Hidden in plain sight in Lincoln Heights lies Ela Park a tiny 0.38-acre green space. Its unassuming name Ela is actually an acronym. It stands for East Los Angeles. Developer H M Johnston coined it in 1877. He thought it a poetic name for the booming suburb.
Ela Park wasn’t always a park. Initially it housed an oval-shaped racetrack. This sat nestled against the Repetto Hills. Imagine the thrill of horse-drawn carriages speeding around this early Los Angeles track.
The park’s history is a bit hazy. Its small size meant it wasn’t widely documented. In 1889 the Los Angeles Times described it as a pretty little park. It was fenced and ready to be seeded. By 1904 it was a municipal park. Sadly it was neglected. The city council even had to allocate $500 for its upkeep. Later fan palms were planted around its perimeter.
Later the neighborhood changed its name. East Los Angeles became Lincoln Heights. Most businesses and civic places changed their names to reflect this. Yet Ela Park remained. It stands as one of the few remaining links to East Los Angeles’s past. It is a quiet reminder of a time long ago. It is a tiny piece of history.
Today Ela Park might seem small and unremarkable. Yet it holds a rich history. It’s a testament to a bygone era. A tiny park with a big story. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Los Angeles’ past. A secret jewel awaiting discovery. Take a moment to appreciate this small but significant piece of history.