$100,000 for comprehensive solutions for visitors and residents near the Hollywood Sign

(photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday voted unanimously to approve Councilman David Ryu’s request to spend $100,000 of the Fourth Council District’s discretionary funds on a comprehensive study for improving park access, safety and mobility in Griffith Park and around the Hollywood Sign.

In particular, the study will focus on the impacted areas near the western side of Griffith Park. The study’s goal is to provide recommendations on best practices for public access and Hollywood Sign viewing along the various hiking trails, all while continuing to protect the urban wilderness elements of the park.

“For too long, the city and the community have been bogged down in litigation, shifting problems from one neighborhood to the next. We need to improve the visitor experience for park users, quality of life for our neighbors, and most importantly, the public safety for all,” Ryu said. “By approving funding for this expanded access and mobility study, we will finally move forward on smart solutions for both visitors, residents and park users alike.”

Ryu’s office and the Department of Recreation and Park (RAP) will work with the same consultant and engineering firm from the recently implemented Griffith Park Circulation Plan. The Plan began a seven-day-a-week DASH service program to the Observatory, which started on on March 21, to improve the overall traffic flow, safety and public transportation access to the park.

“The Department of Recreation and Parks is committed to working closely with Councilmember Ryu to improve accessibility and the visitor experience in and around Griffith Park,” said Michael Shull, RAP general manager. “The recently expanded Griffith Park Shuttle Program and this newly approved comprehensive study are all part of our long-term goal to manage the ever-growing popularity of the Greek Theatre, Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park hiking trails.”

Beginning April 18, RAP will close pedestrian access to the portion of Griffith Park at the Beachwood Gate to comply with a recent court order which requires the city to facilitate access to Sunset Ranch. RAP will continue to promote its recently expanded Griffith Park Shuttle Program to help park visitors access to enjoy the park and to reduce traffic.

Additionally, Ryu announced the dedication of additional discretionary funds to hire increased enforcement, from LAPD and the Department of Transportation, to manage visitors in the hillside neighborhoods adjacent to Griffith Park during the Spring Break holiday period, April 7-17.