Revisiting Echo Park Lake

 It was a beautiful day at the Echo Park Lake, the historic park that is on every Los Angeles post card. I have been coming to this park for as long as I can remember. For many years we have attended the Lotus Flower Festival, a festival where hundreds of people go to eat delicious food, shop for unique clothes and decorations, listen to live music and at night, surround the lake as fireworks light up the sky. The Festival was a tradition for many families in Los Angeles. However, for the past two years, Echo Park Lake was closed due to remodeling. After two years of waiting, Echo Park Lake has finally opened up to the public and George and I had the honor to attend its grand opening.

The water from the lake was all drained out and a new base was placed. A trail of rocks was placed along the sides. Now the water looks clear and the breeze from the fountain even feels fresher. 

As you walk around the lake, you get to read a little bit of the parks history, from its first opening to some information on the statue "The Lady of the Lake" which has been placed in its original spot since it was removed years ago.   

Some of my favorite things about the park is all the new flowers 

Echo Park Lake is known for its Lotus Flowers, but honestly, I cant remember the last time I saw one. For years now, the lotus flower had been dying and the last time the Lotus Flower Festival took place, there weren't any flowers to see and celebrate. Now, they have places new flowers where the old flower beds use to be and even added some around the lake where there weren't any before. When they bloom they will look absolutely beautiful. 

The bridge that gets you across to the little island is normally closed. You are lucky if you come a day and they let you go thru. 

See what I mean about the clear water? Looks so nice and clean. 

Benches have been placed around the lake, now you can sit and enjoy its beauty. 

The light house where the paddle boats use to be rented from was also fixed. The paddle boats will be brought back and now people can enjoy the lake while being on the water once again. This time I will definitely take one for a spin.

If you are ever around the downtown area and would like to enjoy a little bit of L.A's history, come and take a walk around its beautiful Echo Park Lake. 

- Eslee