South Los Angeles Wetlands Park — Attraction in Los Angeles

It was a promising park with Native plants and a realistic marshlands, unfortunately the city is ignoring the park now it's overun with invasive animals with stray dogs/ dumped dogs and cats, dumped invasive turtle for some reason people want them here despite being destructive to the mosquito fish already in the pond, and if the mosquito fish dissappear the entire area will be covered in mosquitos. Invasive rabbits dumped here by irresponsible owners eating the last bit of native grass. The native plants and flowers are gone now people keep killing them because they want a "picnic spot" when they already built one for you people. i dont understand why the need to kill off all the wildflowers because you want non native european grass, there was soo many wildflowers in this park so many pollinators and colors that used to be here the park smelled nice because the wildflowers used to produce a lavender scent into the air now its gone eaten by rabbits or removed by people letting the park become brown and dull. the only form of maintenance the city provides of course trash pickup and repairs for the gates if they left more than 1 gate entrance people wouldn't be destroying the gate to get in. but they also trim the native water plants and remove them for no reason you're not supposed to do that and that's not how marshlands work Leave the water plants alone they will clean the pond but the over maintenance of the plants and removal of aquatic plants is contributing to its dirtiness and makes it easier for people to throw trash into the water just let the water plants grow remove the european grass, and plant more native plants build garden fences to keep people away from the native plants. the homeless are huge problem and I don't understand why the metro building is still here tear it down it's unsafe and it calls more homeless to the residential area these people constantly harass the neighbors they threatened kids and my grandmother one time. The park now is a shell of its former self, what used to be a nature park to teach people how California used to look it's now a ghetto looking park who the people that visits dumps their pets and kill the native plants for their own enjoyment and replaces the native species with non native species because "OtHeR PaRkS GoT EuRoPeAn GrAsS WhY NoT HeRe" and over maintenanced water plants wich makes the water look even grosser. This isn't a wetlands anymore this is just a poor...

The South Los Angeles Wetlands Park, situated at 5413 Avalon Blvd, offers a unique blend of urban nature and environmental innovation. Established on a former MTA brownfield site, this nine-acre park serves as both a recreational space and a stormwater treatment facility, processing runoff from a 525-acre watershed .

🌿 Natural Beauty & Wildlife

Visitors appreciate the park's serene environment, which features a 0.5-mile loop trail, bridges, and a variety of native plants. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with sightings of ducks, turtles, bunnies, and other wildlife . The flat terrain makes it accessible for walking, jogging, and cycling .

⚠️ Maintenance & Infrastructure Challenges

Despite its potential, the park faces significant maintenance issues. Many amenities are in disrepair: lighting is non-functional, leading to safety concerns during evening visits; water features like fountains and waterfalls are inactive; and the water in the wetlands has become stagnant and odorous . Additionally, the absence of proper restroom facilities has prompted community petitions for improvement .

🏗️ Environmental & Educational Impact

Designed under Proposition O, the park aims to enhance water quality by filtering pollutants from stormwater. It incorporates educational signage and has been recognized with awards for its sustainable design . However, the lack of shade and incomplete facilities, such as the unfinished Phase II building intended for community use, limit its full potential .

📝 Community Feedback

While some residents commend the park as a peaceful urban oasis, others express concerns over safety and cleanliness. Reports of...

I wanted to share some thoughts about this lovely spot that could use more attention from the City of Los Angeles. It's a great place for bird watching and walking in nature (best you can get in the hood). However, if you plan to bring your kids along, there are better options available as there are no swings or actual restrooms, only an under serviced porta potty. You should also be aware of the homeless community in the parking lot and within the wetland and the many adorable feral bunnies hopping around. Some people may not pick up after their dogs, so please watch your step. Haha. The loop around the wetland is half a mile long, making it a perfect spot for a quick stroll.

Be sure to keep an eye out for black-crowned night herons (pictured) and other bird species such as the American white pelican ( not seen every year here. Typically seen in fall and winter), cormorants (which are not often here), snowy egrets (more commonly seen during the day), and gulls (of which there tend to be many), along with many other cool birds.

Update: There have been significant improvements throughout the park, especially with the porta potties. However, there are still homeless individuals around. I've noticed several city workers supervising the restroom area late in the evening and seen construction happening outside the trail. When I asked one of the workers on 2/21, I was told they are planting more trees,...