage the park's operations.

[the12ronin]

Yea they had a movie viewing there the other day and a free slurpee I believe. Thought that was pretty damn hip.

[GatsbyGatz]

Hope the homeless don't discover this park. It just takes one homeless to loiter there to ward off the majority of park-goers from staying there for very long.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by GatsbyGatz

Hope the homeless don't discover this park. It just takes one homeless to loiter there to ward off the majority of park-goers from staying there for very long.

Not really - as long as there are more non-homeless . There is a park near my place at Selma and Schrader that almost always has one or two homeless people in it, but also quite a crowd of parents and young children. As long as homeless don't build a critical mass, it will be fine. Also, this park is closed and gated at night so there won't be people sleeping in it and messing it up.

Plus, the Historic Core is so park-poor that this park will be heavily used be nearby residents.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by GatsbyGatz

Hope the homeless don't discover this park. It just takes one homeless to loiter there to ward off the majority of park-goers from staying there for very long.

Strangely enough the green and white sign with two bajillion rules doesn't have "No Panhandling."

[pandakangsta]

Screw that group of people in your second picture! They kept telling everyone with a dog that they dont want to sit in our dogs ****! I told them there isn't a sign stating that dogs cannot go on the grass, all it says that dogs must be on leash all time and remains must be picked up right away, the girl states " they are gonna post the signs" and responded back with "well there are no signs up and until the signs are up, people are going to bring their dogs! Sorry but everyone owns a dog in downtown la. Get over it!