Residents Raise Alarm Over Dangerous Conditions at Hollywood's Lexington Pocket Park

Neighbors cite drug use, gang activity, and unsanitary conditions at the small city park

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:15am

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Residents living near Lexington Pocket Park in Hollywood, California say the small city park has become a hub for illegal drug activity, gang graffiti, and unsanitary conditions, making it unsafe for children and families. Neighbors report frequent drug use, people living in the park, and graffiti that appears to be from the MS-13 gang. The park has drawn increased attention following the 2022 fentanyl overdose death of a 15-year-old student at a nearby high school, which authorities linked to the Lexington Park area. Community leaders say Lexington Pocket Park is part of a broader issue affecting small parks across Los Angeles, where similar concerns about drug use and crime have been raised.

Why it matters

The deterioration of Lexington Pocket Park highlights the challenges facing small urban parks, which can become magnets for illegal activity without proper oversight and maintenance. The safety concerns at the park are also tied to broader issues of drug use and gang violence affecting communities across Los Angeles. The situation raises questions about how cities can better protect and manage these public spaces to ensure they remain safe and accessible for residents.

The details

Neighbors living near Lexington Pocket Park in Hollywood say the small city park has become overrun with illegal drug use, gang graffiti, and unsanitary conditions. Residents report frequent drug activity, people living inside the park, and graffiti that appears to be from the MS-13 gang. FOX 11 crews visiting the park observed trash and piles of human waste throughout the area, creating a strong odor. Neighbors say the park, which is supposed to be locked overnight, often remains open, and they no longer feel safe bringing their children to play there. The park drew increased attention following the 2022 fentanyl overdose death of a 15-year-old student at a nearby high school, which authorities linked to the Lexington Park area.

  • In September 2022, 15-year-old Melanie Ramos died from a fentanyl overdose at nearby Bernstein High School, with authorities linking the drugs she took to activity associated with the Lexington Park area.
  • A few months ago, neighbors say there was a deadly shooting at the park.

The players

Sabine Phillips

A resident who lives near Lexington Pocket Park and says the park is no longer safe for children or families due to the illegal activity.

Colter Carlisle

The vice president of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council, who says Lexington Pocket Park is part of a larger issue affecting small parks across Los Angeles.

Hugo Soto-Martínez

The Los Angeles City Council member representing District 13, where Lexington Pocket Park is located.

Department of Recreation and Parks

The city agency responsible for maintaining Lexington Pocket Park, which a spokesperson says services the park daily.

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What they’re saying

“You would not have your child play in that. It's nice to have a park here, but there's no oversight at all.”

— Sabine Phillips, Resident (FOX 11)

“When I talk to people in this neighborhood, they all tell me the same thing. We don't go to that park. Nobody can go there.”

— Sabine Phillips, Resident (FOX 11)

“We have all these pocket parks around the city that aren't being maintained. They end up being drug dens or places for gangs to hang out.”

— Colter Carlisle, Vice President, East Hollywood Neighborhood Council (FOX 11)

What’s next

Neighbors say they are now circulating a petition calling for Lexington Pocket Park to be shut down or repurposed. The Los Angeles City Council office and Department of Recreation and Parks are also exploring potential changes to the park's use.

The takeaway

The deterioration of Lexington Pocket Park highlights the broader challenges facing small urban parks, which can become magnets for illegal activity without proper oversight and maintenance. This situation underscores the need for cities to prioritize the safety and upkeep of these community spaces to ensure they remain accessible and welcoming for residents.