When we claim our parks with family activities and enriching workshops we build the foundation for public safety. Neighbors deepen their relationships and kids feel a sense of belonging. South LA Strong consists of Movies in the Park, Affordable, Camp Workshops, Pool Parties, and building partnerships with Summer Night Lights programming.
Since 2020 CD8 has initiated more programming and upgrades in area parks and augmenting our cadre of Community Intervention Workers who help keep neighborhoods safe—actions that create and strengthen the social threads that make communities stronger.
South LA Strong Timeline
2020: A $17M investment was realized when we opened pools at Algin Sutton Recreation Center and Van Ness Recreation Center in two neighborhoods that had been without a pool for 20 years. We also brought back Movies in the Park, a free movie experience for our neighbors and families.
2021: We augmented existing programming in eight of our parks to support a low-cost Summer Camp experience for families with art, dance, and sports activities. Additionally, we partnered with a local organization to organize and program 5K runs and wellness days in South LA throughout the year.
2022: We added two pool parties to the summer experience, continued investing in our youth with our Summer Camp Experience, Movies in the Park, our 5K runs and wellness days, and resumed the annual Jazz Festival at St. Andrews Park.
2023: We added two pool parties to the summer experience, continued investing in our youth with our Summer Camp Experience, Movies in the Park, our 5K runs and wellness days, and resumed the annual Jazz Festival at St. Andrews Park.