Description

This Park land was dedicated for use By Mayor Aguilar in 1866. At that time the park was named La Plaza Abaja (The Lower Plaza). In 1886, it was renovated with an official park plan designed by City engineer (and later Mayor) Fred Eaton. In 1911, the park was redesigned by a prominent Los Angeles architect, John Parkinson, to reflect the social and economic growth of the City. During World War I, the Square was often the scene or receptions for the militia and provided a forum for public speakers, much like London's Hyde Park Corner.

On November 8, 1918, the park was formally named Pershing Square in honor of World War I general, John J. Pershing. The next major change came in the 1950's, when a 3-story, 1800-car garage was built beneath the Park to serve the growing downtown theater crowd and surrounding businesses. In 1989, the Pershing Square Property Association contributed $8.5 million and the Community Redevelopment Agency provided $6 million to assist the Department of Recreation and Parks in the renovation of the Park. Their common goal was realized when the Park was dedicated on February 3, 1994. During the winter holiday the LA Kings Downtown on Ice outdoor skating rink offers healthy outdoor recreation for friends and families, open everyday Nov. 15, 2007 through January 21, 2008.