Revitalizing Los Amigos: Connecting Communities to Quality Parks

Green Space, Park Access, and Trees

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

The issue being addressed is the lack of adequate amenities and the rundown condition of Los Amigos East Park, resulting in limited recreational opportunities for the community. The absence of play equipment and the overall state of the park has contributed to underutilization and decreased access to safe and engaging spaces for physical activity and social interaction. Furthermore, the park's location in an industrialized area adds challenges, such as poor air quality and limited access to green spaces. Additionally, the statistic that 93% of residents in Lynwood live in areas with less than 3 acres of parks or open space highlights the overall deficiency of accessible parks and open spaces in the community. The project aims to address these issues by revitalizing the park, improving amenities, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes active lifestyles and enhances the overall well-being of residents.

The "Revitalize Los Amigos" project is a comprehensive initiative to transform the underutilized Los Amigos Park into a vibrant, inclusive community hub. The project will address the issue of limited outdoor spaces and underutilization by enhancing the park's amenities and accessibility. A native sensory garden will provide a space for community members to engage their senses, connect with nature, and appreciate the beauty of native plant species. The garden will be designed to create a peaceful and immersive experience, offering opportunities for relaxation and contemplation. Planting shade trees throughout the park will provide shade, making the area more comfortable and inviting for residents to gather, play, and enjoy outdoor activities. The project will also focus on developing a natural playground within the park, encouraging active play, exploration, and imagination. It will incorporate elements such as logs, boulders, and climbing structures to create an engaging and interactive play environment and will be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Additionally, the project will prioritize sustainability by incorporating drought-tolerant landscaping and eco-friendly practices, reducing the environmental impact and serving as an educational opportunity to promote environmental stewardship. Through the project, Lynwood aims to increase the availability and accessibility of quality outdoor spaces, foster community well-being, and encourage active lifestyles.

The vision for success is to create an LA County where accessible and revitalized green spaces are abundant, fostering community well-being and a solid connection to nature. The project will showcase the transformative power of well-designed public spaces by transforming Los Amigos East Park into a vibrant and inclusive community space. Its success has the potential to inspire other communities in the county to undertake similar initiatives, leading to a county-wide movement of park revitalization and increased community engagement with outdoor spaces. Furthermore, the project will serve as a model for future revitalization efforts, including the much-needed revival of Los Amigos West Park. The valuable lessons learned from the project's implementation, community engagement, and positive outcomes will guide the comprehensive and cohesive approach to enhancing green spaces, ensuring a county where accessible and revitalized parks are a fundamental part of community life.

The project's success will be reflected in a transformed community and a revitalized park experience. Increased park utilization will be evident through higher visitor numbers, increased participation in park programs and events, and a sense of vibrancy and activity. Additionally, community satisfaction and pride will be measured through surveys, feedback sessions, and community forums, ensuring that the revitalized park meets the needs and expectations of its users. Environmental sustainability will be achieved through water conservation measures, native plantings, and the park's ecological impact reduction, resulting in a more resilient and environmentally conscious space. Finally, the project's success will be characterized by ongoing community engagement, volunteer participation, and the establishment of partnerships to ensure the park's continued maintenance, programming, and future enhancements.

The project will collaborate with local schools to engage students in various aspects of the project. LPEF will play a crucial role in facilitating vision planning sessions for the park, involving students in the decision-making process and gathering their input on park design and amenities. The students will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas, creativity, and perspectives, ensuring that the park reflects the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. Furthermore, the students will actively participate in the installation of the sensory garden, gaining hands-on experience in landscaping and horticulture. They will also utilize their artistic skills to create signage for the plant and tree markers, adding an educational and informative element to the park.