Los Angeles opens new downtown park

After two years of construction, the first segment of Los Angeles' new Grand Park opened this week. The $56 million, 12-acre green space in the heart of downtown's cultural and civic center is the largest open space in the central city area. City leaders hope it will offer a respite from the grind of city life.

Francine Orr | Los Angeles Times
Children play in the 1960s-era fountain at Grand Park in L.A. The $56 million 12-acre greenspace in the heart of downtown's cultural and civic center stretches from The Music Center on the west to City Hall on the east, and is one of the largest open spaces in Los Angeles County.

Damian Dovarganes | Associated Press
Diavolo Dance Theater dancers perform at the 1960s-era Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Grand Park, during the opening ceremony in Los Angeles.

Damian Dovarganes | AP
Diavolo Dance Theater dancers perform near the 1960s-era Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain in Grand Park.

Damian Dovarganes | AP
A colorful procession of 88 children and youth, representing the county's 88 cities participate in the opening ceremony of Grand Park in Los Angeles.

Damian Dovarganes | AP
Philantrophist Eli Broad smiles as puts his shoes back on, after an official barefoot walk in the fountain at Grand Park in Los Angeles.

Damian Dovarganes | AP

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