Description

"Carr, Lynch Associates was retained by the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency to lead a multi-disciplinary team in preparing a master plan for this 150-acre park, site of the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics. The plan proposed an 'Olympic Park' where sports and culture are joined. Existing facilities included the USC Coliseum and Sports Arena, and a major museum complex: a Natural History Museum, a Museum of Science & Industry, an African American Museum, an Aero-Space Museum, and an Olympics Hall of Fame. Adjacent neighborhood areas would be integrated by means of physical redevelopment and programs aimed at sports training for the area's youth. The entire park was to be heavily planted with new trees to provide shade in the Los Angeles summers.

"The City of Los Angeles failed to raise the funds to implement the CLA plan. Over the next few years, the arena was demolished and replaced by a high school football/soccer field and there was a general deterioration of public space within the park (as shown in the upper left image). Under pressure from the University, a master plan was proposed to vastly expand the in-Park parking (as shown in the right-hand upper image). Fortunately, this plan was not implemented. The most recent plan, prepared by Torti Gallas + Partners, restores the basic structure and landscaping of the CLA plan with additional features. It continues the full mix of uses and the integration of adjacent neighborhoods through programs aimed at engaging local adults and youth."

Additional information about 2020 Exposition Park Master Plan: https://expositionpark.ca.gov/epmp/