Within the city limits, the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and maintaining a number of large and beautiful parks that are open to the public. Lincoln Park is one of these parks.

On Valley Boulevard and Mission Road, it is accessible by Metro lines 76, 78, 79, and 378. Before it became the recreational hub of East Los Angeles, the park was known as East Los Angeles Park, Eastside Park, and Eastlake Park (East Lake Park).

History of the Park

The unwanted property was the starting point for several of Los Angeles’ first public parks, including Lincoln Park. The community in the area was offered a free 50-acre site by a railroad that had rejected it. In 1881, the City of Los Angeles acquired the property provided by John Strother Griffin and began construction of what is now known as Lincoln Park.

Griffin got the property because of his medical service as a city health officer and a county coroner. In 1863, he was offered city land at a significantly reduced price instead of money for his services. He was given 2,000 acres of land at fifty cents an acre. Later, this land was known as East Los Angeles and, later, Lincoln Heights. Part of this property was bought by the city in 1874 and given to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to construct railroad shops in East Los Angeles.

A public park was long sought by East Los Angeles citizens, who looked at the railroad’s abandoned property as a viable location. It was decided that either the railroad would establish its shops or the site would be returned to the city in 1881. When Southern Pacific failed to develop the stores it promised, the city bought the area and dedicated it to building a park. A park was then constructed by the city.

As one of the city’s original parks, it became an essential part of Los Angeles’s history. East Los Angeles Park was the original name, and it was changed to Eastlake Park in 1901. After residents filed a petition, Lincoln Park was renamed on May 19, 1917. It is named after a local high school and serves as an economic driver for the community.

Lincoln Park quickly became a popular entertainment spot for people in Los Angeles. It has since grown to become one of the city’s most popular outdoor getaways.

Park’s Attractions and Amenities

Lincoln Park, located in Northeast Los Angeles, is a large park that includes a lake (Lincoln Park Lake) and ball fields. It also has a community center, a playground, and plenty of open space for family outings and other recreational pursuits. Several community centers, including a senior center, may be found in the area. It is a popular gathering spot for the community on weekends.

This park is located in the heart of a Latino neighborhood in the city. You may get there by driving north on Main Street from downtown Los Angeles, which is around 5 or 6 miles away. From the large fields, you may take in the view of the lake or participate in a sporting event. Offerings at the park also include a skate park, a playground, and a recreation center.

While you’re at the park, you may take advantage of the various activities available at the Lincoln Park Recreation Center. The following services and facilities are provided at the facility:

• Stage
• Kitchen
• Preschool 
• Auditorium
• Picnic Tables
• Barbecue Pits
• Children’s Play Area
• Baseball Diamond      
• Basketball Courts 
• Indoor Gym 
• Soccer Field 
• Tennis Courts 
• Outdoor Fitness Equipment
• Multipurpose Sports Field

Those who like jogging and walking will find plenty to enjoy at the park. Lincoln Park features a 1.1-mile course. On this journey of 2,500 steps, you can anticipate seeing an elevation gain of 0 feet (zero feet).