Friends of Griffith Park continues to initiate and promote projects that will enhance the visitor experience and those that support the Park’s wildlife and habitat

 

GRIFFITH PARK MERRY-GO-ROUND
As strange as it sounds, the privately-owned historic 1926 Stillman carousel sits inside a building owned by the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP). Due to co-owner Julio Gosdinski’s death at the age of 49 in 2020, his 50% ownership still rests in the hands of the probate court.

Even so, the beloved merry-go-round operated sporadically during the COVID-19 pandemic, until a very expensive mechanical repair shuttered this affordable, favorite attraction. Unfortunately, until there is a resolution in the court case, little can be done to address the mechanical problems and reopen the ride.

FoGP continues to see strong interest in keeping this rich piece of history alive in Griffith Park. To reiterate, FoGP is anxious to see RAP acquire ownership of the carousel and will help in this effort.

Parents of young children regularly reach out and ask us when it might reopen. Sadly, kids will miss another holiday season of riding this mighty four-abreast horse carousel. The ride was inspirational for Walt Disney, and has enthralled thousands of youngsters over the nearly nine decades it has resided in the Park. Julio’s smiling face and passion made it even more inviting in recent decades.

GRIFFITH PARK PONY RIDES
Another favorite and affordable Park attraction – the pony rides – was placed on hiatus in late 2022. RAP hired an outside consultant, PlaceWorks, to manage the controversy with the public about live animal rides. Public outreach for “Reimagining the Pony Rides Site” conducted by the consultant has ended, and their formal report was delivered to RAP Commissioners on September 16, 2024.

The report gives no answers. Instead, it exhibits loads of input collected from the public via various methods. The “statistically valid survey” is compelling and states that a fair representation of L.A.’s demographics indicate that 70% of the public favor pony rides being offered to children with only 16% opposed.

The report cites a variety of possible uses for the 3.5-acre venue, with or without pony rides being a part of the final choice. Seven case studies of activities within California, ranging from no-animal interaction to primarily animal interaction facilities, illustrate the possibilities for the site’s future. The case studies also explore business models, management structures, capital investment, and construction time for each option.

At the September Commission meeting, no deliberations occurred, although questions from L.A. Park Commission’s President Renata Simril were answered. One question was whether there was a “strategic plan” for Griffith Park, and the response was, “not at this time.” However, A Vision for Griffith Park which provides an important document to guide Griffith Park, was not part of the discussion.

It was made clear that a decision might be a combination of activities from the case models presented. No timeline was given for this important topic to return to the Commission for final decisions regarding the venue.

The complete report, as well as detailed information on the path of outreach along the way can be accessed online.

LOS ANGELES ZOO EXPANSION
Litigation filed jointly by Friends of Griffith Park and the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust on September 13, 2023, has not yet been resolved. The deadline for the City Attorney to present the Administrative Record has been extended several times by the Court, due to its depth and considering the possibility of settlement.

The suit, based upon the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), targets the massive excavation of an unnatural 60-ft deep “man-made canyon,” an 18,000 sq. ft. visitor center on top of a high ridgeline, and the loss of native habitat containing rare and sensitive flora, along with 26 City-protected trees/shrubs.

ALCOHOL POLICY ADOPTED
FoGP remains concerned that in March of 2024, RAP expanded the opportunity for approved events to serve alcohol. In the adopted Revised Alcohol Policy, an “unlimited number of open area events” can be authorized by the RAP General Manager.

A second concern is that RAP expanded the currently-allowed beer and wine policy to include all liquor for these events.

We have suggested that Griffith Park’s “Wilderness Area,” which is delineated in the Historic-Cultural Monument documents, be precluded from potential “open area alcohol events” locations. FoGP has also reminded decision-makers that 800 acres burned in 2007, and an average of about a dozen reported fires per year are extinguished in Griffith Park. It has been shown repeatedly that alcohol is tied to carelessness and people falling asleep while smoking, contrary to the Park’s strict no smoking rules.

Loosening the Alcohol Policy is truly an environmental issue for Griffith Park with management’s extraordinary authority to permit alcohol in outdoor events. Currently, RAP struggles with budget reductions and insufficient staffing. We believe RAP is interested in having a standard policy throughout all its 450-plus properties and needs to raise revenue any way it can. However, standard policy does not fit the reality for Griffith Park or other regional parks in RAP’s holdings.

FERN DELL WROUGHT-IRON FENCE / PHASE 3
When FoGP completed the attractive, historically-accurate (1920s) pedestrian bridge in 2019, the rusty chain-linked fencing surrounding the bridge became a horrific eyesore in comparison. It was up to our organization to make improvements since stretched-thin City dollars were unavailable.

Through fund-matching with generous donors, especially nearby residents, FoGP was able to complete the first two sections during 2020 and 2021. Our goal now – to encircle the entire area from the north side of the new bridge to the south to create a large loop with two gates that are secured at night.

The contractor FoGP used for Phases 1 and 2 did superb work. This year, while committed to Phase 3, the final and longest stretch, we en- countered a series of “red tape” bumps – even though we had already secured funding for the project completion! Fortunately, persistence paid off and we were able to work out issues over the course of several months.

We hope all Park visitors will enjoy this new section along the 200-ft long pathway that connects lower and upper Fern Dell, east of the bridges. Now, instead of dilapidated chain-link fence, you’ll find a more attractive, friendlier wrought-iron fence. Matching funds from our close partner, the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust, made this project possible.

ORIGINAL TILE ROOF RETURNS TO THE FERN DELL COMFORT STATION
Some may think a restroom could not possibly be considered a historic feature, however; Fern Dell’s 1926-era “comfort station” is something everyone can embrace!

Constructed in the Spanish Colonial style, this structure boasted period-defining details that have been lost over the decades. Ironically, shortly after the Park’s designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument in 2009, the terracotta tiled roof was replaced with asphalt shingles while our attention was elsewhere.

With approvals by the L.A.’s Department of Recreation and Parks, FoGP has been allowed to restore the roof back to its historic look. Our chosen contractor, Roof Repair Specialists, did a fantastic job. We hope you agree!

Although the vertical, lathed wood spindles were another striking and distinct detail of the original comfort station, FoGP was not permitted to incorporate them at this time. Eventually, we hope to reincorporate them, at least, in the openings above the doors.

MEASURE W PROJECT / FERN DELL
Our largest potential project of all involves flowing water in Fern Dell. Engineering consultant Craftwater, Inc., continues the Feasibility Study for the Fern Dell Rehabilitation and Stormwater Capture Project. The one-year study grant was awarded through the County’s Safe, Clean Water Program.

Recently FoGP learned that the County will postpone the annual “call for projects.” As a result, this Feasibility Study Phase will continue for another year, but has been elevated to a higher level of design, 30% rather than 10%. Additional program funding of roughly $40,000 will allow Craftwater to further develop conceptual and technical scopes. Even though this project will be delayed a year, we remain optimistic it will be elevated to full Design Phase.

Our vision for this project – to rehabilitate Fern Dell and improve the water quality that’s being discharged from the area and eventually flows into Ballona Creek. Stormwater capture and diversion from the existing City storm drain system, along with water storage and reuse are high priority goals.

Recirculation of stored water to the upper Fern Dell streambed, most often bone dry, is another goal that will benefit visitors’ experience, as well as tree and habitat health.

There are many possibilities for Fern Dell: an enhanced parking lot with a permeable surface, appropriate landscaping, historic trail restoration, and the gift of a renewed irrigation system.

~Gerry Hans, FoGP president