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.

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