Since Echo Park Lake reopened, there's been a lot of discussion on if some type of permanent fence around the perimeter of the lake (which would be open with multiple access points during park hours 5:30am to 10:30pm) would be useful to deter crime and homeless encampments from taking over the lake during the night time hours.
Obviously, I think we can all agree that is not an ideal scenario. But, unprecedented events call for bold solutions.
If such a fence where to exist, but was open all day when most of us would be visiting the park, perhaps this would be a good solution to keeping the park clean and safe during the hours it is closed?
Most other parks in Los Angeles have fences, including: The Silver Lake Meadows, Vista Hermosa Park, Los Angeles State Park, Unidad Park, Shatto Park, and Rio de Los Angeles State Park to name a few.
As we know, Mitch O'Farrell's Tiny Home project is nearly complete. And housing options are openly available for anyone who is trying to stay at the park. See this video for footage of the tiny homes: Germain in Venice - Tiny Homes Keeping the park safe for families and children is the primary goal, and whatever measures are necessary to keep the park safe, and prevent the deaths that occurred last year, must be looked at seriously.
In any event, here is a poll in which you can vote (via the Eastsider). An easy to way to have your voice heard. Should there be a permanent fence? Let's see what the public thinks. Click Here to Vote in the Poll
(Photo included in this update is a possible example of what a fence could look like)