MacArthur Park, Urban park in Westlake district, Los Angeles, US.
MacArthur Park is a green space in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, divided by Wilshire Boulevard into southern and northern sections. The southern section surrounds a lake fed by natural springs, while the northern part holds sports fields and a recreation center.
The former swampland was developed as Westlake Park in the 1880s and served as a retreat for the growing city. In the 1940s it received its current name in honor of General Douglas MacArthur.
The park's name honors a World War II American general, while its monuments commemorate freedom fighters from different nations. Visitors often see families picnicking under palm trees and groups playing soccer on the lawns or relaxing by the water.
The Westlake/MacArthur Park B and D Line station sits across the street from the park. Wilshire Boulevard divides the grounds, so plan which half you need before crossing. The northern half holds the playground, soccer fields and recreation center; the southern half is dominated by the lake.
When the lake was drained in 1973 and again in 1978, hundreds of handguns and other firearms were found disposed of in it. The lake is fed by natural springs, and its artificial bottom was laid during construction of the Red Line, which opened in 1993.
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