Los Angeles city officials are working to reimagine the now-closed pony ride site at Griffith Park that, for 74 years, was a beloved place for kids and families. And they are looking for input from the community to help with this mission.
The Griiffith Park Pony Rides program was the largest pony ride operation in the U.S., offering pony rides for children aged 1-14, as well as a party corral for private events. That all changed when, in December of 2022, a contract between the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the concessionaire who oversaw the operation expired and RAP decided not to extend the concession agreement.
The Pony Rides were one of the park’s most popular attractions because they provided a low-cost family activity that was accessible to locals and visitors. Based on feedback from the L.A. City Council, the RAP has initiated a new process to re-imagine the potential recreational and educational activities that could be offered there in the future. In response, RAP has retained the consulting firm PlaceWorks to conduct a public engagement process and perform other related tasks to provide the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners and the city council with information for future decision making.
Future use of the pony ride site
Over the past year, RAP has been meeting with focused community groups, conducting community pop-ups, hosting online and telephone surveys, and conducted a community open house early this month as part of the city’s efforts to envision the future uses for the area.
The board will review the public’s feedback and provide direction to RAP staff to initiate the process of selecting a preferred new use or pursue further study, if necessary, officials say.
Priorities include ensuring that the Pony Ride site offers activities that are:
- Youth and family-oriented
- Affordable and accessible (for all ages and abilities)
- Educational
- Fun
Visit this website to read more about additional considerations that will be assessed while planning for future uses.
Online survey
An online survey is available now! This survey provides an opportunity to share your thoughts about the future of the pony ride site. Fill out the survey by March 22 to share your point of view and help “reimagine” the Griffith Park Pony Ride site. Click here to take the survey.
Community Input
RAP has been reaching out to the community in many ways. Either in person, online, at the park or as part of a focus group, the team has been busy gathering information about what matters most to people as it relates to the reuse of the pony rides site. Take a look at what the community is saying here (or Spanish version) and to get involved yoursel.
