CicLAvia at Park(ing) Day

Ciclovia's Park(ing) Day Park in the shadow of the Wiltern (Photo by Aaron Paley)

It’s Park(ing) Day in Los Angeles and around the known universe, so various groups around town create temporary parks. Folks pay the parking meter, then make their parking space into a small park. It’s a nice spectacle and draws attention to a number of Los Angeles issues: the lack of park space, the lack of people-centered public space (such as lively streets) and the preponderance of space given over to parking.

The CicLAvia crew set up a park, in conjunction with Mia Lehrer + Associates and Community Arts Resources. It was located on Wilshire Boulevard, just east of Western Avenue. With CARS in the mix, there were plenty of festival activities – from live music to arts and crafts. I had a good time speaking with various friends of mine who showed up, and took a turn at the table speaking with the passersby-public about the possibilities for L.A. to host a ciclovia.

One interesting thing I learned talking with a visitor is that there were ciclovias (though they probably didn’t call them that) in Tokyo Japan. They closed “Ginza” – apparently the main drag – regularly for car-free days. The woman who mentioned this had lived in Japan in the late 1990’s.

Thanks to all who helped host the site, and who dropped by to learn about ciclovia. Above and below are some photos that tell about the park. All photos by Aaron Paley, head of Community Arts Resources and one of the folks working hard to bring ciclovia to Los Angeles. More local Park(ing) Day coverage at L.A. StreetsBlog.

Live music and hula hooping - Photo by Aaron Paley

No accordions were harmed in the production of this park - Photo by Aaron Paley

The post-lunch crowd relaxing in L.A. Public Space - Photo by Aaron Paley

The unofficial park of the Metro 20 line bus - Photo by Aaron Paley