Los Angeles State Historic Park is Almost Here

San Francisco gets Dolores Park, New York gets the High Line and Los Angeles gets... Griffith Park? Soon, another lush space might rival Griffith's natural landscape. While Griffith Park is picturesque, it also puts you smack in the middle of traffic from the Observatory and Greek Theatre.

The Los Angeles State Historic Park might make park-going a little less stressful and a little more fun. Early renderings of the space show the makings of a great natural space: plenty of paths for reflection, benches for sitting and lush backgrounds for taking those selfies. With Chinatown and Downtown nearby, the space could serve as a hub for artsy types, nature lovers and local residents alike.

A press release from 2014 explained that the construction would last a year but the opening date of the park is now set for spring 2016, according to Los Angeles Magazine. That could prove worth the wait: LA Mag reports that besides the other amenities of the park, it will also lead to a beer garden and a restaurant named Cargo. The perfect set-up for spending an afternoon day drinking and soaking in the sun.

According to the press release, visitors can expect "a welcome pavilion, additional parking lots, an amphitheater, a promenade for a farmers market, wetland areas and infrastructure improvements, including permanent restrooms." The acquisition of the space dates back to 2001 and while the park hosted past events like FYF Fest, this final phase turns the area into a more permanent fixture. Artist Lauren Bon will also contribute a piece called "La Noria," a huge water wheel that will supply water to the park.

A few items we would add to our park wish list: a nearby taco truck/stand, walls for murals and permission for ice cream vendors to roll by with some paletas.