Grand Hope Park

Beautiful park with kids playground & workout station, connected to the ASU FIDM campus & an apartment complex. I wish they allowed dogs, since it’s one of the few grassy areas downtown, but since it’s a private park it’s no dogs allowed. No public restrooms.

Nice chill park, not much homeless when i went and a lot of shade. Nice park to relax for a bit

Grand Hope Park is a beautiful and peaceful park right in the heart of downtown. It’s a great spot to relax, take a walk, or spend time with family and friends. The park is clean and well-maintained, with plenty of green space and shady trees that make it a refreshing escape from the busy city. There is a playground for kids, which makes it very family-friendly, and the park is also dog-friendly, so many people bring their pets here. The picnic areas are nice for sitting and enjoying a meal outdoors, and the restrooms are convenient for longer visits.

My husband and I recently stumbled upon this park. What a lovely oasis amidst the urban grit of Los Angeles. It's surprisingly spacious with many places to lounge. There's a playground for kids, too. If you enjoy fashion, "The Fashion Institute" borders on one side. A welcome find for us.

It’s a sprawling park with grassy areas, plenty of benches beneath stone pillars and plant awnings with flowers wrapped around the sides. Playground seems typical though I haven’t explored it. It’s kept very clean. Even on a Sunday at 1:20pm there’s a maintenance man walking the property. Quiet, only the hum of the main street and occasional sirens. Apt complexes and art buildings surround the park. There is shade to be found even on a 95 degree afternoon. Tomorrow is Labor Day (#unionlove) and would be interesting to see how the park is utilized for larger crowds. It certainly has the space to accommodate several hundred people at once! DTLA isn’t very green so swing by this park to get a break from all the ugly garbage filled streets and sidewalks that LA refuses to clean up (you’ll be hard pressed to find garbage cans around this city At All. But in this park I see four within direct eyesight. Some only 20 feet away from one another. So as an aside if you can’t find a garage can for blocks, check out the parks.

Nice park to go to. Didn't know it was used in a movie starring Sandra Bullock. Cool. The fountain steps used in movies were drained. Guess they're cleaning it. I recommend a visit.

What a grand name! Inside the park, however, there aren't a lot. Mostly a small playground and some public space for people to chill or exercise. Part of the park is bordering some apartment buildings so the park gives me the vibe of an apartment complex common area.

A really peaceful place in the middle of downtown. Very clean park with a lot of benches and lots of grass that's actually clean. Open daily, no dogs allowed or smoking and no alcohol.

This park feels like a hidden gem tucked right inside DTLA. I love how clean and peaceful this area is. It's a really nice surprise if you're walking through the area. The landscaping is well kept, and it's a great spot for a quick stroll or just to get a little fresh air in the middle of the city. It never feels overcrowded, (unless there's an event) which I appreciate. If you're a local or work nearby, this is a lovely park to have in your rotation.

Super pretty space close to DTLA. Grabbed a hike before a work conference and the trail was perfect. Great views of the city as well! Little gem especially if you're tired of touristy things!

This is a nice little park in the heart of downtown. It is well maintained and is clean without any trash thrown about. There is tall fencing around it so no one can sleep overnight inside the park after they close. There's a large fountain area that is not working at the moment because it is drained of all it's water.

I was at Grand Hope Park for an outdoor movie night event recently. This park is at the heart of downtown LA. It is quite large actually. I liked that it is very clean and well maintained. It's gated which is nice. There's a huge green grass area where people can lay their blanket and relax or put out their camper chair and sit like I did. There are benches situated throughout the park. The children's playground is very strong and sturdy which is a good thing. There's even enough space for food trucks to come here. Btw, this park is right next door to ASU FIDM Museum and Art Annex. You may park at the museum for a flat rate of $10 for the day which is pretty decent for downtown LA if you ask me. It was fun! I would love to come back here for another movie night event.

Didn't know this park is even here!! It's great to know that there's a small park in the heart of DTLA. Love how Street food and Yelp partnered together to showcase this place. Daughter and I came here for an outdoor YELP elite movie event. It was amazing! They had rentable lounge chairs and blankets and a couple food trucks. What a great way to explore and enjoy DTLA. Appreciate how they kept the greenery and the trees. Wish they would put more shrubs and benches to encourage more locals to come and appreciate this space. Parking was a bit of a challenge. Regardless, it was a great experience and great spot for the exp

I was so excited to let my little service kitty sniff some grass and spend time quietly in a beautiful park. I checked the signs. It said service animals are fine. And while it is unusual, my kitty has been carefully trained over the years. Still, security made it a point to escort me out of the park. After working so hard to get over my anxiety and spend some time outside, it was devastating to be removed so abruptly by two members of security because my cat's service pet displays are small like her.

Went to street food cinema here and it was fun! This park is a very nice little slice of green amidst the city, so it's very much appreciated. Very clean and a decent size.

I came here for a movie in the park. The park itself is large and has a lot of benches and a nice grass hill to hangout on. Parking can be rough so be prepared. I do think this is a nice slice of green inside of downtown LA.

Won two tickets from Yelp for the Street Food Cinema. ( Movies in the park) located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Parking is all around the park. The feature was Spike Lee's Do the right thing. Hope you all enjoy the pics because I had a great time.

Great and neat private park! Didn't know this gem existed right in the heart of downtown L.A. we came here for the street food cinema outdoor movie and it was surprisingly a nice park. It's gated so no homeless were inside. Seems like it's well kept too. There's also a parking garage conveniently right next to it. Is $10 flat fee which isn't bad but not great.

I really love this park in DTLA. When I'm here, I forget I'm downtown. It's very spacious and quiet, and does not feel crowded. Finding green space downtown is challenging and this park does it right. Plenty of places to walk and sit, and I always feel like I have privacy. There are designated play equipment for kids too. Open 7 days a week.

Was visiting this park today with my wife and son accompanied by my small 15 pound bichon. A "security" worker asked me to leave stating that the park is part of Arizona State University property. I told him I was there with my son who is playing. He said he was sorry but I would need to go on the street side behind the parks fence. Just terrible that I can't go to a public park with my child and dog. She is well trained and I carry dog bags.

In the midst of DTLA cacophony find Grand Hope Park, 2.5 acres of open space within West 9th Street to the north, West Olympic Boulevard to the south where Grand Hope Apartments are located, South Hope Street to the west and South Grand Avenue, home of FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) to the east. Grand Hope Park, designed by landscape architect, Lawrence Halprin https://lawrencehalprin.com/about is gated, security patrolled, well manicured, peaceful, a fine place to decompress, savor a repast, take the little ones to the kid friendly play area, admire the Halprin designed Clock Tower's impressive mosaic tiles or the coyote statues within the park proper. Grand Hope Park is NOT dog friendly, just so you know. Last Saturday's dew point, or drizzle if you will, prevented my friends and me from lingering (me taking more photos) in this most unexpected pocket park post FIDM Gallery and Museum visit. We parked in FIDM's underground lot so I can't speak to other parking options. Learn more about Grand Hope Park here - https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/grand-hope-park

Such a cute park but the visitors are often disappointing and make you want to leave as quick as you get there. A children's park but theres people cooking drugs a few steps away. A bit uninviting.

You can't lay down at this part even if your kid is sleepy they will ask you to take your kid home and put them to bed because they don't pay us security guard to babysit. Your brat security at this park a little too much people that come here are elderly people and family members with little ones and play dates but if you lay down to read a book or play with your phone you get told to to stand up, I am 87 years old And have a back problem and love to lay in the grass and watch the birds and I was told to get up or get out of the park. I don't know who to complain to The about the security guards, but this is the worst treatment I've ever experienced in any LA recreational park in the United States all the security guards smoke cigarettes and talk on the phone and sit down in the shade and if you ask him for advice or anything they tell you that's not my job can't you read my jacket it says security not information desk....someone please help people like me and my grandchildren that come here this is got to stop I've been in my feet and told to wake up after falling asleep sleep reading my books that I enjoy every day. I am not homeless I own a $550,000 condo right down the street. and I pay my taxes for these.parks to exist I am tired of being compared to a homeless person.

A nice escape in the middle of all the rush! I live across the street from this place and also attended FIDM. I love that this park is well maintained, properly groomed and offers exercise equipment for workouts. During the day the park is patrolled by FIDM campus security which I love, they keep the homeless from congregating or sleeping in or around the park. By night the park is closed. It's important to note the park does not allow dogs even though they have dog sculptures around the grass area which is very misleading, but I get it. Tbh it is nice to have a clean park free from dog feces and urination (if you live in DTLA you understand that almost no one picks up after their dog). Because of the pandemic, you cannot sit on the park benches, use the exercise equipment, or have your kids play on the playground just yet. So bring a blanket, have a picnic or grab a good book and enjoy some sun!

During my walking tour of Dtla, my wandering eyes caught a glimpse of a colorful clock tower from afar. Curiosity got into me so I walked towards its direction. I realized it is the entrance to to the Grand Hope Park, an oasis in the heart of Dtla. The 2.5 acre park I learned was designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin who also designed the mosaic clock tower. The day I discovered this park was also the same day I discovered FIDM. The entrance to the FIDM Museum Galleries is actually through this park. Grand Hope Park might be small in size but beautiful in its own right. It has very lush greenery provided by well maintained lawn and trees. I love the beautiful walkways, and pergolas adorned by pretty bougainvilleas. There are also fountains, sunken water court, children's playground, and different sculptures. Lots of seating can be found in the lawn as well as under the pergolas. However, no dogs are allowed in this park. Neither are ballgames, bikes, skateboards among other things or you'll get reprimanded by security on site.

Riding the Metro allows residents of Los Angeles (and tourists) time to look around at their surroundings without worrying about traffic, pedestrians, stop lights, etc. I was traveling on the Silver Line between Torrance and Downtown LA when we passed by a colorful, tall structure with a clock. A quick search on my Yelp app led me to Grand Hope Park which I Bookmarked and vowed to return some day... Yesterday was the day! Alana and I had some free time, so I parked for a few minutes and ran inside the gates. It's so clean and nicely maintained! I saw people lounging around and enjoying the beautiful day! When you come here, take a look at the mosaic work on the clock - it's neatly done! That's a lot of work! Good job!

I absolutely love parks it's one way to be in the community and at the same time ponder about literally everything. Great location right smack dab in the middle of Downtown LA (Dtla). I didn't make a special trip to come here or anything--I was simply in the area and decided to stop by to enjoy my apple. I absolutely love picnics but this has to be the smallest picnic in history--let's just call it a snack stop. Parts of the park was closed off as they appear to be setting up for an event of some sort. Very nice and peaceful--I almost felt like I was somewhere else with the shade, cool breeze, and light background noise from the passing cars. Very clean and well kept park. I didn't see any pets of any kind and thought perhaps the time of day; I later noticed this park doesn't allow for them.

this is a little slice of heaven in the middle of a busy downtown area. we came here for a party during Christmas time and they had a huge Christmas tree made out of ornaments of light, it was beautiful. They also strung lights across the park. I'm a sucker for a strung lights! the party was set up on the parked lawn furniture that was all hot pink! so cute! there were lots of shady areas and the playground had cushion flooring. parking is kind of a mess and is 10$ but it's dtla, what can you do? the restroom doesn't have toilet paper so if you have a little one, come prepared!

Grand/Hope Park is an oasis in the middle of Downtown. It is, as Mary Poppins says, practically perfect in every way. It takes up almost an entire block and has plenty of benches and shaded nooks for reading, picnic tables for get togethers, a wonderful play area for kids, equipment for adults to exercise, an incredible, relaxing fountain for moments of contemplation, and a full time guard who looks after the place. The park is gated, which is one of the reasons it is so well kept (you can see gardeners there daily trimming and picking up trash). It's open from about 7 pm till dusk and is a lovely place to have your lunch, walk your dog, or to let kids run around willy nilly on the grass.

This park has been going downhill the past few months. They're letting a lot more homeless in to sleep on the grass and on the benches. They leave trash, food, and alcohol bottles all over the floor despite there being many trash cans. Used to be at least 3 security guards roaming at all time now I only see 1 at the entrance. Shame.

Neat little block of earth, flora and fauna in the midst of the gritty city where security keeps any drugged up folk from using and crashing on the premises. Grass is watered and green....a rare find in DTLA. It's gated and they close up at dusk but keep the fashion school entrance open and let you pass if you reside in the apartments which open to the park. Playground for the wee among us. There are plenty of comfortable benches in all areas of the park; I enjoyed sitting under the wisteria vines along the park's outer-edges.

Love love this park! Perfect size for toddlers to run around and play. My daughter loves this park, the slide and little ladybug ride and the dog statues. My husband and I enjoy a lazy afternoon picnicking here with our chicken sandwiches, donuts and coffee. Win win for the kiddos and for us to catch a breather and connect.

Typical LA. Priorities are way off. The only sliver of grass in LA and it's dedicated to people who don't use it. Should be a damn dog park! Or build a damn park LA! Plenty of parking lots though!

Grand hope Park is an oasis in the center of Los Angeles' tiresome traffic and cars. It's a great spot if you want to go enjoy some greenery and lay under a tree, but unfortunately that's about it. They don't allow a lot of things that would ruin the atmosphere of the small park, such as pets (dogs), skateboarding, drones, and the like. These rules are well listed around the entrances so don't be surprised when the security tells you to stop; but the park also has a series of unlisted rules which to me was kind of sad to learn as I bumped into them time and time again. For instance, the park doesn't allow photography, so out your cameras away. Just a forewarning The park does a good job at stopping homeless people from living within the gates, but you will see them here during the day as the nap on the grass. Please also be sure that they tend to stay around the gates at night, and while I've never had a problem, I also keep my guard up.

What kind of a park in the middle of a city doesn't allow dogs? A dumb one. There's a security guard there that will jump at you as soon as you walk in. I walked from my apartment 15 to 20 minutes away just to get turned away. Downtown LA should really rethink their rules for this park. So beware dog owners, this is not a dog friendly space.

I lived at DTLA for 4~ years and this park is the only park around. In fact, in my LA years, I found it's hard to find any park in LA in general. Being health conscious and working long hours on my pc all day every day, to immerse myself in nature and have my eyes on green plants have been an essential part of my life, which explains why I frequented this park when I lived in that neighborhood. It's a very small park and can't really qualify for the title of "nature" but considering it's in DTLA, it's a bond fide "nature" in my book. I'd come here to stretch, get fresh air, something a little bit of Taekwondo exercise. It has trees and grass, benches to sit and you can play on the grass. This is where FIDM is located so you will see many FIDM students around, but everybody came here, lots of families. The security is always there. One time I saw a guard rudely asked a homeless-looking man to leave. "Homeless-looking" means he looked like homeless but he's not very dirty and he did not carry anything with him, totally empty-handed and quiet and well-behaved, just sitting there enjoy his own peace and quiet. But the guard was very cruel to him while forcing him to leave. I found that quite repulsive. One time a guard also asked me to leave when they were closing for the evening, and he was very rude. But other than those 2 incidents, they're normally cool. If you're the kind who don't consider sunlight your best friend due to the UV ray, you may not like it here during the daytime after early morning and before sunset since you'll find it hard to find any shade here in this tiny park. And if there's any, chances are they're already taken by the time you spotted them. So early morning and after sunset are the best time to hang here. There're handful of workout structure here too. They're very simple structure but they're there and some people actually use them so just so that you know. Ralph's is just kitty-corner across the street, and Starbucks is across street from Ralph's. Whole Foods is at the other side of the park so you can shop after or before the park visit.

Downtown needs more parks like Grand Hope Park. It's really just a 3-star park, but because of its location between Olympic & 9th Street on Hope, it ranks as 4 stars. Grand Hope Park lives up to its name as a safe, clean, and grassy space for peace and hope for downtown. Located next to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), this 2.5 acre park features a Clocktower, a pair of Fountains, Garden Pergolas, a Children's Playground, and decorated Sidewalks. Those are great, but the green lawns may be the best part of the park. Grand Hope Park is a nice downtown recreation area perfect for families with kids.

I live downtown in the area and this is the only place nearby that has a open Grassfield that my dog can play in. Keep in mind I have a very very small dog and she is very well trained. She didn't even move 10 feet from me before a security guard comes up and literally escort me out of the park like I'm breaking the law or something for having my dog in the park. Not even to mention they have sculptures of dogs all throughout the park as if they were inviting pet owners

This is literally my favourite park in the entire city. I work at the FIDM and spend many of my lunch hours lying on the grass or reading under the Jacaranda trees. It has lots of security, and unlike Pershing (which I live across the street from) there are no residentially challenged individuals making comments about how I look that morning while I try to eat. It's not that I'm anti-homeless people; it just gets exhausting after a while. Anyway! This park is more family-friendly ... on Saturday afternoons I see old woman in tai-chi classes, families playing catch on the grass, students chain smoking at the benches. There's also lots of events here (most of them are for the school). The best part about the park is how lush all the greenery is. Unlike Pershing Square, which can hardly be called a park since it's mostly made of concrete these days, this place has small rolling hills with the natural curve of the earth still intact and hanging vines over gazebos. The design is really beautiful. I think the park owners were smart to keep a fence around it (park hours are later during the summer: they close around 8. In the winter, it's about 6) -- it preserves the environment much more than other local parks. And as for not having dogs, I don't blame them. I'd love to take my pup there -- I'm sure he'd have a lot of fun, but then this park would smell like dog piss just like Pershing does. Literally, when you walk onto the grass there, you feel the urine saturation. It has nothing to do with responsibility -- it's just that dogs come to grass to urinate/defecate, hence why there are so many yellow spots all over Pershing Square. I take my pup to bunker hill. The bums love him, and there's plenty of space to roam.

I've been here a few times, the first time I brought my little pup, who MIND YOU she is always on a leash, and is the most friendly chihuahua you will meet. I always have bags with me on hand, & I'm not an ignorant dog owner like some are downtown. Anyways, the first time I thought this was a cool little gem. The grass is soft & plush, & very cozy inside. There's also an outdoor gym, kinda neat, there's an incline bench for some sit ups, stairs, & a few other machines. No resistance to them though, the only weight is from your body... so they are kind of cheesy. What gives this park a 3 stars is just the fact I can't even sit on a bench here with my dog. I came here today, & I was excited just to let my dog feel some grass under her paws & not hot sidewalk or pavement. Apparently the park is managed by FIDM & they don't allow dogs. Funny, the very first time I came here I didn't get kicked out. It's not just the grassy areas either. It's the WHOLE park. You basically have to be outside the fence with your dog to be in there. Why wasn't there a designated pet area? Pretty stupid if you ask me, considering downtown is very limited to the amount of green.

This park is located next to the fashion college so it makes a great medium traveled people watching spot. Great to have a clean, well-kept green area sitting right in the center of this downtown area. And I love this park's rule not allowing pets of any kind....you will only go home with green stains; not brown; if you opt to lay on the lawn and take in all in. Plenty of benches, a play area for kids and some outdoor workout machines for adults that were actually occupied both times we were there. Spread the word but not too much....I'd hate for such a well-kept secret to get so popular I lose my favorite bench seat.

If you're like me, someone who thinks of a park as a huge green grassy area with ducks and a running track then don't get too excited. This MINI park is located right on the campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. (A Fashion school for those who's never heard of FIDM.) Or.. . FIDM is located on the park. I think some of my teachers said that it use to be a large park until FIDM was built or the other way around. Not sure, I should get my facts straight before I write huh? Anyways, I'll update once I do confirm :) It's a tiny park with cute wooden benches, a mini play area for kids with sand, and a walk way. I think the most people that spend time at this park are FIDM students in general. I can't imagine anyone coming here if they really wanted a nice area to sit to read or write in their journal. This park is plain creepy to me, why? Yes, there are scary bleached blondes with fake tans who look like they want to eat you but along with these fake airheads, there are HOBOS. Yes, DowntownLA hobos who sleep and troll around this park. Anyways, I wouldn't recommend anyone who's not a FIDM student or living near by with a dog who just wants a nice walk to come to this park. (They don't allow dogs at this park, btw.)

It's a nice little park by FIDM. A lot of people complain they don't let dogs in the park but there are WAY to many dogs in the neighborhood and that cute little park where people chill would turn into a big dog park. There really needs to be a dog park in the area but I don't think this park is it. [no hating...I love your pooches :)]

Looks like a great park, but I was chased out just for walking my dogs THROUGH it. I brought my friend to the hospital nearby and decided to walk my dogs around downtown, so I'm walking them AROUND the park, looking at the workout equipment I could be enjoying. This park has too many rules to be fun. Too bad.

It's a great little park. I thought it was FIDM's front lawn.... It's well kept and very clean.... the way a park is suppose to be. =)

Living across the street I wish they allowed dogs! They have dog statues! They are in a dog friendly neighborhood, but the security guys say, "the owner doesn't want dogs". We've had a few special stolen moments, but I wish they would change their policy. The park is really lush and green and very clean. There are always kids in the little play area and we even took my nieces when they were visiting. My sister and I both went to FIDM, but old school, before this was built. I wish this was here when I went to school, I wouldn't have had to hang out at Carl's jr.! The security guys are nice about it and they lock it up at night like jimmy p. said. I love the sidewalk outside the park on the hope side. It is canopy-d with these gorgeous shade trees. I love walking up to Ralphs under the trees, you literally have to duck your head or get leaves in your hair! I've even witnessed soccer games being played in the park on weekends. There is a fountain, birds, students, I've even seen this "old guy" who I think lives in the Renaissance apartments, with his chaise lounge laying out in the sun! Downtown is GREAT! Gotta love it! Let's get our doggies in now!

Cute, clean little park. Really liked the layout of everything, and there were plenty of benches to sit at. Lots of shady to sit under, especially for me after a 2-mile walk from Grand Central Park to Staples Center. This park is right next to FIDM as well, so you'll definitely see a lot of FIDM students walk through and near the park to and from the school. It's not a disturbance though. This park is overall very peaceful, tucked away on Grand Ave.

I actually went to FIDM for a free exhibition of Alice in Wonderland. We managed to sit at the park before heading back. We noticed an event being set up. A few weeks later, we went to the Outdoor Cinema Food Fest. It was an intimate set-up and plenty of space for people to watch the movie. I know this isn't pertaining to the park but the organizers had: -way too few porta-potties -no lights on the speaker introducing the movie -better enforcements. I saw people bringing outside food and a dog! I thought the park didn't allow dogs. Otherwise, I would've brought my own dog to the park. Overall it was a good time minus the unexpected FREEZING weather.

What an oasis... a sanctuary in the middle of the urban desert that is downtown Los Angeles. It's not that big but it is clean, well-maintained and has several play equipment for the kids. It further diminishes any protests of living in DTLA. It is gated and the gates are ornamental. You don't get the feeling of prison or reverse prison. Located in a nice part of Los Angeles, feel free to stop by. Or buy your lunch in Chinatown and eat it here.

Nice park! Agree with the other reviewer who said before having a baby I would have thought the policy on No Dogs would have been a negative but after having a kid, I have to say I am really happy they have this policy in place. I wouldn't go now if dogs were allowed. It is really clean and I love taking my one year old son there because they have padded floors in the children's area and he is just learning to walk. It isn't a place I would go if I didn't have a kid though. I do wish there were swings there- not sure why they have other children's playground equipment but swings.

A gorgeous park near the DTLA, it's an environmental friendly area. A good place for hang out , the sculptures and water fountains make the walk ways more attractive.

You know what I love about this park? Dogs are not allowed. Before you hate on me, I love dogs--I have one but you know what I hate about parks that allow dogs? I can't actually lay on the grass without--at some point--sitting or laying on some dog shit (new or otherwise). I wish security was always patrolling to keep the dogs out of the park because so many people don't actually read signs, or at least they pretend not to see them. What would make this park 5-stars is if it extended its hours.

What's this clean, pretty park doing in the middle of L.A.? Lots of green grass, lots of playful animal sculptures, a water feature... If I worked in the area I'd probably brown-bag it and enjoy my lunch here every day. Or take my dog here. Or take my kid here. Lovely park!

This little park is the perfect Oasis here in DTLA. Do note that this is not a very animal friendly park. What's great about that is you can actually lay/sit on the grass without feeling like you may be rolling around in dog pee. The park is always kept in immaculate condition, and has ample security. This is probably my favorite park in Los Angeles due to the convenience of the location and the cleanliness.

This review does not reflect the actual park itself but is directed to the terrible attitude the security officers have towards people. First off my complaint is based on the harassment of service animals and their owners. Being new to DTLA, I make sure to carry my specific Service Dog tag and license to prevent any such incidents with security but the officer on duty yesterday and today should lose his job. After carefully explaining to him the laws protecting service animals and their owners according to the Department of Justice, he still continued to follow me, harass me and interfere with my service animal. I contacted the Los Angeles Police Department today to verify and confirm the information i presented them and was instructed to speak to his supervisor before any serious complaints are filed against FIDM. According to Penal Code 365.5, any person who intentionally interferes with the use of a guide, signal, or service dog is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail up to 6 months, or fine not less than $1500 nor more than $2500 or both. By law, its is voluntairy for service dog owners to provide any additional information about their condition and can't be forced to do so by these security officers. If you and anyone you know has been harassed by any of these security officers, please reply below and we will fill formal complaints with the city and local law authorities. Thank you and have a blessed day.

Grand Hope Park is 2.5 acres of tranquil greenspace in a place where the majority of "parks" are "parking lots". This small but special park is located behind the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in the Downtown neighborhood of South Park. Its existence is truly an enigma, and while I'd hope that the residential influx into Downtown will bring more parks of its type, I remain skeptical... so Grand Hope Park remains our one hope for public neighborhood greenspace in the area. The LA Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) opened Grand Hope Park in 1994 and was the first public park to open in Downtown since 1870 when Central Park (now the cement nightmare known as Pershing Square) opened. Grand Hope Park is surrounded by a wrought iron fence (which apparently caused a bit of controversy) and gates that close at the end of the day which seem to help it from becoming a breeding ground of bad things like Pershing Square. Who needs to be in a park after dark anyways unless you're up to no good? The sidewalks outside the fence surrounding the park are wide and tree-lined, another very un-LA aspect of the park area. The entrance on the corner of 9th and Hope features a lovely mosaic adorned clock tower designed by the park's designer Lawrence Halprin and apparently used to have some very lovely composed chimes which no longer work. Hopefully they will be brought back in the near future, as there's nothing more lovely than a clock's chime. Lush vines and flowering plants grow up the many pergolas, providing shade zones for the ample benches and other seating options. In the center of the park, right behind the FIDM building there's a large grassy lawn, with bronze sculptures of coyotes adding the the visual splendor of the space. On the Grand Avenue side you'll find the "Celestial Source Fountain", a lovely pond and art piece that evokes the feeling of arctic ice, with angled chunks of cement making a path in the water. It's probably my favorite part of the park. Another fountain, the Mirage Fountain, lies adjacent to a lovely playground for children. The equipment looks good, and I believe it may be the only public play area in Downtown Los Angeles. Grand Hope Park is a visual treat and a welcome retreat from all things Downtown and all things Los Angeles. Sadly, it's a unique and rare find in this city, but because of that I encourage everyone to visit and make use of this anti-parking lot. Of course, because of its location in Downtown, it's highly transit accessible. Transit access: Metro Red/Purple and Blue lines, Metro Rapid lines 714, 720, 740 and 745, all local lines with numbers 1-99 and their limited-stop counterparts, and all express lines numbered 400-499; all LADOT DASH lines downtown except D and all Commuter Express lines numbered 400-499 and 534; Antelope Valley Transit Authority Line 785; all Foothill Transit 400-series busway express lines, though only 480 runs outside of rush hours; Montebello Municipal Bus Lines 40, 50 and 341/342/343, Orange County Transportation Authority lines 701 and 721; Santa Clarita Transit Line 799; Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Line 10; and Torrance Transit lines 1 and 2.

There's a cool nail shop. But the security guards need training. I was walking my dog through from one end to the next, not stopping when a guard approached us and said no dogs are allowed. There are signs all over the park with this message. I asked the guard how this applied to people cutting through. He responded that this was fine. I suggested he might wait to see if the dog owner was staying in the park or passing through, to avoid a confrontation. He dug his heels in on the same message as if via robocop, before getting my point. As I continued walking, he approached another couple with a dog the SAME way, who snarled at him and said they had just the apartment leasing office, in search of a new home and were only passing through. This guy is going to cause an argument or fight. He needs training.