Wish Granted: Former Brownfield Transformed to New Park

Wishing Tree Park officially opened last month, transforming an 8.5-acre brownfield site into much-needed public green space in the community of West Carson. The park's dedication on May 16th, 2024 marks the culmination of a 30-year effort led by community members and other key stakeholders. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell highlighted the significant impact the park will have on the community, providing a beautiful green space and recreational area for generations to enjoy.

The park site, once home to a synthetic rubber production facility, underwent significant environmental remediation. Shell Oil and Dow Chemical, the former owners, sold the site to the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust for the development of a new park in 2015. The newly established park now features a variety of amenities, including a children's play area, futsal (soccer) courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, walking trails, and exercise equipment. A memorial plaza also honors community members who were instrumental in the park's creation.

The name “Wishing Tree Park” pays homage to the community's long-standing hope for green space. Over a decade ago, ficus trees were planted in anticipation of a future park, with one tree becoming a symbol of hope as children wrote wishes and placed them in its branches. This “Wishing Tree” represented the community's desire for a beautiful park, a wish that has now been fulfilled with the opening of Wishing Tree Park, providing a safe and vibrant public space for West Carson residents to enjoy.