Equity matters, and a community’s access to safe recreation spaces and facilities - and the condition of them - are key indicators of health equity and community investment. In South Los Angeles, there is a shortage of park space and assets that allow community members, especially children, to thrive. It is the City’s responsibility to create and maintain public spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring to all - and the soon-to-open Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex at Rancho Cienega Park is poised to be a great new amenity for South Los Angeles at-large.
Rancho Cienega Park spans 24-acres and the previous structures at the park were aging, but rather than planning a simple update of the existing structures, the City sought out innovative design approaches through a design competition.
The chosen design meets the community’s needs, with a new Olympic-size indoor pool that features a bathhouse, an indoor gym sized to accommodate two high school basketball courts, a mezzanine walking track, a fitness annex, a multi-use community room, and staff offices. Although the project was designed to meet the City-mandated LEED silver certification level, the City hopes to exceed that mandate, and create a facility with “net zero” energy use by installing EV charging stations as well as a robust greywater re-use and stormwater infiltration system.
As of early August 2021, the construction is 80% complete. The new sports complex will reflect a nearly $50 million investment in the 10th Council District. Our parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities represent the best of our communities, and we cannot wait to invite you to celebrate the opening of this new sports complex very soon.
