A Kobe Bryant Memorial Park? In South Park?

Two years of perseverance, cooperation, and artistry from a Portuguese artist led Branded Arts to unveil an amazing mural of Kobe, Gia, and the snake symbolizing the Mamba mentality on the side wall of the WCTL building facing 12th and Hope Streets in August.

We hope this is just the beginning of the story.  Debra Shrout and I recently met with Warren Brand, President of Branded Arts, and were excited to hear his vision for establishing a park to commemorate the Los Angeles icon and world renowned athlete, Kobe Bryant.

We all agree that the best possible location to dedicate an inspirational memorial park, an open green space, or a children's playground should be near to Kobe’s professional stage, now referred to as crypto.com Arena. What better way to honor the legacy of Kobe and share his story with world visitors than in our South Park Neighborhood?

We identified possible key corporate sponsors, influential individuals that can give this project credibility, and local representatives that can offer financial tax incentives. We believe this dream can become a reality.

What do the residents of South Park feel about this endeavor? Are you willing to get signatures outside crypto.com prior to a Lakers’ game garnishing endorsement for this project? As a Laker fan, I know how much Kobe did for our city and the sport. Maybe now is the time to enshrine the man and his mamba spirit in our neighborhood? Email us your thoughts at spnadtla@gmail.com. 

By Marty Goldberg