A Tale of Two Parks

 

Byline: Gabriel Schuman

Researching the work of Liberty Hill grantee organizations as a summer intern, I've learned how hard it is for low-income communities not only to obtain neighborhood parks but also to keep popular, frequently used parks open and accessibile.

Over the past few years, two of LA’s strongest community-organizing groups, Koreatown Immigrant Worker Alliance (KIWA) and Community Coalition (CoCo), have worked tirelessly to secure funding and enhance their respective communities with green space for recreation, community gathering and fun.

KIWA members have been leading a two-year charge for the city to buy part of a rare vacant lot for a park at Hobart between 7th and Wilshire, and despite a recent set-back, they continue to be dedicated to their cause. CoCo members played an active role in the renovation of Martin Luther King Jr. Park  on South Western Avenue between Exposition and King.  More recently, they have urged city planners to establish a "safety zone" around the park and have helped line up support to keep the popular “Summer Night Lights” program alive.

Last week, I attended a press conference called by KIWA to explain how state budget problems have temporarily halted progress on the park. In early June, a coalition led by KIWA had announced that the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) would purchase half of a 2.2. acre lot for an L.A. city park. The CRA would split the lot with developer Don Hankey, who according to the L.A. Times, plans to develop his portion into retail and residential space along with helping the city build the park. Coalition members include Liberty Hill grantees CLEAN Carwash Campaign, Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), and Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE).

But while the deal was in escrow, the State of California suspended the CRA as part of negotiations to balance the state budget. Because the deal provided that if one partner could not finalize purchase, the other would purchase the entire property, Mr. Hankey now owns the lot and has said he intends to sell the southern portion to the CRA when it is reinstated. KIWA is hopeful that the CRA will be reinstated in the fall.

How did KIWA, an organization whose primary vision is to support low-income workers in the workplace, get involved in creating a park? Executive Director Alexandra Suh says, “All issues that are facing the workers in our community are our issues as well," and points out that Koreatown is the densest and most park-poor neighborhood in Los Angeles. The new park, says Suh, "will symbolize Koreatown’s hope for a healthy future for everyone.”

Community Coalition’s struggle for local justice is a similar story and though there have been ups and downs, this summer has been a happy one for playground users, chess players, picnickers and neighborhood sports teams near Martin Luther King Park. Two years ago, CoCo launched a campaign to renovate Martin Luther King Jr. Park with great support from the community. Taking the park from a center of crime and drugs to a safe place for kids to play and adults to relax, CoCo has in a little more than two years helped bring new hope to this South L.A. neighborhood.

Last year the L.A. City government brought in “Summer Night Lights,” an anti-gang program that keeps parks open and staffed after dark, providing additional activities such as classes and games. The program was incredibly successful, yet there were doubts that it would continue this summer due to state budget cuts. But with the support of foundations, corporations and individuals, “Summer Night Lights” was actually able to expand, adding eight locations for a total of 32 for this 2011 season. The program continues Wednesday through Saturday nights through September 4.

Residents aren't relaxing yet, though. At a Town Hall meeting in June, they asked Los Angeles City Planning Director Michael LoGrande to audit three nearby businesses that community members believe foster criminal activity such as prostitution and drug sales. The positive changes that have resulted in a true center of neighborhood recreation, fitness and fun are threatened by the illicit street activity on "Motel Row," according to Karume James of Community Coalition. "These changes are fragile and we need to make them permanent."  

Gabe Schuman is a summer student intern at Liberty Hill.

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