CARSON, Calif. – James M. Foisia Park, formerly known as General Winfield Scott Park, is more than just a lush patch of grass in the heart of the city. For the thriving Samoan community, the park is a gathering place, a cultural refuge, a lifeline and a reminder of the resilience of those who call Carson home.
For residents of Carson, home to one of the largest Samoan communities in the United States, the park has come to represent pride, resilience, and unity since it was renamed in 2021 in honor of the late great Samoan community leader and activist James Misa’alefua Foisia.
A Park with a Purpose
James M. Foisia Park boasts eleven-acres and offers amenities such as picnic areas, lush grass fields, playgrounds, swimming pool, boxing gym and community center. Nevertheless, for Carson’s Samoan community, the park is not just a recreation center. It is a place where traditions are cherished, families gather, and Samoan culture is preserved.
The park regularly holds an event that reflects the rich history of the Samoan community. From traditional ava ceremonies to Polynesian dance performances, the park has become a cultural hub for demonstrating and exchanging cultural customs and traditions. Annual events, such as the Samoan Heritage Festival, attracts thousands of festival-goers featuring traditional Samoan delicacies, music, crafts and artistic installations that reflect the history and tradition of Samoa.
“This park is our hood,” says Kitiona Paepule, a longtime Carson resident and neighborhood artist. “It’s where we can educate our children about Fa’a Samoa – The Samoan way” and come together to celebrate life as we know it. It’s not only a park; it’s our home far away from home.“
Honoring a Legacy
The city’s decision to rename the park to honor James M. Foisia was a historic moment for the Samoan community of Carson. Foisia, who passed on in 2019, lived his life as a staunch advocate for Samoan rights and representation. Foisia was pivotal in establishing Carson as a cultural enclave for Samoan settlers and their descendants, all the while building a resilient sense of community and belonging.
Foisia’s contributions extended past cultural restoration. He became instrumental in developing programs that addressed the needs of Samoan adolescents, including after-school tutoring, sports activities leagues, and mentorship initiatives. His work helped bridge the gap among generations, ensuring that younger Samoans remained connected to their history while thriving in their adopted place of birth.
“James was pioneer and always looked out for us growing up,” says Tommy Fa’avae, a longtime community and labor organizer. “He believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves. Naming the park after him was a great way to pay homage to his legacy and ensure that his work continues to inspire future generations.”
A Safe Haven for Youth
James M. Foisia Park is a safe haven for many Samoan youth in Carson. The park’s sports programs, specifically T Ball, Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Pickle ball, Futsal, Flag Football, Baseball, and Soccer, have grown to be a cornerstone of the community. Samoans have a deep-rooted passion for these sports, and the park’s fields are often filled with young athletes training, competing, and dreaming of destiny fulfillment.
“This park has given many children a sense of purpose. It is a place where they can be themselves, where they can connect with their culture, and where they can dream big,” says Janny Noa, Senior Recreation Center Supervisor. For lots of young Samoans, these sports offer an outlet for physical activity and a sense of teamwork, and pride.
A Legacy for the Future
As Carson’s Samoan community grows and evolves, James M. Foisia Park is essential to its identity. The park’s renaming became a tribute to one man’s legacy but acknowledgement of the collective strength and resilience of a community that has overcome challenges and thrived in a new homeland.
For the next generation, the park is a living reminder of their historical past and an area where they can build their legacy. “This park is our foundation,” says sixteen-year-old Jaden Slade, a Samoan youth. “The park is where we learn about our identity and where we come from. It’s where we celebrate our culture and build towards our future. Foisia Park is our past, present, and beyond”
As night falls over James M Foisia Park, you can hear laughter; music and conversation fill the air. It is a place where stories are shared, traditions are honored, and bonds are strengthened. For Carson’s Samoan community, the park is more than just a piece of grass—it is a lifeline, a legacy, and a promise for future generations.
James M. Foisia Park, 23410 Catskill Street, Carson, California. For more information, visit the City of Carson’s Parks and Recreation website.
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.
