As city neighborhoods go, we
like to think Windsor Square is particularly accessible. It’s one
of the few areas of L.A. where people walk rather than drive. Our central
hub, Larchmont Boulevard, is an easy place for folks to congregate.
Windsor Square is blessed with a number of institutions – civic, social and cultural – that further enhance this sense of community.
Cultural Life in Windsor Square
Besides being a thriving residential
area, Windsor Square is also home to several cultural and recreational
institutions, some with city-wide reputations. Here are a few of the highlights:
Larchmont Boulevard
Larchmont Village, the retail district between First Street and Beverly Boulevard, is Windsor Square’s Main Street. It provides many neighborhood services – such as a hardware store, general store, pharmacy and post office (inside the bank lobby at 157 North Larchmont) – while maintaining an element of urban sophistication with sidewalk cafés and boutiques.
The Larchmont Boulevard Association represents the local merchants. It sponsors several annual events: A Taste of Larchmont in September, the Larchmont Family Fair in October, holiday caroling in December, and the Sunday farmer’s market. For more information, visit the LBA’s website at www.larchmont.com.
Larchmont Chronicle
The Larchmont Chronicle, with offices at 542½ North Larchmont Boulevard, is Windsor Square’s “hometown” paper. It is sent monthly to over 21,000 homes in the greater Windsor Square/Hancock Park area.
The Chronicle was established in 1963, and Jane Gilman, who was a co-founder, remains its editor. In addition to providing information about social, garden and school activities, the Chronicle is an excellent resource for city news as it pertains to Windsor Square and the surrounding neighborhoods. You can contact them at www.larchmontchronicle.com. Or you can call Jane Gilman at 323-462-2241 x14.
Robert Burns Park
It
is frequently observed that Los Angeles has a shortage of city parks,
but one inviting patch of green is located at the corner of Beverly Boulevard
and Van Ness Avenue, our northwestern corner.
Well known to area nannies and stay-at-home moms, Robert Burns Park (sometimes
called Van Ness Park) has a full complement of well maintained playground
equipment. It is the site of at least a couple of birthday parties every
weekend.
For
general information about Robert Burns Park or any L.A. city park you
can contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 888-LAPARKS, or visit
their website: www.laparks.org.