Celery capital turned community hub. That’s the story of Lomita Park. This park wasn’t always the recreational mecca it is today. It has a fascinating journey rooted deep in Lomita’s history.
The story of Lomita Park begins in the 1930s. Residents wanted a public park. Local realtor John Welte proposed the former Edwards estate as the perfect site. It was a six-acre rectangular plot. It had a five-room house and some outbuildings. The location was between Eshelman Ave. and Artisano St.
Welte offered to sell it to the county for $7,500. Initially, County Supervisor Leland Ford rejected the idea. But he changed his mind later. In July 1937, the Board of Supervisors allocated $8,000 for the land purchase. A local citizen’s group unanimously supported the idea.
The board approved the purchase in December. They agreed to Welte’s asking price. The sale became official in March 1938. Plans were made to transform the land into a park. The five-room house would become a community center.
The country was still suffering from the Depression. Money was scarce. Development was further delayed. There was a proposal to turn the land into an active oil field. Fortunately, this plan was dropped. Work on Lomita Park could finally begin.
The county provided an initial $3,500 for construction. Engineers proposed plans. One plan included a baseball diamond. The local chamber of commerce preferred a softball diamond. They also wanted tennis courts, playground equipment and bleachers.
The county agreed to pay for initial landscaping. They did not cover ongoing maintenance. In May 1940, Narbonne High gardening students were recruited. They planted more than 800 shrubs. A county agronomist supervised them.
Local groups wanted a new recreation center building. The cost was estimated at $20,000. The county declined to fund it. Still, excitement grew for Lomita Park.
A Town Hall Parade went through the city to the park in September 1941. The park was still under construction. The Torrance Herald estimated 2,000 people attended.
Progress halted with the U.S. entry into World War II. It was after Pearl Harbor. Funds were allocated again in 1945. Contractor H.J. Farrington was hired. Progress was slow. Acquiring building materials was difficult. This was during the postwar housing boom.
Lomita Park remained closed for a couple of years. Farrington worked to finish the project in 1948. That September, the park hosted the “Gaucho Days” celebration. The community center opened in 1950.
Torrance began making annexation noises in the mid-1950s. Lomita residents started another incorporation movement. In June 1964, residents voted to become a city. The vote was 2,078 to 1,742.
Incorporation became official on June 30, 1964. In December, ownership of Lomita Park transferred to the city. It came from Los Angeles County.
Since then, Lomita Park has become the city’s recreational mecca. It now has a softball field. There are two tennis courts. There is also a basketball court. Plus, you’ll find a soccer pitch. The park has expanded picknicking and playground areas. It also has an indoor gymnasium.
The city operates many recreational programs and sports leagues here. The Lomita Obedience Training Club has run a dog obedience class since 1954.
Today, Lomita Park also hosts the city’s annual Founders Day celebration every June. It’s a community fiesta. It includes rides, games, food and a fireworks show. Lomita Park stands as a testament to community effort. It highlights the enduring spirit of Lomita.