Pershing Square is in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 532 S. Olive St. The facility is operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Dedicated in 1866 and originally named La Plaza Abaja (the Lower Plaza), the “Square” underwent its first renovation in 1911 to reflect the social and economic growth of the city. During World War I the park was used for receptions for the militia and provided a public forum much like London’s Hyde Park Corner. In 1918 the park’s name was formally changed to Pershing Square in honor of the World War I general. The Department of Recreation and Parks, the Pershing Square Property Association and the Community Redevelopment Agency joined to renovate the park once again in 1989.

Pershing Square features an open and elevated ayan-style amphitheater, a grove of orange trees that pays tribute to Los Angeles’ agricultural roots, and at the south end a large river rock-lined circular fountain with a time-released water flow creating a tidal action. Artists Ricardo Legorreta, Laurie Olin and Barbara McCarren helped design Pershing Square. Pershing Square hosts a variety of community events.