Pamela Anchang | The Immigrant Magazine
For years, South Central Los Angeles has been described as “park-poor” — a term that reflects both a lack of resources and a deeper, historic inequity. Today, that’s changing.
In a neighborhood where nearly 40% of residents are under 18, the need for green space has never been greater. With the grand opening of Inell Woods Park, Councilman Curren Price and the District 9 community are now taking a bold step toward equity and access.
At the June 14 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Inell Woods Park, I had the opportunity to speak with Councilman Curren Price about what this new space means for the community.
Price, who has long championed investment in public spaces across his district, stood proudly at the ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the park’s namesake — a beloved local activist — and the community she helped uplift.
“Our community has been park-poor for decades. Anything we can do to create or expand green space, we have to do it,” Price told the event’s attendees.
As part of a broader effort to close the gap in park access across underserved neighborhoods, Inell Woods Park is a shining example of what intentional investment in community infrastructure can look like. Located in an area where the majority of families are Black and Latino, and many are immigrants, the park offers a safe, welcoming space for families, children and seniors to connect and exercise.
“Creating spaces like this contributes to more than just physical health,” Price emphasized. “It builds an atmosphere of success. It improves air quality, encourages movement and strengthens community bonds.”
The park’s features — exercise equipment, flower gardens, and gathering spaces — were shaped by direct community input. Now open daily from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M., the space balances accessibility with safety and sustainability.
“The people here told us what they wanted, and we listened,” Price said, acknowledging the importance of protecting all community members, regardless of background. “This is their park.”
“We know our immigrant communities are under attack—both Latino and African immigrants,” he added. “This park is part of our response. We want people to know their rights, to feel seen, and to feel safe.”
Inell Woods Park is named after a woman who lived just across the street and was a longtime fixture at council and school board meetings, tirelessly advocating for her community.
“She was always demanding more for this neighborhood,” Price said. “This park is a testament to her legacy. Her voice lives on in every child that plays here.”
Price also emphasized plans to maintain the park’s beauty and safety in the long-term, explaining that limiting its hours to 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. will support oversight and regular maintenance, while community buy-in will be essential for its preservation.
“We hope the community will buy in and help us keep it modern and clean,” he said.
With more projects in the pipeline — including developments at Gus Hawkins, Bill Green Park and the nearby Swanson Center — Price’s commitment to park equity isn’t slowing down.
“We’re building more than parks. We’re building equity, dignity and opportunity,” he said.
This story was produced by Ethnic Media Services in collaboration with the Laboratory for Environmental Narrative Strategies (LENS) at UCLA as part of the Greening American Cities initiative supported by the Bezos Earth Fund. Read more stories like this by visiting the Greening Communities homepage.
