The Lincoln Park Lake Boathouse.
Photo by Jesus Sanchez
Lincoln Heights—It has been a rough stretch for Lincoln Park.
One of L.A.’s first urban parks, the 145-year-old greenspace has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons: thefts from the recreation center, stolen copper wiring, vandalized monuments, two dead dogs found in the lake and, in March, a park employee threatened by a homeless man with what turned out to be a BB gun, according to a park official.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
More recently, a man drowned in the lake while trying to rescue his son.
Richard Zaldivar, founder and executive director of The Wall Las Memorias, has been leading monthly meetings about park problems — meetings that began after the AIDS memorial wall was vandalized, including an incident in which a homeless man took a sledgehammer to part of it, Zaldivar said.
Zaldivar said many of the park’s problems stem from homeless encampments on or near the grounds.
“Once you see tents, it invites other people to put up tents,” he said. “Then other people don’t go to the park because they’re afraid.”
City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado said her homeless outreach team has referred 25 people in the area to housing. The city has added safety signage around the lake and renewed fencing around sensitive areas.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
“We are also elevating concerns about lake maintenance and water quality with Recreation and Parks to ensure there is a clear and consistent maintenance plan,” Jurado said.
Metal theft has also taken a toll. The bust of diplomat and publisher Ignacio Lozano, stolen in 2024, has not been replaced, and several monuments were removed for safekeeping until a way to protect them can be found, said Romondo Locke of the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Locke said a project funded through an $18.6 million program to clean up the lake and green nearby streets is in the pre-design stage with L.A. Sanitation and the city’s Bureau of Engineering.
The LAPD did not provide information specific to Lincoln Park, but said senior lead officers meet with community members to discuss crime and ongoing problems.
Jurado said she is working with several city agencies.
“Recent concerns involving lake safety, maintenance, encampments, vandalism, and public safety require a coordinated City response,” she said.
The Wall Las Memorias in Lincoln Park after vandalism damaged part of the AIDS memorial. Twenty-seven names were destroyed.
Photo by Guilmar Perdomo | Courtesy The Wall Las Memorias
Support Eastside Community News — Now Tax-Deductible
You can now make a tax-deductible contribution to support The Eastsider’s civic and accountability coverage on the Eastside.
Choose what works for you:
• Become a monthly supporter and help us reach 500 neighbors funding daily reporting
• Make a single gift to our new Eastside Community News Fund
Strong local news keeps residents informed and leaders accountable.
Thank you for your consideration.
—Jesús Sanchez, Publisher