I’m pleased to announce that Echo Park Lake will reopen to the public next Wednesday, May 26 at 3pm.
This reopening follows the placement of nearly 200 formerly unhoused individuals living at the Lake into transitional housing, in addition to two months of extensive repairs and safety upgrades.
Our parks and open spaces are sacred. They are places for us to gather with friends and family, in addition to areas where children can play, people can walk and jog, bird watch, and enjoy a picnic.
While parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, what transpired at Echo Park Lake these last months should not be acceptable to any of us. The facts are that it was unsafe, unhealthy, inhumane, and deadly - with multiple fatalities, widespread drug use, and criminal activity, including reports of sexual assaults.
I’m deeply grateful to the Echo Park community for their compassion, care and support of our efforts to bring services and outreach to people experiencing homelessness at the Lake. This work goes back to the beginning of 2020 and helped lay the groundwork for an unprecedented number of successful housing placements. I’m also thankful to our City departments for making these needed repairs and returning the Lake to a space where the community can safely gather.
When Echo Park Lake reopens next week, the City will ensure that it remains safe, clean, accessible, and secure for all who wish to enjoy this shared public space. The community can count on that.
Be safe and well,
MITCH O’FARRELL
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