Steve Harvey: An island park you can drive to

You can imagine my delight when I learned that an area near my mother's house had been granted "national park" status. What an honor for West L.A.!

Upon closer inspection, though, I noticed that the "park'" consisted of pavement surrounded by three streets.

Turns out the official-looking designations are posted at a number of local traffic islands and are --surprise -- fakes. A website (islandsofla.com) claims credit, or discredit (depending on your point of view), for the signs and explains that the intention is to provoke a discussion about the "role of art and dialogue in public space." (The signs, I guess, are the "art" part.)

Anyway, I've canceled vacation plans for the West L.A. traffic island, which is just as well. I'd save on gasoline but I have a fear of sleeping near wild creatures -- mainly Westside drivers.

Read more Only In LA by Steve Harvey.

Photo: Steve Harvey / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[KEVJ]

THAT IS STUPID.

[Ari Kletzky]

Hi Steve, perhaps you will reconsider your vacation plans and take a trip to Islands of LA. The Islands offer an intriguing and unique cultural vacation. For the sake of clarity, please note that the Nat’l Park concept is but one aspect of the project.

Overall, Islands of LA is turning traffic islands into territories of art with the intention of creating community, discussion, and cultural interchange as well as exploring the use and availability of public space. The project includes activities, mappings, private space projects and the signs. The signs, in part, begin a dialogue with the city and serve as an invitation to the project. They also offer an interlude of thoughtful humor in the midst of the everyday happening...a nice, safe and free mini-vacation perfect for our high velocity lives.

And, remember, when visiting Islands of LA its a good idea to bring some water, sunscreen and an inquisitive spirit. Also, bear in mind that Islands of LA isn’t a place to take an extended vacation but rather enjoy a brief moment. So come on out to the Islands...where you can participate in a lovely moment of inquisitive, cultural interchange in LA’s overlooked, available public space.

Cheers,
Islands of LA