Maggie Hathaway Golf Course and Community Rejuvenation Project

Green space, park access, and trees

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We are seeking to address equity in green space access. Located in a densely populated neighborhood of South Los Angeles with few public parks, Maggie Hathaway Golf Course is the only golf facility nearby. The renovated site becomes a rare green space for all ages to gather and connect. Environmental sustainability is embedded in the project. Renovations will reduce water use and eliminate runoff into neighboring streets. Redesigned landscaping will support pollinators and local wildlife, transforming the course into an ecological asset. This positions the project at the intersection of environmental and social justice—demonstrating how green infrastructure can be both community-serving and ecologically responsible.

The renovation of Maggie Hathaway Golf Course in South Los Angeles is not just about improving a recreational space—it is a comprehensive, community-based initiative designed to create lasting, systems-level change. The innovation begins with intentionality. Renovating a golf course in a historically underserved area is meaningful and juniors, seniors and all community members will benefit from the rejuvenation of the 9-hole par-3 course and added Clubhouse and Youth Enrichment Lab.
This initiative drive systems-level change. First, it redefines golf as a tool for equity and youth empowerment, challenging the sport’s exclusive image. Second, by showing how investment in a single public space can advance health, education, and social outcomes, the project strengthens the case for holistic, cross-sector urban development. Third, it offers a replicable, place-based model of transformation—adaptable to other cities where recreational and educational opportunities are limited.

If our work is successful, LA County, particularly South LA, will be measurably different across multiple dimensions of community well-being, youth development, and environmental sustainability.
The revitalization of MHGC will transform a historically underutilized public space into a vibrant, multi-use community hub. It will serve as a model for equitable green space access in urban neighborhoods, providing thousands of residents, especially Black and Latino families in the 90047 zip code, with a safe, welcoming place to gather, play, and grow. For many, this will be the first time they experience golf not as an exclusive sport, but as an accessible platform for physical activity, mentorship, and personal development.
The course renovation will reduce water usage, eliminate harmful runoff, and support pollinator and wildlife habitats, creating a rare ecological asset in an urban setting. This project positions LA County as a leader in community-centered green infrastructure.