Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Presents $1M Check to Play Equity Fund as Investment in New Recreation Space in South L.A.
Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) presented a $1 million check to the Play Equity Fund last Friday as an investment to create new recreation space in the Windsor Hills community of South Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spearheaded the grant allocation from the state’s general fund to underwrite the initial assessment process to build the future park.
“Because of historic impacts from inequitable investments and racialized land-use orders, about three quarters of communities of color in Los Angeles are considered ‘park poor,’” said Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. “Access to green space is not just a matter a having a place of recreation. It’s a matter of environmental equity and justice.”
The proposed park is located on Los Angeles County-owned land directly adjacent to the Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Sports Complex. Through the grant, the Play Equity Fund will lead the assessment, design and development of the recreation field and open space improvements.
The Play Equity Fund – a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide communities with more opportunities to participate in sport, play and movement to promote long-term well-being for all residents – is a key partner in advancing this new park project, with strategic steps that include a public community engagement process.
Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a labor organizer, civil rights activist and community advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.
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