We explored reclaiming the street ends next to the LA River in a way that creates interactive public spaces.
Rio Vistas is a project for River LA to transform street ends into vibrant community spaces. From see-saws to re-purposed foam noodles, the Roving Rio Vistas project was an innovative experimentation of reclaiming the street end ‘Rio Vistas’ along Los Angeles River.
The 40+ kit of parts that made up the Roving Rio Vistas was experimental and movable, designed to demonstrate to residents and visitors alike the potential for creative recreational space along the River.
Incorporating community feedback, the team painted five murals on the three street ends – Clearwater, Coolidge, and Newell – that represent the evolving industrial icons of the community. Together, they show the diverse landscape of Frogtown, tucked below the hills of Elysian Park and along the LA River.
Elysian Valley United was once a sweatshop. Aeroengines closed in 2015 and will soon be home to new live/work spaces.
These murals were completed in April 2016. With the intention of having community members and volunteers paint these murals, they were designed to be supergraphic-like, and thus easy to paint and maintain.
Project Partners: River LA and LA RIVER Corporation.