Media Advisory
Press Contact:
Christopher Koontz Jonathan Powell
APA-Los Angeles Office of Antonio Villaraigosa
cikoontz@gmail.com jonathan.powell@
310-469-1652 213-978-0741
Echo Park Named One of Top 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2008
Los Angeles, CA, October 8, 2008 — The American Planning Association (APA) announced today that Echo Park has been designated one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2008 through APA’s Great Places in America program. APA Great Places is a national program that exemplifies communities with exceptional character and highlights the role that planning plays in creating communities of lasting value. Echo Park is a 120 year old, walkable Los Angeles community just west of Downtown. An Acceptance Ceremony will be Held on October 8th at 8:30 AM at Echo Park Lake.
Echo Park is a diverse community home to working class families and blossoming artists, and has had to work twice as hard as other communities to create, maintain and advocate for their great community. The community is remarkably dynamic with countless ethnic groups at all income levels. Today, Echo Park is home not only to the annual Lotus Festival, the Cuban Festival, and historic Filipinotown but also 4-star dining alongside spectacular burrito stands. The area features perfectly preserved craftsman-style homes, as well as modern architecture, great schools, parks and libraries.
Los Angeles urban planners have navigated issues of affordability and gentrification, historic preservation and pedestrian safety while guiding Echo Park’s growth and development. APA has singled out Echo Park because of its breathtaking topography set in the hills above downtown, historic architecture, pedestrian-oriented streets and stairways, and engaged residents who, over the years, have gone to great lengths to protect and preserve their community.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa explained, “for generations people have come to Echo Park, raised their families, started vibrant businesses, and given back to the neighborhood and the city as a whole. Today kids, parents, and grandparents representing numerous backgrounds and cultures come together in Echo Park, making this community an outstanding example of the great neighborhoods found throughout Los Angeles.”
“We’re excited to select Echo Park as one of this year’s Great Neighborhoods,”
APA Great Places are neighborhoods where people want to be – not only to visit, but to live and work every day.
About the American Planning Association – Los Angeles Section
American Planning Association – Los Angeles Section (APA LA) is one of eight local sections of APA’s California Chapter. Comprised of more than 2,000 members in the Los Angeles region, APA LA brings local APA members together to share information and resources that make our communities stronger and healthier. APA LA sponsors a number of professional, educational and social events throughout the year.
Source: American Planning Association, Los Angeles Section
