Del Amo Park

“A wishing tree?” I ask, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet morning air of Del Amo Park. “Here, in this brand new park, built on land once choked by industry?” Del Amo Park. It’s a name that whispers hope, a name tied to a simple act of childhood faith. This park, a vibrant green space nestled in West Carson, stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and a little girl’s dream. For decades, this land was a scar on the landscape. A former rubber plant during World War II, later a Shell Oil refinery, it became a dumping ground for industrial waste. The very soil was poisoned, causing health problems for nearby residents. Families living adjacent to the site suffered bloody noses, rashes, and even miscarriages. The air was thick with the ghosts of industry, the ground beneath our feet bearing the weight of a toxic legacy. But even in this blighted landscape, hope took root. Cynthia Babich, a local resident and fierce advocate for the community, discovered a hidden gem during her outreach efforts. Children from a nearby home, with no safe place to play, shared their secret: a “wishing tree” where they tied notes containing their heartfelt desires. This tree, a scrappy ficus abandoned amidst the industrial debris, became a symbol of the community’s longing for a healthier, brighter future. Babich found the tree, its branches adorned with tattered notes, whispering wishes into the polluted air. It was a testament to the enduring power of hope, even in the face of adversity. The “wishing tree” inspired not just a name for the park but the entire project itself. It became the rallying point for a three-decade struggle to reclaim this land and transform it into a haven for the community. The journey was long and arduous, marked by battles with former industrial tenants and government agencies. But the community persevered. The contaminated soil was capped, and the park began to take shape. Today, Del Amo Park boasts vibrant green fields, two futsal courts, a baseball field, and a basketball court. Walking trails wind through the park, offering a peaceful escape from the surrounding urban landscape. A community building provides a space for classes and activities, a hub for the community that fought so hard for this space. And at the heart of the park, in the Wishing Tree Plaza, a newly planted tree stands surrounded by benches. It serves as a living reminder of the children’s simple act of faith and the community’s unwavering determination to transform a toxic wasteland into a place of hope and healing. Del Amo Park isn’t just a park. It’s a testament to the power of community, a symbol of renewal, and a living, breathing wish come true.