Compton Creek Natural Park
NATURE & TRAILS
Beautifying LA
This creekside park in a highly urbanized area provides school kids and the surrounding neighborhood a multi-sensory natural park experience that layers history, natural science and art. A five-acre lot behind Washington Elementary School was transformed into a safe place for student exploration, with spacious green areas for recreation and socializing.
“I know what I’m doing is helping my community and that makes me happy.”
– Calvin Diaz
The multi-use trail along Compton Creek includes interpretive signs, a community plaza and picnic/outdoor classroom, as well as a small amphitheater, exercise stations, and multi-use sports/play area. The landscaping features native plants, permeable paving in the parking area, surface bioswales and an underground cistern that collects stormwater for irrigation. The new community gardens invite elementary school students and community gardeners to plant their own fruits and vegetables, and nutrition and cooking workshops will help them get the most out of their own produce.
In 2022, the Linda Dent Memorial Fund for Compton Creek Natural Park was established with a generous gift from Anthem Blue Cross. Linda Dent (1952-2021) was a champion for racial and economic justice and a pioneer in the fight for workers’ rights and organized Labor. Born in Louisiana and raised right here in Compton, Linda was a clerk in the Los Angeles County Tax Collector’s Office whose passion and vision led her to become the first woman and first Black president of the Service Employees International Union Local 721.
Linda believed in the power of community organizations working together for change. She also believed in the power of a second chance which is why she created the first Compton Jobs Fair and was a leader in the fight to raise the minimum wage in California. The LA Conservation Corps strives every day to emulate the values and vision of community leaders like Linda Dent as we offer opportunity youth paid job training and a career pathway to a powerful future. We are proud to honor her legacy here in Compton Creek Natural Park.
You can honor Linda’s memory and ensure that Compton Creek Natural Park continues to thrive by making a dedicated gift below.
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