Photo from Curbed L.A.
After a decade of planning and debate, three acres of parkland next to the Silver Lake reservoirs will open to the public on Saturday afternoon. The “soft opening,” which includes a noontime ceremony featuring councilmen Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge, will precede a official dedication later this spring. according to the Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy.
The Silver Lake Meadow, which was originally scheduled to open about two years ago, has been delayed by the state’s budget crises as well as winter rains and flooding. The meadow located on the eastern side of the reservoirs will be limited to “passive recreation.” The conservancy, in a press release, explains what that means:
The Meadow will be open from dawn to dusk for passive recreation—jogging, walking and strolling; laying on the grass; looking at the Reservoir. Active sports, such as soccer and softball, will not be allowed. Dogs are also not allowed, even on leash—however, dogs remain permitted on the main path that skirts the Meadow to the east, just off Silverlake Blvd.
Related post:
It’s almost here: Silver Lake Meadow on verge of opening. Curbed
* Correction: An earlier version of this post said the meadow was to have opened more than three years ago. That’s wrong. The initial opening was scheduled for Spring 2009.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Why is the Silver Lake Conservancy, which is a very private organization making up the rules for a public facility? What is up with that.
fill in the damn reservoir and make a real park.
Yes fill in the reservoir which is unique and nice to look at and create another large park where families of 30 can BBQ and drink beer and don’t forget to leave a spot dedicated to the homeless that would inevitably take up residence in a large flat park.
It’s about damned time. Short Sighted, you made me laugh.
Is it just me or does the banner for the meadow, which reads, “Silverlake Meadow, a Quiet place” sound like a cemetery or retirement community
Quiet is a compromise with the NIMBY neighbors, but it seems fair given the variety of other spaces that exist around the reservoir. What is Short Sighted talking about: “Families of 30 can BBQ and drink beer”? Seems like he/she needs to move to San Marino and hang out in Lacy Park– or if he/she can not afford it, consider Arizona. “Nice to look at”? Is this the future of our public space: to keep it under glass because we do not trust our neighbors, or our government, to maintain it? This thinking sets up a negative feedback loop forcing us all toward the day when we huddle behind our walls with guns.
Poor little Short Sighted obviously has very sensitive little eyes too that hurt if s/he looks at dirty homeless people, who obviously choose to be homeless, destitute, penniless etc.
Really? Are we that godless that the homeless have to be banned from certain more affluent public places (where for a time they are able to be warm & feel safe) rather than have them disturb our view for an hour spent in the park?
Here’s something for you to think about – if it makes you that miserable and scared to simply see a homeless person, try imagining what it’s like to BE one.
The idea of a quiet park sounds great. The other end of the reservoir has a park and grass next to the playground and basketball courts that is an appropriately loud place and it would be nice to have a balance at this end where you (by that I mean me!) can toss down a blanket and read a book or do yoga next to the water. Those that want more energy can go to the south end park and those that want quiet can go to the meadow. Something for everyone then. I don’t get the controversy.
I’m excited for the jet ski rental. Why is that never included in these posts?
They should ditch the tacky fence… 3 feet isn’t going to keep people out at night and if they’re worried about safety, lowering/enforcing the speed limit and adding a few more stop signs on Silver Lake Blvd. would be a lot more productive.
Ok. This is a good idea as long as they promise I won’t be panhanded or hit on by any homeless ppl? tha can be a bit off putting when trying to relax and one must rest with one eye open thus maintaining stress levels….
Dude, this took foreeeever!!!!
@AKML Uh, yes I do think there should be areas covered with glass. Do you READ the Eastsider? Nearly every day there is post and comments about the city not cleaning up trash or graffiti (Dodger 4/1, Eagle Rock Graffiti 3/29, etc). In fact, in case of the Eagle Rock graffiti, they’re NEVER going to clean it. Officially.
Do I think the neighbors are going to clean up other peoples stuff? Uh, how about the dog poop post from a few weeks ago? Seriously? I’m all for open community, I am glad they opened this little park, but frankly having wide open, unused space is nice (to look at). Why? Beacause it means the area is 1) quieter, there is 2) more wildlife, there are 3) less people which means less traffic. Yeesh. Are THOSE good enough reasons or am I still a racist with a gun?
@God
First of all, nice try God. I know that’s not the REAL you.
But to divulge personal information…actually yes. I have thought about being homeless for much of my life. I have helped served food to the homeless since I was a little kid with my dad, who also regularly offered rides, shelter and work.
There are obviously multiple reasons why people are homeless. Sadly much of them suffer from mental illness. Should we throw them behind buildings and under bridges? Of course not. But I am not so naive as to believe that some of the homeless people in our neighborhood do not have criminal (sometimes violent) history, or drug issues. While it’s not their fault, some mentally ill people can be a danger to the public. I want my parks to be nice and safe. I’d like kids to not have to worry about running into needles, pornography, human poop or worse, hippies, simply because their Frisbee flew too far? Or do you think the homeless are better at picking up after themselves than the general public which already often doesn’t?
I’m not a heartless jerk. I just know the city does not have the financial ability, physical resources, and/or emotional wherewithal to take care of all of our spaces. Not to mention the lack of moral fiber to do what’s right…free Lakers tickets anyone?
Finally! Took a pre-opening, unauthorized walk through the meadow yesterday. It’s wonderful and much bigger than it looks from the street. It’s not a little park. It’s a great addition to the neighborhood. I’ll be there for the opening today. All the talk about filling in the lake for a bigger park is silly. We’d have to change the name of the neighborhood to “Silver Park.” But once the lake is decomissioned I truly hope it’s opened up for recreation. See you all at the ceremony!