The South Park SuperBlock – Remaking the Grand Ave Corridor

View South on Grand at 11th

The South Park neighborhood is rapidly growing in population density while experiencing a shortage of green space for residents. South Park desperately needs its namesake: A Park – actually it needs Parks - multiple parks.  With the new leadership at CD14 headed by Ysabel Jurado, now is the time to press for more open space for South Park – The Social District.

I have a proposal to share that would provide an oasis of peaceful green space.

Proposed Grand Ave. SuperBlock shown in Green

The Proposal

Create a SuperBlock – a pedestrian only park – on Grand Ave between Olympic Ave. and Pico Street as well as 1⁄2 the blocks on each side of Grand Ave. on 11 and 12 Streets. Noisy, dangerous traffic conveyance instantly becomes a people friendly park!  

Within the three-block area between Olympic Ave. and Pico Ave. all vehicular traffic would be strictly prohibited except limited delivery and necessary access to existing residential building parking areas. Vehicular speed in these access corridors would be limited to 10 mph. On-street public parking within the restricted area would be prohibited. The only exception to the prohibited vehicular traffic and parking would be authorized emergency, delivery, and handicapped vehicles having a specific permit.

        Within the designated closed area, electric and human powered bicycles, and scooters would be allowed and encouraged but would be required to be operated only within the boundaries of the designated lanes that would transit the park areas. Vehicular speeds would be limited to 10 mph. The balance of the closed areas would be designated for pedestrians and on-foot activities and public interaction.

Numerous recreational activities would be encouraged

During a one year trial period there would be no permanent structures installed within the current street corridors. Only after acceptance of the closed areas by vote of South Park Residents would permanent landscaping, including canopy trees and public structures, be installed and current asphalt paving could then be replaced by a surface that was at least 60% pervious. The trial period should be one year in duration. Should the Proposal fail to become accepted by the South Park population, the area would be returned to its current configuration and traffic use.

A Place for quiet socializing

A Few Benefits of the Proposal

By converting the current Automobile Centric philosophy of the area to People Centric, here are only five of many advantages to the South Park neighborhood:

1.    Eliminate the danger, air, and noise pollution created by heavy high speed vehicular traffic on Grand Ave. within the three-block area.

2.    Increased opportunity for installation of landscaping features and public activity areas which would increase the viability of the area along with its unique personality and beauty.

3.    Additional sidewalk areas could lead to encouraged and expanded outdoor dining and bar facilities for existing and future bar/restaurant operations. Establishment of SuperBlocks in many cities have resulted in huge increases in commercial traffic and similar increases in tax revenues generated in these areas.

4.    Stimulate greater pedestrian and local resident use and enjoyment of the Grand Ave. and 11 and 12 Streets. This would create more general activity and public mixing and stimulate additional retail/dining opportunities and businesses in existing empty store fronts. This, in turn would encourage more residential population in the district.

5.    Stimulate tourist use of the SuperBlock and increased commercial walking traffic by attracting and capitalizing on the huge draw of LA Live, the Convention Center, and Crypto Arena.

6. The SuperBlock would provide a community center for activities for and by the People of The Social District - and for the rest of Downtown LA.

Do you have input for the Grand Avenue SuperBlock concept? Please feel free to contact me at dtlanow@gmail.com. I welcome your comments and discussion!

By: John Nilsson

P.S. LA Parks and Recreation is surveying residents regarding their park needs. Here is your chance to ask for more parks and green space in South Park https://www.theolinstudio.com/news/2025/park-needs-assessment-project.  Most of the survey is asking about your experiences with LA Parks, but there are opportunities to add a comment. Write a comment whenever possibly about a dense residential neighborhood that needs more parks, green, and open space.

Intersecting streets could also be incorporated