Elysian Valley Recreation Center Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elysian Valley Recreation Center Park is a popular park located in Los Angeles, California.


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Summary

It covers an area of 6.6 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its scenic beauty, well-maintained facilities, and variety of amenities.

One of the main points of interest at Elysian Valley Recreation Center Park is the Los Angeles River, which runs through the park. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing along the river, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the scenic walking trails. There is also a playground, basketball court, and a community center that offers various classes and programs for both children and adults.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former industrial site that has been transformed into a green oasis in the heart of the city. The park also features a beautiful mural by local artist, David Botello, which depicts the history of the area.

The best time of year to visit Elysian Valley Recreation Center Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers something for visitors to enjoy no matter the season.

Overall, Elysian Valley Recreation Center Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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