Once a cement pipe storage yard. That’s hard to believe now as you stand at the entrance to Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park. This 8.5-acre park fulfills the dream of bringing nature back to urban Southern California.
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is a green oasis. It sits in the middle of an industrial neighborhood in Los Angeles. The park was built in 2000. It was created by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Five years later, it was transferred to the city of Los Angeles.
The park is named after Augustus F. Hawkins. He was a U.S. Congressman. In 1963, he became the first African American member of Congress elected west of the Mississippi. He represented southern Los Angeles County for nearly 30 years.
The park’s location was once considered an industrial wasteland. It was surrounded by chain-link fences and graffiti-covered warehouses. But now as you drive down Compton Boulevard, trees become visible. The greenery stands out like a beacon in a sea of concrete.
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is now enclosed by a wrought iron fence. The fence includes decorative designs. Butterflies, ducks, hummingbirds, and coyotes adorn it.
Inside Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park, paths circle the grounds. You’ll find native plant communities here. Riparian areas and rolling hills mimic a native California setting. In springtime, wildflowers bloom. In the fall, you can see the colors in the leaves of the sycamore trees.
One of the main features is the undulating topography. Hills and swales recreate a native California setting. At the top of the hill, river rocks line a running stream. A windmill pumps the water. It courses down a small concrete spillway. It is reminiscent of the L.A. River.
The Evan Frankel Discovery Center is also located in the park. It has nature displays. You can find information about a wide range of natural resource issues. The park also has interpretive and learning programs. There is a special emphasis on children’s programs.
The Discovery Center is an airy and calming place. It features wood floors and Craftsman-style fixtures. It has an interior sliding stained glass door. Classes and workshops are held at the Discovery Center every day. They are offered at no charge. The Center also has a library and an after-school science club. There is a Junior Ranger leadership program. A monthly craft workshop is available as well.
Local Audubon Society members visit the park. They come to watch birds. The accumulation of native plants and trees has attracted many species. Warblers, hummingbirds, blackbirds, crows, and flycatchers can be seen. Starlings, doves, and herons also visit. It is not unusual to spot 20 to 40 different kinds of birds.
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is more than just a park. It is a place where the community comes together. Local residents gather here to socialize and relax. Kids learn to ride bikes. Birthdays are celebrated. Couples walk hand in hand. People feel safe in the park. Rangers are always visible. Maintenance staff work during park hours. This reinforces the feeling of safety.
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is a testament to what a community can achieve. It transforms an industrial space into a natural haven.