Inspired by Barcelona’s superblocks, the program aims to limit car traffic in small areas to improve safety and create new park spaces.
A new “Park Block” program in Los Angeles could create sections of car-light streets that eliminate cut-through traffic and reclaim space for other public uses. The program is inspired by similar concepts such as Barcelona’s ‘superblocks,’ explains Steven Sharp in Urbanize LA.
The program was proposed by 14th District City Councilmember Kevin de León and approved by the city council this week.
A city staff report notes that “[Park Blocks] can create instant public open space with substantial shade, outdoor recreation, greening and storm water capture in communities desperate for parks.”
The L.A. Department of Transportation (LADOT) is now tasked with identifying a site for the city’s first Park Block in de León’s 14th council district and developing an application process for future blocks, “with priority given to neighborhoods with high incidents of vehicle collisions and low access to open space.”
FULL STORY: L.A. City Council green lights "Park Block" pilot program
USDOT Awards $6M to SoCal Pedestrian Safety Efforts
The grant will support pedestrian infrastructure in Los Angeles and the broader region ahead of events including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.
Paris Creates Limited Traffic Zone in City Center
Most vehicles will be barred from entering a 5.5 square kilometer zone to limit traffic, noise, and pollution.
When ‘Prioritizing All Modes’ Is a Lie
In many cases, it’s impossible to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users without sacrificing some speed.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service