About this Event
We will meet in front of the Community Center. This will be a walking tour, please wear comfortable shoes.
In 2021, Los Angeles County completed the renovation of a 126-acre green space. The 2 lakes in this park are fed from the local stormwater system. The landscaping surrounding the lakes cleans this incoming run-off, which eventually flows to the Pacific. An island in the lake provides safe nesting grounds for migratory birds.
Located in the community of Willowbrook, the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Recreation Area is the largest public open space in South Los Angeles. In the 1980’s, the County of Los Angeles bought and developed the contaminated site, formerly used for oil storage, into a park with grass lawn and two artificial lakes. Heavily used but not well maintained, the facility fell into disrepair and used tremendous amounts of potable water for the lakes and irrigation. Following a comprehensive community process to prioritize new amenities for the park, the LA County Board of Supervisors supported a master plan to dramatically transform Magic Johnson Park into a community oasis, further continuing an emerging renaissance in Willowbrook.
The rejuvenated park offers a gateway to nature within the city. A new event center, located alongside a rehabilitated series of lakes, wetlands and native uplands, serves as the visual centerpiece of a regenerative recreational park and a civic center for its unincorporated neighborhood. As a collective oasis, the project demonstrates resilience and social equity in the conversion of a brownfield site and artificial lakes into a social, cultural and recreation activity hub. It serves as a national model for sustainably rethinking the social and environmental role of parks in underserved communities.
During this tour, architect and landscape architect will discuss the narrative of the Park, its role in stormwater clean-up, and its natural water flow.
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Please be advised that national and international registrations received outside of Southern California are not guaranteed. We reserve the right to refuse entry to ensure Southern California Residents can access this training opportunity. Please be aware that USGBC-CA may capture photos and videos during this event. By participating, you may appear in these visual recordings. Your presence at the event signifies your consent to be featured in these photos or videos, which may be utilized for educational, archival, or promotional endeavors.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Recreation Area, 1050 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, United States
USD 0.00