In November 2011, we published the list of items found at the bottom of Echo Park Lake. Of the various items beyond the usual toys, trash and debris there were skateboards, office chairs, shopping carts and even a pay telephone. But the two guns, a hand gun and a rifle, were items of interest as the public pondered over what they would find in relation to criminal activities that the lake was once notorious for.
But after a recent article published by Los Angeles Magazine, which states there were a total of three guns found in the sludge, we got curious. A representative from the Bureau of Engineering confirmed that there was indeed a third gun found later on – a gun that was so rusted (like the others) that is was not “considered to be useful for any investigations” by the LAPD.
It had been since the 1984 Olympics that Echo Park Lake was last drained and dredged, leaving many to ponder the items that sank to the bottom of the lake. Despite that cleaning, even an 1880s-era wagon wheel was found in this last cleanup, and many of us all wondered what else was under there. No dead bodies, just three guns, a parking enforcement booth, a toil, and lonely 20 frisbees.
Now that the lake is all filled up, Saturday morning is the grand opening after a year and a half of construction. Make your way to the corner of Park and Logan at 10:00 am for the festivities!