Pamela Anchang | Immigrant Magazine
This profile of Mar Vista Park takes a closer look at its role for both immigrants and locals in West LA. For many, like the writer, the park has been a place where lives begin anew—where friendships are made and a sense of community takes root. Whether it’s learning to swim, playing soccer, or gathering for family events, Mar Vista Park has long been a spot for people to connect and feel at home, even when they’re far from their countries.
For locals, the park is a lively community hub where people from different backgrounds come together. It’s a space where cultures mix, traditions are shared, and people of all generations find time to relax, play, and support each other. From talking to visitors and the park coordinator, it’s clear that the park continues to foster that sense of togetherness, offering a safe and welcoming space for all.
Despite some struggles—like budget cuts and the loss of a few amenities—Mar Vista Park remains a crucial part of the community. For immigrants, it represents that search for home in a new place, and for locals, it’s where diversity is embraced and celebrated. This piece reflects on how Mar Vista Park continues to serve as a space where everyone can connect, build memories, and be part of something bigger.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Revisiting Mar Vista Park
It’s a beautiful Tuesday morning, and as I head to Los Angeles, I’m filled with nostalgia. Today, I’m going back to a place that’s meant a lot to me as an immigrant—Mar Vista Park. Over ten years ago, this park became the center of my life in a new country. It’s where I made lasting friendships, where my kids learned to swim, played soccer, and went to summer camps, and where we spent countless days enjoying the outdoors together. Now, as I return, I can’t help but wonder if it still feels as important to me.
Leaving home behind is never easy. The daily routines that once felt so familiar suddenly disappear, and immigrants often find themselves searching for places to feel grounded again. For many of us in West LA, Mar Vista Park became more than just a park—it became a sanctuary. It’s where different cultures came together, new friendships were made, and a sense of community thrived. Tucked between diverse neighborhoods, the park became a place where people of all backgrounds found common ground and supported one another.
Arriving at the Park
It is 12:30 PM when we arrive, and I wonder if there will be any activity, given that it’s a weekday. But then I remember that in my time, the park was always alive—whether with nannies caring for children, parents with young ones in the playgrounds on their day off, or students from Windward Middle School across the street attending P.E. class. Reassured, I look forward to speaking with visitors to understand what the park means to them today.
As I enter with my two-person team, I notice a familiar scene: a group of women with babies, strollers, and picnic blankets. They appear to be Latina, and I confidently approach them. I introduce myself and my work, easing any initial hesitation. As the editor of The Immigrant Magazine, I often find that fellow immigrants warm up quickly upon discovering our shared experiences.
I meet Norma from Mexico, Norma from El Salvador, Memphis from Guatemala, and Sandra from Guatemala. Norma from Mexico seems a bit hesitant at first, not just because of her limited English, but also because she seems worried about my intentions, possibly because she’s undocumented. I let her know that I’m a passionate advocate for immigrants and have brought some resources to share with her, assuring her that she shouldn’t hesitate to reach out if she ever needs help. After hearing that, she relaxes and opens up, telling me how much she loves the park because of its welcoming atmosphere. It’s where she’s made lasting friendships, and she met the other ladies here. They now look forward to getting together whenever they bring their kids to enjoy the fresh air.
Memphis, the most social among them, tells me she enjoys the outdoors and prefers Mar Vista Park because it is more peaceful than others she has visited. Norma from El Salvador appreciates the park’s proximity to her workplace, making it convenient for the children she babysits. None of the women live in the area; they come here for work but cherish the friendships they have made. Sandra, speaking in limited English, agrees, emphasizing the park’s cleanliness and safety. When asked about areas for improvement, she mentions that the parking area sometimes has an unpleasant smell but shared that overall, it wasn’t a deterrent. Before parting, I share information from the Los Angeles Civil Rights campaign on bridging communities and addressing discrimination. They express gratitude for the resources, and Memphis even shares her number, hinting that she has a story to tell.
Meeting Oscar: The Heart of Mar Vista Park
As I wrap up my conversation, my husband Charles, part of my team, signals me to meet another group of visitors. On my way, I notice two men intensely focused on a chess game. They acknowledge my presence just long enough to allow me to take a photo before returning to their match. I then proceeded to the group Charles had identified.
Among them is Oscar, a long-time resident who has called this neighborhood home for 28 years. His two sons grew up playing soccer and baseball in the park, forming friendships that transcend cultural boundaries. “I have a lot of friends from many different countries—Ecuador, Peru, El Salvador, Brazil. And, of course, I remember playing soccer with people from Cameroon every Saturday,” he reminisces.
For immigrants, finding a place that feels like home in a new country can be difficult, but Mar Vista Park offers that rare sense of belonging. “When I come back here, I always want to see my friends in this park. It’s where we meet, talk, and support each other,” Oscar says warmly. Beyond socializing, the park has also served as an informal job network. “I work in construction, and a lot of guys here do the same. If I need a plumber, a drywall guy—this is where I find them.”
Despite its many strengths, Oscar points out an issue: the lack of grills for community barbecues. “We always have carne asada here, but now there are no grills. We had to bring our own. That’s something that could be fixed ” , he says, pointing to the two grills he’s brought to the park to keep the tradition alive. Nevertheless, he confirms that Mar Vista remains a safe, welcoming space where families continue to gather and celebrate.
With camera in hand, I wandered through the park, taking in the sights and sounds around me. As I strolled, memories of the days when I brought my children to the sandbox play area, with its vibrant, multicolored slides, flooded back. While I was lost in those memories, I noticed a woman nearby who I guessed might be a parent—a common sight at the park. I approached her and said hello, and when she responded, I politely asked if she was a parent. She confirmed, and I shared why I was there.
As we spoke, I noticed an accent, so I asked where she was from. She told me she was Turkish, which didn’t surprise me at all—over the years, I’ve encountered people from all over the world here, and the park has never been dominated by any one culture.
She explained that she and her husband were professors at UCLA, both teaching Turkish. Interestingly, she mentioned that they live in Culver City now but still bring their daughter Alize to Mar Vista Park, where her preschool is located. I was curious as to why they continued the long trek from Culver City, so I asked. She smiled and explained that when they moved out of the area, they decided to keep their daughter enrolled at this preschool because the park is not only clean and safe but also spacious, with playgrounds that are perfect for kids of all ages which she shared was not the case in the area they lived in.
I then asked if she had met people from different cultures at the park, and she told me she had met many parents from all corners of the globe. Over time, she had made friends with people from Korea, Argentina, and Ukraine. She shared that the park’s international community, with kids from diverse backgrounds, helped everyone feel at ease, as they could relate to each other through their shared immigrant experiences. I wrapped up the conversation as her daughter started seeking her attention, turning my focus to the office, hopeful to gain more perspective from the people who manage the park.
A Conversation with Cristina: Behind the Scenes of the Park
As I head into the park office, I meet Cristina, the Recreation Center Coordinator who manages maintenance and staffing. In our conversation, she opens up about her role, the challenges she faces, and so much more.
You can hear her story in her own words—I’m sure she captures the essence of this experience far better than I ever could.
Pamela: What’s your role at the park, and how long have you worked here?
Cristina: I help with maintenance and staff, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Pamela: What do you think makes this park special?
Cristina: It’s a beautiful mix of all ages and people from diverse backgrounds. This park is a place where people come together to build a sense of community. Tennis seems to be the biggest sport here, but there’s also a lot of family fun with basketball, hockey, and soccer. Soccer is probably the most popular activity. We have a seasonal pool, outdoor workout equipment, and plenty of space for runners to stretch their legs.
Pamela: How are budget cuts affecting the park?
Cristina: Budget cuts have impacted many parks, but luckily, Mar Vista Park generates its own revenue through camps and activities, which helps sustain it. It’s one of the busiest parks in the city.
Pamela: What are the biggest challenges in maintaining or managing the park?
Cristina: The biggest challenge is keeping up with upgrades and constant repairs. But the community is very respectful, even those who are unhoused and use the park as their home.
Pamela: What’s the most rewarding part of working here?
Cristina: Being able to serve the community and provide a space where people feel safe and welcome.
Pamela: Have you noticed any trends in how the park is being used?
Cristina: Absolutely. People come from all over—even from miles away. During the pandemic, many people traveled from farther neighborhoods just to use this park.
Pamela: How does the park contribute to the local community?
Cristina: The park offers so much value, from swimming and tennis to creating real connections among people. These relationships go beyond the park and into the broader community.
Pamela: Are there any upcoming events or changes people should know about?
Cristina: We host seasonal events like Halloween celebrations, spring activities, summer camps, and just recently we had a pet-friendly event, which was a big hit. People can also rent the park for birthdays and small gatherings for a minimal fee. We even have an auditorium available for events.
Pamela: What’s something about this park that most visitors don’t realize?
Cristina: Many people don’t realize they can actually request new activities. If there’s enough interest, the park can help launch those programs.
Pamela: What can visitors do to help keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone?
Cristina: The best way visitors can help is by registering for activities and taking an active role in the community. When people are involved, they take better care of the space.
Pamela: Have you had any memorable or funny experiences while working here?
Cristina (emotional at this moment and teary-eyed): One of the most meaningful moments was when the park provided sanctuary for people during the Eaton and Palisades fires. It became a place of refuge and support for those affected.
Pamela: That’s incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for all that you do for the park and the community!
Cristina: You’re welcome and thank you for taking an interest in our park
Final Observations: A Park for Generations
Before leaving, I speak with a young black man named Amy, who expresses his frustration over the removal of baseball fields. “They’re treating the park more like a YMCA now, and it’s keeping kids away.” He worries that fewer children visiting the park could have negative consequences.
When asked how, he explains that the costs associated with some amenities make them inaccessible to many families. Still, he acknowledges that the free outdoor spaces continue to offer opportunities for play.
As I prepare to depart, I see students from Windward Middle School arriving for P.E (physical education), their excitement evident. Their presence reaffirms that Mar Vista Park remains a vibrant part of the community. Observing a young black girl skating in the rink and a boy practicing hockey under the watchful eye of an adult, I am reminded that this space continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, generations, and life experiences.
Mar Vista Park is more than just a green space—it’s a place that reflects the experiences of immigrants in Los Angeles. It’s where families create memories, strangers become friends, and cultural differences fade as people gather to play, relax, and connect. Whether it’s a soccer game, a picnic, or a quiet moment on a park bench, the park offers a sense of belonging for those far from home. For anyone seeking a little laughter, companionship, or peace, Mar Vista Park remains a space that embodies the diversity at the heart of the immigrant experience.
When I visited the park, I wasn’t specifically looking for immigrants, but I wanted to capture the community it serves. It wasn’t surprising that most people I met were immigrants. One person who stood out was Amy—he had a distinct Jamaican vibe and he confirmed with me about often getting mistaken for being Jamaican. In reality, he’s from Missouri and joked about how his “country accent” gets him confused with the Caribbean. It was a reminder that while the park welcomes everyone, it holds a particular significance for immigrants.
As Cristina, the park coordinator, shared with me, Mar Vista Park attracts people from all over Los Angeles, not just the immediate area. It’s a place that many consider home, even though things have changed. It was, however, in the midst of everything that seemed to be going in its favor striking to find that the baseball fields and grills are gone, and I wasn’t able to figure out why. Though parts of the parking lot have an unpleasant smell, despite those setbacks, the park seemed to remain a refuge for many. It’s where people go for fresh air, to swim in the summer, and, most importantly, to find comfort and peace.
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.
