A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on February 15 marked the official debut of a new pocket park in Boyle Heights.

The $5.2-million Mathews Park, named for its location on an approximately 8,300-square-foot lot at 318 N. Mathews Avenue, is the first Proposition 68-funded green space to open in the City of Los Angeles.

Aerial view of Mathews Park looking eastGary Leonard

"Today's grand opening of Mathew Street Park represents a full-circle moment for me. From championing the legislation that put Proposition 68 on the ballot to now creating the first park funded by Prop 68 in the City of Los Angeles,” said City Councilmember Kevin de León in a statement. “It’s a fulfilling moment to celebrate equity and progress in a community that has long been overlooked on the issue of parks and open space.”

The park includes a playground, fitness equipment, and public art installations.

According to a 2019 report to the Recreation and Parks Board, more than 14,000 people live in neighborhood surrounding the park site, including 5,100 people within a half-mile radius.

Mathews ParkGary Leonard

The number of residents calling the neighborhood home is set to grow in the coming years. Across Mathews Avenue, Abode Communities has developed the two-building La Veranda affordable housing complex on a pair of Metro-owned sites fronting Cesar Chavez Avenue. Abode and Metro are returning for a second round in the near future, with a 110-unit development planned for another vacant site next door.

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