'It's funny, it's cheeky': Inglewood's Gopher Park is ready for visitors

You may have noticed some changes to the green space on the corner of 11th Streetand 11th AvenueS.E. over the past few months.

The city and local businesses have been working together to spruce up the corner in Inglewood and turn it into an urban oasis they've dubbed "Gopher Park."

• Inglewood greenspace will transform from 'gopher park' into urban park

"Before activating this for humans, it was overrun with hundreds of gophers," said Dan Allard, co-owner of Cold Garden Brewery, and one of the business owners working on the project.

"Unfortunately, in doing the project, the gophers get dealt with. Soit'sfunny, it's cheeky, but it's also just a great project."

Allard says they're happy to see some gophers withstood the renovation or have already moved back in.

"There's gonna be a nice harmony between the gophers that come back," he said.

Since June, the park has seen the addition of chess-toptables and seating areas as well as a three-on-three basketball court complete with a glass backboard and mural of a gopher painted on the asphalt.

"We have been trying to fight people off with their ball," said Allard. "Just about five minutes ago, somebody showed up and with their basketball. Theywere asking,'when's he going to be done?'"

Allard says the court will be fully ready to use by the weekend.

Additionally, hesays, park guests are encouraged to borrow a chess setfrom one of the nearby breweries and come enjoy the park.

"This vision started when we first opened the brewery two and a halfyears ago," he said. "The concept is literally the same napkin drawing that we had then."

Allard says one unique thing about the urban park is thatthe park will never be shut down for events.

"The concept is we want this park to be open and accessible at all times," he said. "If it's a sunny day, you're welcome to come play."