The proposal to expand “Seoul International Park,” one of Koreatown’s iconic parks, is currently under consideration.
If the expansion plan materializes, it is expected to increase green space within Koreatown and attract more visitors, raising hopes for the revitalization of local businesses and excitement within the Korean community.
On September 17, the office of LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt, who represents District 10, announced that Councilmember Hutt had introduced a motion on September 13 to expand the park. The statement also mentioned that LA City Councilmember John Lee (District 12) is in support of the proposal.
The motion directs the Bureau of Engineering, in coordination with the Department of Recreation and Parks, to draft a request for proposal (RFP) to explore the expansion of Seoul International Park. An RFP is a document that outlines the requirements for specific projects.
The RFP will include proposals to permanently close and redevelop streets between San Marino and Normandie Avenues on Irolo Street, as well as between Olympic Boulevard and Irolo Street on Normandie Avenue.
These streets currently border both sides of the Koreatown Senior and Community Center. If closed and incorporated into Seoul International Park, the park’s size would effectively double.
Additionally, the RFP includes a proposal to build affordable housing on the right side of Irolo Street, near the Cheonggiwa Plaza Mall, on land made available by the street closures.
Community input will be solicited as well. The Bureau of Engineering and the Department of Recreation and Parks plan to gather feedback from the Seoul International Park Advisory Board, the Wilshire Center-Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC), and local residents before submitting the proposal to the City Council.
“I am committed to bringing more green spaces to Koreatown,” said Councilwoman Heather Hutt. “With over 100,000 residents in the area, Seoul International Park is a place where thousands come to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. Expanding the park will be extremely beneficial, enhancing the quality of life for constituents and visitors, while giving us all a more modern place to get some fresh air.”
The Koreatown Senior Center has expressed a positive stance on the proposed expansion of the park. Kwanil Park, the center’s director, said, “We hope that, along with the expansion of Seoul International Park, long-standing community projects like the Madang Project and Olympic Gateway will also be revived. We urge the Korean community to actively support this expansion to ensure its success.”
Koreatown, home to over 100,000 residents, is one of the most densely populated areas in LA. In addition to Seoul International Park, the city operates four other parks in the area, including Lafayette Park, Chateau Park, and the under-construction Pio Pico Park.
“Koreatown is one of Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the community’s residents have access to green spaces that are functional and modern,” said Councilmember John Lee. “I applaud Councilwoman Hutt for her focus on the Koreatown community and look forward to seeing improvements at this park come to fruition.”
BY SUAH JANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
