Los Angeles city officials have begun construction on a new 12-acre park at the base of the $588 million Sixth Street Viaduct bridge.
The park, known as the Sixth Street Park, Arts, and River Connectivity project (PARC), commenced construction on August 5 with a groundbreaking ceremony led by the Bureau of Engineering and Councilmember Kevin de Leon. This $82 million project aims to provide additional open space in the Arts District and Boyle Heights on either side of the Los Angeles River.
The design for the park space under the bridge was created by landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Jones, with Michael Maltzan overseeing the bridge design. The concept, called “Canopy & Objects,” consists of three main parts.
Park Features in Boyle Heights and the Arts District
The eastern section of PARC in Boyle Heights will include grassy areas, picnic spots, a splash pad, event space, as well as potential basketball, soccer, volleyball, and skateboarding courts and fields.
The PARC will also feature an Arts Plaza and River Gateway in the Arts District, located across the L.A. River at the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Mesquit Street. This area will include space for concerts, a cafe, restrooms, and the Leonard Hill Arts Plaza, named after a developer who contributed to the project. The western section of PARC will include a performance lawn, a dog park, and exercise equipment.
The project’s cost has increased over time, as is common with construction projects. It is estimated to be around $60 million, with funding coming from grants provided by Proposition 68.
