The brave group of planners were guided by Hollywood Forever staff on a walking tour of the grounds, focusing on the fascinating transformation of the cemetery since opening in 1899. Throughout the tour, it was evident that the cemetery had not only become an integral part of early Hollywood’s growth by acting as the final resting place for the neighborhood’s founders and stars, but has also become an integral part of the Los Angeles open space network. After the cemetery faced deterioration and near-bankruptcy in the 1990s, its new owner was able to transform the cemetery into an iconic and cherished public gathering place by hosting film screenings, concerts, and community events like its annual Dia de los Muertos festival. 

 

Even as Los Angeles takes steps to address the area’s open space deficiencies through initiatives like the City’s Quimby park development fee update and the County’s Parks Needs Assessment, non-traditional open spaces like Hollywood Forever continue to help meet the community’s need for places to gather, celebrate and enjoy the outdoors.

 

After the tour, planners and friends were able to skip the lines for priority seating and enjoy a triple feature of ’90s movie classics, “Can’t Hardly Wait,” “Scream,” and “Cruel Intentions,” all night long.