Gloria Molina Grand Park

Jonnalyn Juan 2 weeks ago

This park is really something you will not think of at the center of downtown LA., there are various plants and flowers from different part of the world that they have planted here as it survives the same weather here in California. Passing by this place is a breath of fresh air from the pollution around it, there is a fountain that calms you because of the sound it creates. You can sit down at starbucks and have some drinks, i saw some food truck around the area too if ever you get hungry while walking by. Many people is relaxing in the pink bench scattered in the area, others would do yoga as a group in the grass. Parking might be difficult and mostly paid parking within the vicinity.

Tricia Avenido 5 months ago

I've been going to Grand Park since its grand opening in 2012. That day I remember seeing actress Debbie Allen who I knew from the TV shows "Fame" and "Grey's Anatomy". They were also handing out flyers for Cirque du Soleil which we ended up going to. Since then, I've been to several other events including New Year's celebrations and protests in front of City Hall which is right next to the park. For New Year's, they project animated lights on City Hall leading up to the countdown turning the tower into a huge clock. Meanwhile DJs, live music, and food trucks keep everyone entertained. Once the clock strikes midnight, fireworks start going off and the grand finale tends to be a crowd pleaser. The event itself is well organized and safe with areas gated off so security checks can be made and there are plenty of Porta Potties lined up knowing that the onsite Starbucks wouldn't have enough toilets. However, it's the leaving that's an issue. Since everything is gated off, it leads to a bottleneck and people crammed shoulder to shoulder marching slowly off like cows being herded. I wish they would take down the gates as soon as the event is over to make exiting quicker and more efficient. Parking in the garages is even worse. The wait to leave takes as long as it took to get out of Grand Park itself. The issue of leaving is bad enough for me to swear off ever going again. Both Grand Park's benefit and flaw is that it's more of an open space than a regular park dotted with trees. The benefit is that is does allow for large gatherings like those for New Year's and protests. The flaw is that if you want to just lay out a blanket and lay under a tree, you're regulated to the edges where those trees are lined. Most recently, I went to a public planting of a Miyawaki Forest, which is a small space consisting of various native plants. Prior to the planting, Native Americans were invited to speak, do blessings, and perform traditional dances. It was both entertaining and informative. There's also something satisfying about knowing that I can now visit the park and visit the 2 plants I had planted and see how they've grown. The event itself went smoothly, but I overheard a couple of people who worked on the event say that it was a lot of work. They did a good job since they made it look easy. At this point, Grand Park has been a big part of my life from moments of celebration to moments of unrest. The park's motto is "The park for everyone" and in all the years that I've been coming here, it has proven to be just that.

Dylan McCarthy 2 weeks ago

We stopped by Gloria Molina Grand Park for an afternoon stroll, and it turned out to be a magnificent urban oasis. Stretching right through the civic center, this vibrant multi-block park offers an incredible combination of open green spaces, historical monuments, and modern community areas. The undisputed centerpiece of our visit was the majestic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain. Watching the interactive water displays alongside the bright, welcoming splash pads is incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day. The terraced lawns are perfectly landscaped, lined with colorful pink benches, and offer plenty of shaded areas under native trees to read a book or take in spectacular views of the surrounding city skyline. The park feels exceptionally lively, community-focused, and well-designed for visitors of all ages. The entire property is very clean, safe, and heavily patrolled by park staff to maintain a family-friendly environment. Its central location makes it highly accessible via public transit, and there are plenty of nearby food trucks and local pathways to wander through at your own pace. For anyone looking to take a break from the concrete jungle, stretch their legs, or enjoy a picnic in a beautiful civic plaza, Gloria Molina Grand Park is a top-tier urban destination.

Mark Legassie 2 months ago

If you’re going to City Hall or Stanley Mosk Courthouse for any reason, check out this park immediately adjacent to it. Pros: Even if you’re not going to city hall or courthouse, this is a nice park to take a leisurely stroll through and/or enjoy a bag lunch. Cons: lots of concrete, emanates an urban park-like vibe, could use more grass and trees.

Kacie Parente 8 months ago

Grand Park hosts many events. It's a great place to meet for marches, rallies, holiday venues,. I went to the "NO Kings" rally there there were thousands and thousands and thousands of very kind, polite people. A stage was set up (in most events there they have a stage area) where speakers can rally the people. Spread information. NAMI meets there for their annual Mental Health March for understanding. It has entrances on Grand across from city hall. Entrance on Hill street near the courts. Usually bus service is quite easy even with changes to schedules during events. Fourth of July is held there as well. Dia de Los Muertos just occurred at Grand Park. And you can just sit around and enjoy the day or lunch in the park.