MacArthur Park

A Piece of LA History

What started as a swampy city dump in the mid-1800s transformed into one of LA's premier recreational spots by the 1890s, complete with surrounding luxury hotels that gave the area a touch of glamour. That's the origin story of MacArthur Park, which today stretches across 35 acres of urban greenery in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Originally called Westlake Park, it got its current name on May 7, 1942, as a tribute to General Douglas MacArthur during the height of World War II - a little piece of wartime history preserved in the heart of LA. The park also has a notable place in pop music history: songwriter Jimmy Webb drew direct inspiration from this location for his 1968 song "MacArthur Park," which became a hit when recorded by Richard Harris and later reached even greater fame through Donna Summer's disco-era cover.

Two Parks in One

Wilshire Boulevard cuts right through the middle of MacArthur Park, creating what feels like two distinct spaces with their own personalities. This split happened back in 1934 when the boulevard was extended - a classic example of LA's ever-evolving landscape.

The southern section features a serene 14-foot deep lake fed by natural springs. If you're walking around the water, you might notice it has an artificial bottom - a necessity added during the construction of the Metro Red Line in 1993. The fountain in the middle isn't just for show; it creates a picturesque scene that attracts ducks and geese who seem to have made permanent homes here.

A fountain creates a spectacular focal point on MacArthur Park Lake

Photo: stu_spivack (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Things to Do and See

Head to the northern section and you can find an amphitheater and bandshell that have hosted countless community performances over the years. The bandshell's exterior is worth a closer look - it was painted by local and graffiti artists working under the direction of Otis Parsons, with contributions from artist Robert Williams among others. Some of that work was included in 'Spraycan Art' by Henry Chalfant and Jim Prigoff, considered a landmark document in graffiti art history. There are also well-used soccer fields where weekend games draw impressive crowds.

The Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles, which opened in 2007, has presented 50 free outdoor concerts every summer since. The lineup has included acts ranging from Celso Pina and La Sonora Dinamita to Fishbone and Bomba Estereo - and even Jimmy Webb himself, whose famous song was inspired by this very park. Families appreciate the children's playgrounds found in both sections, while the recreation center run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks offers organized activities for community members of all ages.

Visitors and birds enjoy the lakeside area

Photo: mcflygoes88mph (CC0 1.0)

A Park in Progress

Like many urban parks, MacArthur has weathered its share of challenges. The late 20th century brought periods of decline and safety concerns, but recent years have seen dedicated revitalization efforts breathing new life into this historic space.

These days, you can even rent paddle boats to explore the lake - a charming throwback to the park's earlier days. On any given day, you'll find people relaxing, families gathering, and community events bringing neighbors together under the California sun. MacArthur Park remains a work in progress, but one with a lot going on.