We are the oldest park advocacy group in Los Angeles.
Elysian Park is the oldest park in Los Angeles, established on April 5, 1886. Since our organization was founded in 1965, we’ve been a group of neighbors working to protect and enhance Elysian Park for current and future generations. Led by Grace E. Simons, the Citizen's Committee to Save Elysian Park waged a war of protest, lawsuits, and letter-writing to fight the construction of a proposed convention center. Their efforts were successful, but the threats of development remain a constant battle that Elysian Park faces. We are committed to staying true to the original mission of Grace and her husband, our benefactors, by fighting against development.
Our gardening work in Elysian Park involves fire abatement practices such as invasive removal, improved trail access and repair. We partner with organizations such as Test Plot and North East Trees to restore and rehabilitate native habitats through native planting.
We also host special events for the community and have recurring monthly events like our "Draw Day" meet-up, which we hold with Bring Your Own Pen of Echo Park.
Join us for fun and exercise - everyone is welcome!
Unparalleled scenery, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles
Elysian Park is the oldest park in Los Angeles. It offers over 600 acres of California Chaparral that includes scenic winding trails, shady oak groves and forests of black walnut trees. There are hidden meadows for picnicking, sporting opportunities with disc golf, basketball, soccer, tennis and youth baseball. Stop by a Test Plot rehabilitation project to smell the flowering California native plants that have been reintroduced. Bring your kids to one of the many interactive playgrounds. Visit the Chavez Ravine Arboretum that has a collection of 140 year old exotic trees, some rarely found outside their native homes. Rent Grace E. Simons Lodge or Montecillo de Leo Politi Park for your next event or wedding. But most of all, just come to slow down, and enjoy nature!
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Help us identify and report issues
in Elysian Park!
Park Maintenance: 213-485-3287
Park Ranger Dispatch: 323-644-6661
Los Angeles Park Rangers use the free what3words app, it provides you with the three words assigned to your specific 10×10’ geolocation that you can relay to dispatch. It’s much more accurate in remote situations.
