Magic Johnson Park to Reopen in February

A much-needed park in South Los Angeles will reopen to the public after undergoing major renovations.

1 minute read

February 1, 2022, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View of lake at Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park

Los Angeles County Parks / Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park

The second phase of a 126-acre park in South Los Angeles will reopen this February, bringing much-needed green space to one of L.A.'s most park-poor communities. According to a press release from park designer MIG, "The continuing efforts of the renovation at Magic Johnson Park further transforms this park for the community, allowing for greater access to nature and advancing sustainability efforts as a model for urban parks."

The newly renovated sections of the park, named after former L.A. Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson, will offer walking trails, an off-leash dog park(the first of its kind in South L.A.), a natural amphitheater, exercise equipment, interpretive signs, and native landscaping. As part of the Compton Creek Watershed, the park is designed to divert and capture stormwater, which will be stored and used to irrigate the park. "With this innovative capture and recycled water system, the project was designed to be environmentally sound, and to create a model for other parks to integrate water sustainability design."

The first phase of the park's renovation opened last January and includes play equipment, splash pads, and a wedding lawn.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 in MIG

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing