Edward Vincent Jr. Park

A Glimpse Into History

Sitting on 55 acres in the heart of Inglewood, Edward Vincent Jr. Park has been a community cornerstone for generations. Though it got its current name in 1997 to honor Edward Vincent Jr. (Inglewood's first African-American mayor), many locals still affectionately call it by its original name, Centinela Park.

There's real history beneath your feet here - the park encompasses the site of Centinela Springs, an artesian spring that gave the 19th-century Rancho Aguaje de la Centinela its name. It's a little piece of old California preserved within the modern city.

What You'll Find

This sprawling green space is Inglewood's recreational heart. If you're looking to stretch your legs, the 1.2-mile walking track loops through the grounds, great for a morning jog or an evening stroll. Mature trees create welcome shade throughout, and if you keep your eyes open, you might spot squirrels and other urban wildlife going about their day alongside you.

Get Active

The park offers numerous options for sports enthusiasts. The crown jewel might be the Olympic-size swimming pool complex complete with training and wading pools (and yes, there's an ADA-compliant bathhouse too).

But that's just the beginning. You can find recently remodeled basketball courts, tennis courts, and fields for football, soccer (including some nice turf options), softball, and baseball.

For the more adventure-minded, two skate parks and a bike pump track draw local youth and those young at heart looking to practice their skills.

Family Time

Kids have plenty of space to burn energy at the six playgrounds scattered within the park. When it's time to refuel, grab one of the picnic areas with tables and BBQ stands - excellent for anything from a simple family lunch to a full-blown reunion.

The park even has cultural spaces, including an outdoor amphitheater that seats 1,000 people, and the intimate Willie Agee Playhouse, a 55-seat theater where you can catch acting classes, open mic nights, or performances by local theater groups.

Staying Fit

Beyond the sports facilities, the park offers plenty of ways to keep moving. The paved trails wind through the grounds, and exercise equipment stations let you mix up your cardio with some strength training.

What makes this park unique is its natural topography - the hilly terrain adds some welcome challenge to your walks and rewards you with nice views of the surrounding area when you reach the high points.

Getting There and Around

You can reach the park via the K Line of the Los Angeles Metro, or if you're driving, take advantage of the free parking lots and street parking. Multiple restroom facilities are conveniently located throughout the grounds.

The surrounding roads are thoughtfully barricaded from major through streets, creating a quieter, safer environment with minimal traffic noise.

For Dog Lovers

Four-legged friends are welcome here (on leash), and many visitors make a daily ritual of walking their dogs along the extensive trails. While there's no designated off-leash area, there's plenty of open space to explore together.

Edward Vincent Jr. Park combines natural green space with recreational amenities, making it a place where visitors can experience both Inglewood's history and its community life.