Lexington Park - Los Angeles, CA
Lexington Park: A Community Pocket Park for Dogs & Owners in Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Hollywood, Lexington Park (5523 Lexington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038) is a well-known community spot often used as an unofficial dog park by local residents. While it’s not a dedicated, official dog park, many dog owners gather here to let their pets play and socialize due to the open space and friendly atmosphere. The park features green areas, benches, restrooms, and a playground, making it a multi-use pocket park for dog lovers and families alike.
Important note for visitors: There have been ongoing issues with park accessibility (occasional gate closures), the presence of homeless encampments, and safety concerns, including nighttime activity. Many locals recommend visiting during daylight hours, and only with well-socialized, reliable off-leash dogs, as the park is not fully fenced. Despite these concerns, Lexington Park stands out as a rare open space for dog-friendly activities and neighborly meetups in the urban LA landscape, close to central Hollywood and major city landmarks.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park?
Dogs are often seen off-leash, but the park is not officially designated for off-leash play and is not fully fenced, so only reliable off-leash dogs are recommended. - Is there a fenced area for dogs?
No, the park is not securely fenced for dogs. - Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby?
Yes, Lexington Park includes a playground on the north side. - Are restrooms available for owners?
Yes, there are clean restrooms available for visitors. - Is there seating for owners?
Yes, several benches are available throughout the park. - Are picnics allowed?
Yes, there is space for picnics and relaxation. - What are the park’s hours?
The park is open from dawn until dusk, though occasionally it may be locked due to safety or maintenance issues. - Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained?
Maintenance varies; some reviews mention cleanup and security presence, but others note periods of neglect due to encampments. - Is parking available?
There is a pay-to-park lot nearby. - Is there lighting at night?
Yes, there are strong lights that remain on into the evening.
Reviews
Oct 13 updates: gates were locked for a time but are now unlocked & of course the homeless have setup camps inside & outside the park here.
9/27/25 The park was unlocked for a time & it’s locked up again the last time I went by. Believe parks & rec patrol the park more often to remove the encampments from in & around the park. It’s unfortunate how some of our city parks have gone from places to relax, take the kids to the playground, have a picnic or read a book – to homeless encampments.
5/13/25 Park remains locked but campers just hop the fence. Park staff have stopped responding to my concerns. Our councilmans office – who knows. Unfortunate for the residents here.
4/23/25 A shooting in this park last week left 1 dead, homeless fellow. I believe the park maybe kept locked/closed now because of the shooting. This is in council district 13’s area, lapd Hollywood division. Park is managed LA City Parks & Rec
It’s a great little pocket park complete with a childrens playground. But I wouldn’t go there if I were you. Homeless encampments inside the park next to the playground & there are other issues – like shootings. And drug sales.
Oct 13 updates: gates were locked for a time but are now unlocked & of course the homeless have setup camps inside & outside the park here.
9/27/25 The park was unlocked for a time & it’s locked up again the last time I went by. Believe parks & rec patrol the park more often to remove the encampments from in & around the park. It’s unfortunate how some of our city parks have gone from places to relax, take the kids to the playground, have a picnic or read a book – to homeless encampments.
5/13/25 Park remains locked but campers just hop the fence. Park staff have stopped responding to my concerns. Our councilmans office – who knows. Unfortunate for the residents here.
4/23/25 A shooting in this park last week left 1 dead, homeless fellow. I believe the park maybe kept locked/closed now because of the shooting. This is in council district 13’s area, lapd Hollywood division. Park is managed LA City Parks & Rec
It’s a great little pocket park complete with a childrens playground. But I wouldn’t go there if I were you. Homeless encampments inside the park next to the playground & there are other issues – like shootings. And drug sales.
Absolutely disgusting! Full of rubbish and homeless people living there and doing drugs. Took my kid there for a play (visiting from Australia) had to take her out of there after 2 minutes kicking and screaming but it didn’t feel safe, was getting watched by 3 men the whole time and my kids clothes were black after going down the slide once.
Absolutely disgusting! Full of rubbish and homeless people living there and doing drugs. Took my kid there for a play (visiting from Australia) had to take her out of there after 2 minutes kicking and screaming but it didn’t feel safe, was getting watched by 3 men the whole time and my kids clothes were black after going down the slide once.
This park was cleaned up by the city and is now safe and clean. No one is ever there so you have the place to yourself. I bring my dog there when no one is there. I am disabled and I can close the gate and let him run around. I wouldn’t do that if there were kids there but no kids are ever there. Shame.
This park was cleaned up by the city and is now safe and clean. No one is ever there so you have the place to yourself. I bring my dog there when no one is there. I am disabled and I can close the gate and let him run around. I wouldn’t do that if there were kids there but no kids are ever there. Shame.
This is a fairly small park that almost missed. Like, I walked past it and didn’t even realize that it was a park. There isn’t much to do here, and I wouldn’t even dare bring children to this part because of the homeless Community that’s literally right there on the off-ramp connected to the park.
However, this is a good place to just come and chill with some friends or significant other. It’s a good place to talk and relax throughout the day. However, at night time, I would stay away from this park.
This is a fairly small park that almost missed. Like, I walked past it and didn’t even realize that it was a park. There isn’t much to do here, and I wouldn’t even dare bring children to this part because of the homeless Community that’s literally right there on the off-ramp connected to the park.
However, this is a good place to just come and chill with some friends or significant other. It’s a good place to talk and relax throughout the day. However, at night time, I would stay away from this park.
A small park in Hollywood, Lexington Park features a jungle gym and several benches for sitting.
Something to be aware of though is the possible presence of the homeless, either in or around the park.
A small park in Hollywood, Lexington Park features a jungle gym and several benches for sitting.
Something to be aware of though is the possible presence of the homeless, either in or around the park.