Magazine, The Immigrant Experience, By Pamela Anchang, Managing Editor
This profile of Mar Vista Recreation Center, also popularly known a 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.
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.
Mar Vista Recreation Center: Where Immigrants and Locals Find Connection and Community in West LA. Photo by The Immigrant Magazine
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
Mar Vista Recreation Center: Where Immigrants and Locals Find Connection and Community in West LA. Photo by The Immigrant Magazine
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.”
Mar Vista Recreation Center: Where Immigrants and Locals Find Connection and Community in West LA. Photo by The Immigrant Magazine
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
Mar Vista Recreation Center: Where Immigrants and Locals Find Connection and Community in West LA. Photo by The Immigrant Magazine
As I finish my chats with visitors, I make my way to the park office to meet Cristina, the Recreation Center Coordinator. She’s been with Mar Vista Park for years and has seen it all. As we talk, I can tell how deeply she cares about the park and the community it serves.
Cristina describes Mar Vista Park as a true melting pot, filled with people of all ages and backgrounds. Soccer is definitely the crowd favorite, but there’s also tennis, basketball, and a seasonal pool to enjoy. “What really makes this place special is the community,” she says with a smile. “People come here for more than just the activities. It’s about connecting with others.”
Even with budget cuts, Cristina is proud to say the park stays afloat through its own revenue from camps and activities. “It’s one of the busiest parks in the city,” she adds, a little bit of pride in her voice.
But what really stands out to Cristina is the park’s ability to bring people together, no matter where they come from. “Even those who are unhoused find refuge and respect here,” she shares. “The park is a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.”
Cristina also mentions how the park became a lifeline during the Eaton and Palisades fires, offering shelter and support to people who needed it most. “It’s so rewarding to see this park serve as a safe haven during tough times,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.
Beyond just offering recreational activities, Mar Vista Park hosts seasonal events like Halloween celebrations, springtime activities, and even pet-friendly gatherings. These events are more than just fun—they bring the community together and create spaces for meaningful connections.
Cristina’s job comes with its challenges, but she clearly finds it incredibly rewarding. She works hard to keep the park in top shape while ensuring it remains a welcoming space for everyone. She even lets visitors know that if they have ideas for new activities, they can pitch them—and if there’s enough interest, the park will help make it happen.
Final Observations: A Park for Generations
Mar Vista Recreation Center: Where Immigrants and Locals Find Connection and Community in West LA. Photo by The Immigrant Magazine
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.
Mar Vista Recreation Center: Where Immigrants and Locals Find Connection and Community in West LA. Photo by The Immigrant Magazine
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.
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