Park for Skateboarders Approved by City Council

The City Council approved a new park Wednesday for skateboarders--with a twist.

The park, at the corner of 4th and Grandview streets, will be run by a nonprofit counseling center that deals with young people at risk of joining gangs, taking drugs and getting involved in other potentially dangerous or illegal activities.

Councilman Mike Hernandez, who pushed for the opening of the park in the densely populated Pico-Union area, said it is exactly the kind of facility the police and others have said young people need in that area. The Los Angeles Police Department plans to become involved in activities there.

The park will be similar to a youth center, where participants will be required to maintain their grades in school, attend counseling and in some cases undergo drug testing. It will be run by People in Progress and should be open by this summer.

Members of a nearby church and other local residents opposed the park, concerned about the potential noise. But Hernandez, whose district includes the area, said the vacant lot has been the site of drug dealing, illegal dumping and homeless encampments and that the skateboard park is a much better use of the area.