Friends of the Hollywood Central Park (FHCP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a 44-acre street-level park over the Hollywood Freeway in a densely populated and park-poor area of the city, accepted a $1.2 million gift today from the Aileen Getty Foundation. The donation, combined $825,000 from the city fully funds the park's environmental study, a study needed before fundraising can truly begin for design and construction.
“FHCP is overwhelmed by Aileen Getty’s magnificent donation – her indomitable spirit and commitment to Hollywood knows no bounds,” said FHCP President, Laurie Goldman in a press release. “Aileen Getty is an extraordinary and special person whom we are honored to call our friend. The Aileen Getty Foundation gift allows FHCP to begin the environmental review process and takes us one major step closer to building the Hollywood Central Park.”
Or more simply, "There are many angels in this City of Angels, but Aileen Getty has some of the biggest wings," Council Member Tom LaBonge said. "There is a growing movement around the world to take back infrastructure to create public spaces, and the Hollywood Central Park will be another great example."
“The Hollywood Central Park is all about building community and celebrating our commonality in a natural environment – an imaginative urban park built atop the Hollywood Freeway,” said Aileen Getty. “The Park will allow people of all ages to connect to each other and to nature. I am energized by the opportunity to support this project. I believe it is a vital link in creating greater quality of life in our city.”
The Park began as an idea more than 28 years ago. In 2006, it progressed from a Hollywood Chamber of Commerce initiative to a Hollywood Community coalition, with steadfast support from Garcetti and the CRA. Finally it culminated in the creation of the nonprofit organization, Friends of the Hollywood Central Park, dedicated to creating the Hollywood Central Park. Friends of the Hollywood Central Park, created in December 2008, committed itself to raising funds to create a park atop e Hollywood Freeway as it travels below grade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard.
