During its regular meeting on August 2, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously agreed to commit an additional $5.3 million to the construction of the Pio Pico Pocket Park.
Originally allocated for technology upgrades at the Old Arlington Library this fiscal year, the 10th District Councilmember’s office requested the redirection, which was accepted during the council meeting. The decision came more than 100 days after the City Council formally requested the extra funding on April 24.
The newly approved $5.3 million will supplement the existing funding and will be utilized for the development of a park and underground parking garage at the site.
The project, initiated by former Councilman Herb Wesson in 2015, was initially expected to cost a total of $26 million. However, delays in securing funding from the City Council and the impact of rising costs for labor, materials, and other factors during the pandemic have led to an increase in the estimated cost.
The council has approved a total of $22.968 million for the project, which includes $3.4 million in Quimby funds and $300,000 from the Community Development Block Grant.
The total cost of the 26,000-square-foot project now stands at $11 million more than the Parks Department’s estimate from last year, a figure that some have deemed unrealistic. The construction cost for the 26,000-square-foot park is estimated at about $1023 per square foot.
Councilmember Heather Hutt (10th District) expressed her belief that this project is a crucial long-term endeavor for the Koreatown community and has been diligently working to secure funding.
“This is one of the most significant projects I’ve been involved in since my appointment to the council, and today, I can finally see the fruits of my labor,” Hutt stated in an interview with the Korea Daily on August 2. “I’m thrilled and grateful that members of the Korean community will have a place to relax and enjoy the park with their families.”
The Pio Pico Koreatown Library Pocket Park project has been in progress since 2015, initiated by then-Councilmember Wesson in response to public demand for green spaces in Koreatown.
However, progress on the project remained stagnant until Hutt’s inauguration. The safety issues at the library parking lot, including the discovery of syringes and drug paraphernalia, raised concerns for children and residents using the library.
In the meantime, the park project is being designed by JFAK. The library will continue to remain open, and the park will feature green space, a playground, shaded areas, playground equipment, walking paths, and bike racks. Additionally, the project includes plans for an underground parking garage with a capacity for 55 vehicles.
The council is anticipating a groundbreaking ceremony as early as next year, and the project is expected to take two to three years to reach completion.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
