At the October 16, 2025 Meeting of the Board of Recreation and Park Commissions, they will consider conceptual approval of a perimeter fencing project and allocate $2.3 million in funding for it. If the motion passes, staff is directed to create final plans for the fence.
The proposal states, “the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) has been working collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office, Council District 1, and the Los Angeles Police Department to develop strategies that balance safety, accessibility, and preservation of the park’s historic character.” It should be noted that it does not mention the MacArthur Park Neighborhood Council, which is accurate as we have not been brought into the conversation yet.
The plan calls for:
The proposed wrought iron perimeter fencing reflects this balanced approach. The intent of the fencing is not to limit access, but rather to create a safer, more welcoming, and better-managed environment for park visitors and nearby residents. Similar approaches have been implemented successfully at other parks where perimeter fencing has helped improve conditions while maintaining public access and programming.
By installing perimeter fencing, RAP aims to provide greater flexibility in managing park hours, improve oversight during off-hours, and support long-term stewardship of this important public space. The proposed MacArthur Park Perimeter Fencing Project (Project) would install a green wrought iron fence around both the northern and southern sections of the park. The proposed fence would fully enclose the historical Wilshire Boulevard sides and the eight historically prominent cornered ingress/egress points. The fence would include gates at all ingress/egress points. The design of the perimeter fencing will need to comply with all applicable Los Angeles Building Code requirements for egress, fire/emergency services, and accessibility.
RAP Board Report 25-177 MacArthur Park Conceptual Approval of Perimeter Fencing Project
Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners October 16, 2025 Agenda
The meeting will be held at the Chevy Chase Recreation Center, 4165 Chase Drive, Los Angeles, 90039, October 16, 10am. Public comment will only be taken in person.