Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park

A Green Oasis in South LA

Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park is an 8.5-acre public park located in South Los Angeles, California. Opened in December 2000, the park was created on the site of a former cement pipe storage yard, transforming an industrial brownfield into a green oasis.

The park features a carefully designed landscape that mimics native California terrain. Its undulating topography includes hills and swales, with dirt from Malibu mudslides used to create the park's rolling contours.

Natural Features

The park incorporates native plant communities, riparian areas, and a constructed wetland. Visitors can observe wildflowers blooming in spring and autumn colors on the sycamore trees in fall.

Educational Resources

A key feature of the park is the Evan Frankel Discovery Center, which houses nature displays and information on various natural resource issues. The center offers interpretive and learning programs, with a particular focus on children's activities.

Classes and workshops for both children and adults are held daily at no charge.

Design and Safety

The park is enclosed by an 8-foot wrought iron fence with decorative designs based on natural themes such as butterflies, ducks, hummingbirds, and coyotes. To ensure safety, a park ranger is on site 24 hours a day.

Community Impact

Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park serves as an important community space, attracting up to 5,000 visitors weekly. It provides a rare opportunity for urban residents to experience nature within the city, offering a calming environment and a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.