The Wishing Tree Park

Inspiring South Bay story of hope and perseverance. Neighborhood activists Del Amo Action Committee fought for years to convert a former EPA toxic Superfund site in unincorporated West Carson near Torrance Blvd and Normandie into a neighborhood park. Inspired by their effort, the LA Neighborhood Land Trust is developing the Wishing Tree Park, set for grand opening in September.

This neighborhood has been literally dumped on for decades by the Montrose Corporation, formerly the world's biggest DDT manufacturer which also dumped DDT into the ocean off the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The Neighborhood Land Trust replaced the top two feet of soil throughout the park and sealed off the underground as part of the major environmental cleanup effort to make sure the park is safe for everyone. I secured $500,000 in state funding to help finance the project. The neighborhood hopes the Wishing Tree Park will become a safe community space for children to play and families to gather together for generations to come.

Check it out next time you're in the neighborhood!