Can a Linear Park Transform San Vicente Boulevard? ● UPDATING

Two Los Angeles residents, Oren Hadar and Michael Wacht, are championing an ambitious plan to convert a 3-mile, 30-acre stretch of San Vicente Boulevard into a linear park. The proposed greenway would run from the Beverly Center on the west to just past La Brea Avenue on the east, aiming to reduce traffic, improve pedestrian safety, and create much-needed public green space in a city that recently dropped from 90th to 93rd in park acreage, investment, and accessibility among the nation’s 100 largest cities, according to the Trust for Public Lands annual ranking.

The idea emerged from conversations at Dam Good Coffee, where Hadar, a sound engineer, and Wacht, an architect, have been refining their pitch with support from Catherine Geanuracos, a CicLAvia board member. They envision transforming sun-baked asphalt into turf, adding micro forests, farmers markets, and fountains, and making the boulevard safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Currently, pedestrians often dart across the 150-foot wide thoroughfare, which follows the route of the old Pacific Electric Railway, due to a lack of crosswalks.

Supporters acknowledge significant hurdles, including the cost—potentially in the millions—and the need to reduce traffic lanes, which could divert cars to side streets. Councilmembers Heather Hutt and Katy Yaroslavsky have expressed encouragement, with Hutt supporting efforts to create more walkable, green communities.

A feasibility study is being funded by the group to address concerns about maintenance, homeless encampments, and traffic impacts.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some residents, like Miguel Lopez, who was reading on the median strip, smiled at the park rendering.

Others, including a man walking along the median, called the idea dangerous, citing increased hazards after bike lanes were added. Blanca Vanburian, practicing tai chi nearby, questioned whether the city could maintain a new park but grew more supportive after discussing the study.

Margaret Free, walking three basset hounds, voiced strong support, as did Joshua Mock, owner of Dam Good Coffee, who said the park would be "dope" and good for business.

Hadar, who writes a blog called "The Future Is L.A.," emphasizes that Los Angeles needs to take big swings again, especially as his own children lack nearby park space. The group points to successful projects like the New York City High Line and local efforts such as the L.A.

River master plan as inspiration. They believe that with community engagement, the park could transform San Vicente from a dividing barrier into a cohesive neighborhood asset.