County Sets Record Straight on Burke Park Public Access:
Closure Was Not a County Action

Published Aug. 7, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) did not authorize, direct, or participate in the recent closure of a long-used entry point behind Ralphs (located at 4311 Lincoln Blvd.) to Yvonne Burke Park in Marina del Rey.

The wall was built in July by Bay View Management, which oversees several properties next to Burke Park within the City of Los Angeles. It appears the wall was intended to stop members of the public from using private property to reach the County-managed park, all while allowing unauthorized private access solely for the residents of the Regatta Seaside, Azzurra and Cove communities. The County was not informed in advance of the wall’s construction, and no public notice was provided. The closure, subsequent vandalization, and repair have prompted community concern, including complaints, a change.org petition, and social media attention.

To clarify:

• The County had no role in closing the access point behind Ralphs. Bay View Management constructed the cinder block wall without notifying the County or members of the public.
• Separately, the Regatta Seaside, Azzurra and Cove Homeowners Associations built gates, pathways, and drainage structures that encroached on Burke Park without permission. These structures, which are not ADA-compliant, damaged the park’s landscaping and created safety risks.
• The County learned of these unauthorized private park entrances and first requested their removal in March 2024. The HOAs were instructed and originally agreed to remove the encroachments and restrict gate use to emergencies only. Claims that the County instructed the HOA to close any other entrances or blocked emergency access are false.

Public access to Burke Park remains open via a nearby entry point on Thatcher Avenue, where the City of Los Angeles is working to establish a formal, ADA-compliant entrance. This designated entrance ensures continued community access while DBH and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Office work closely with the City of Los Angeles to address concerns at the Ralphs-adjacent location.

Preserving public access to parks and open spaces is a core responsibility of Los Angeles County. DBH remains committed to protecting community-owned land, preventing unauthorized use or construction, and maintaining transparency in coordination with the offices of Supervisor Mitchell and Councilmember Traci Park, as well as the City of Los Angeles.