Grace Simon, Conscience of L.A. Parks System

When Grace Simon died on April 19, Los Angeles lost a human treasure. For more than 20 years, Grace Simon protected and defended every tree, grove and blade of grass of her beloved Elysian Park as well as all parks throughout the city.

This 5-foot giant of a lady organized the Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park and successfully fought off developers, special interests, shortsighted politicians, and everyone else who didn’t appreciate the beauty and the need for that lovely park. The thousands of families who today use Elysian Park are the happy beneficiaries of the work and dedication of Grace Simon, her friends and the committee that will continue the noble cause of preserving and enhancing Elysian Park.

I came to know Grace Simon as a member of the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission. When Grace came before the commission encouraging us in certain decisions and challenging us in others, it was an experience. She was prepared, factual, articulate and generally the most knowledgeable person in the room.

When Grace Simon talked, everyone listened. More times than not she had her way to the benefit of the entire park community. Her mortal enemies were the chain saw and cement. Grace Simon was the conscience of the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks System.

I was in complete awe of her. Why would a frail lady, in failing health, give so much of herself to preserve recreation and parks for future generations? Why should a woman in her 80s care? What caused her to do this?

Grace Simon has left us with a legacy. Her legacy is that parks and recreation are a precious fragile part of urban life that must be fiercely protected and cherished.

IRVING ZEIGER

Los Angeles