Lincoln Park provides an urban escape


For students looking for an escape from the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle that comes with the USC territory, Lincoln Park and its Plaza de la Raza cultural center provide an exciting retreat that is easily accessible.

Situated near the USC Health Sciences Campus and along the bus route of USC transit, Lincoln Park/Plaza de la Raza is an oasis — teeming with activity, art, events and unique food stops — all within walking distance. People come from all over to take in the natural beauty of the park including a man-made lake that has become a popular stop for “catch and release” fishing.

Aristo Ceballos, a Pasadena native, bikes 45 minutes from his hometown to fish at Plaza de la Raza.

“It’s therapeutic,” Ceballos said. “A lot of people can [fish] if they’re stressing or maybe going through something. Just being out here is relaxing to your mind.”

Ceballos noted that he caught a 7-pound carp while he was on the lake, while others have claimed to catch fish as big as 19 pounds. Ceballos usually throws the fish back, however, and it is the culture of the community to do the same.

“It’s like a game,” Ceballos noted with a grin. “Like man against nature. The fish has a fighting chance, and you have a chance to bring it in. As long as the fish isn’t hurt, it’s all fun and games.”

Different food shops surround the park, including Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Cha Cha Chili, Mexican cuisine stop El Huarachito and Dino’s Burgers.

For those interested in skateboarding, Lincoln Park has an extensive skate park loaded with ramps, slaloms and grind rails that have attracted many amateur skateboarders within the community as well as some professionals.

J.J. Rivera, a 25-year-old Puerto Rican native, is a regular at the skate park and noted its influence on his life.

“I like being here because it’s a good environment,” Rivera said. “It’s an open area, and also, you are able to see top-notch pro skaters. You get inspired.”

Some of the pro skaters that frequent the park include Dave Bachinsky, Manny Santiago, Tony Tave and Trevor Colden. Paul “P-Rod” Rodriguez of the Nike SB team has also been sighted on occasion.

Ramon Bernal, senior recreation director of Lincoln Park, noted Nike’s, as well as “P-Rod’s,” involvement in Lincoln Park.

“Nike sponsors four different events throughout the year,” Bernal said. “It’s partially funded by Paul Rodriguez [who] is part of the group that put together the skate park.”

Rivera attended one of the Nike SB events.

“It was cool. It was a Nike SB tour from South America to L.A., and the last stop was here,” Rivera said. “They came around 7 o’clock with a mariachi band.”

Local teens Robert Gulgotuez and Andy Cruz said their celebrity sightings in the area included legendary skateboarder Lance Mountain, who designed the skate park along with the Nike SB team.

In addition to skateboarding, Lincoln Park provides many opportunities for affordable fitness options, including hiking trails, free fitness equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball/soccer fields and cardio boot camp classes.

Nora Aparicio, a Lincoln Park recreation assistant, talked about her time as a student in the cardio boot camp classes.

“My experience was amazing,” Aparicio said. “It’s very tough. It requires a lot of dedication.”

For those interested in the arts, Plaza de la Raza provides community art classes as well as events that are open to the public.

“Plaza does quite a few events throughout the year,” Bernal said. “Different types of music events, such as Ska Wars, and international cultural events.”

The Plaza de la Raza cultural center also has an art school that targets low-income, high-risk youth in the community and has worked in collaboration with CalArts, Disney, Target and American Apparel, among others to provide a safe haven for youth to grow as artists. Volunteers are always welcome at this facility as well as at Lincoln Park’s recreation center.  Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the center for more information.

“We are always in need of coaches for sports,” Bernal said. “You don’t have to be a professional or college player. You just need to know a little more than the kids.”