First new park in Koreatown since 1920s is unveiled, Pio Pico Library Park

Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt, working with the city’s Pio Pico Library and city departments, broke ground for the Pio Pico Library Park, the first new park in Koreatown since the 1920s, on Monday, Aug. 5.

The park will offer a playground, fitness equipment, tables, a walking loop, shaded structures and trees. Koreatown’s 2.7 square miles are considered the most-densely populated community in Los Angeles.

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City Councilwoman Heather Hutt poses with Valentina Zamara-Claros, 8, of Chinatown, during a groundbreaking ceremony for Pio Pico Library Park in Koreatown on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Zamara-Claros’ father, who was raised in Koreatown and spent time at the library, is having his daughter visit the city’s libraries this summer. The park, which will be built on the existing parking lot, will be the first new park for the neighborhood in over a century. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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In prepared statements, city officials weighed in, with Hutt saying, “The Pio Pico Library Park has been a ten-year long effort in the making, and I am proud to bring this to our beloved Koreatown.”

Jimmy Kim, general manager at city Recreation and Parks Department, said the project was more than repurposing an old parking lot, “Instead it’s more about enhancing the lives of our neighbors.” John F. Szabo, city librarian for the LA Public Library, said he envisioned “a vibrant hub for library programs such as outdoor storytimes for children, teen council meetings and neighborhood science programs.”

James An, president of the Korean American Federation of LA, thanked city officials for “much-needed open-air green space and enhanced library amenities to improve the lives of all children, families and visitors.”

Originally Published: August 5, 2024 at 3:29 pm

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