Swe Swe Aye | Myanmar Gazette
The pandemic brought about a noticeable shift in park usage. During -and in some cases after- the pandemic, many parks experienced a decline in visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels due to heightened concerns about safety and limited resources for upkeep.
This decrease in foot traffic highlighted the challenges of balancing budget constraints with the need for adequate maintenance, security, and public engagement to ensure that parks remain vital community assets.
Citizen support of parks is crucial for urban greening initiatives. While government funding plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining these green spaces, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of park maintenance and public perception in sustaining their vibrancy.
Quimby Park in Canoga Park is an example of how perceptions have been shifting. The neighborhood is known for its diversity and high population density, and the park has traditionally served as a vital recreational space for residents of all ages.
In the recent past, children from nearby Hart Street Elementary School traditionally frequented the park’s playground, while the elderly seemed to find solace in its tranquil atmosphere. On weekends, the park often hosted small birthday gatherings, especially on Sundays.
But on a recent June evening in 2024, Quimby Park did not have its usual liveliness. The playground, typically bustling with children, stood eerily silent save for a lone 5-year-old and their father. A nearby homeless encampment cast a shadow over the otherwise idyllic setting. Two men, their laughter echoing through the park, occupied a shaded spot near the entrance, seemingly engaged in drinking.
The unsettling atmosphere prompted the father to abruptly leave with his child, highlighting the potential impact of such situations on park usage. Notably, there was a distinct lack of women present in the park during this time, raising questions about the perceived safety and inclusivity of the space.
Once a cherished haven for the Canoga Park community, Quimby Park is facing a transformation that has left many residents disheartened.
Kai Bwor, a high school student who grew up in the neighborhood, fondly recalls the park as a place of joy and connection.
“Since before I started kindergarten, I used to go on a dunk ride with my parents at this park,” Bwor reminisced. “During the summer school holidays, I met my friends at this park.”
However, the park’s atmosphere has shifted, prompting Bwor and their friends to seek out other recreational spaces. “Now, because I feel insecure, if I hang out with my friends, we go to Reseda Park, or Sylmar,” she explained.
This sentiment is echoed by longtime resident Mercedes, who once celebrated her daughter’s birthday at Quimby Park. “Now I don’t come to this park anymore,” she lamented. “The park is no longer the same. It’s changed, as you can see now.”
A visible symbol of this change is the presence of shopping carts overflowing with homeless belongings nestled between two shady trees on the park’s De Soto Avenue corner. The once inviting shade now serves as a refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness, leaving other park-goers feeling uneasy.
Arcelia, a 17-year-old resident, also expresses a sense of loss. “I’ve always loved Quimby Park since I was in elementary school, but I won’t be back after 2020,” she stated. “It’s sad to see it change.”
The evolving landscape of Quimby Park reflects a broader challenge faced by urban green spaces: balancing the needs of diverse communities with concerns about safety, maintenance, and evolving perceptions of public spaces. As residents grapple with the park’s changing identity, the question remains: how can Quimby Park reclaim its role as a welcoming and vibrant hub for the community?
Maintaining urban green spaces is a shared responsibility, according to Cathie Santo Domingo, Assistant General Manager for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. She emphasizes that “the community really needs to take ownership” of these spaces to prevent them from being overtaken by “bad elements.” Santo Domingo urges residents to view the parks as “our parks and communities,” fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
“If you live next door, and if you see something wrong with that park, call it in, let us know, and let the police know something is going on,” she advises, encouraging proactive communication
A Canoga Park resident, Thiri, has voiced concerns over the safety of Quimby Park, citing the presence of “suspicious people” who exhibit odd behavior and appear to be consuming alcohol or drugs. She has reported these observations to the police on multiple occasions, but claims that her complaints have gone unheeded.
“While children were playing in the park, I saw suspicious people, like people whose appearances are odd and some who look like they’re drinking alcohol. People who seem to have mental health issues,” Thiri shared, highlighting the potential risks posed by such individuals in a family-friendly environment.
Thiri’s attempts to report these incidents to the police have been met with frustration. She claims that officers have failed to take her concerns seriously, neglecting to record her statements or follow up on her reports. She alleges that the police have responded with skepticism, questioning whether she has personally experienced harassment or physical abuse from the individuals she has reported.
These experiences have left Thiri feeling unheard and discouraged, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement’s response to safety issues in public spaces like Quimby Park. Her story underscores the importance of addressing not only the physical conditions of parks but also the perceived safety of these spaces for all members of the community.
Cathie Santo Domingo agreed with that police departments are vital. However, she acknowledged a shared concern about responsiveness, stating, “We have the same concern.” This exchange highlighted the challenges of balancing resources and demands faced by law enforcement agencies.
The Supreme Court’s June 28, 2024, ruling has affirmed the right of cities to enforce penalties against individuals sleeping in public areas. This decision provides legal clarity for municipalities seeking to address concerns related to public safety, sanitation, and the use of public spaces. Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the ruling, highlighting its potential to improve safety and well-being in communities across the state. However, he also emphasized California’s continued commitment to finding compassionate solutions to the complex issue of homelessness, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the resources and support they need to find stable housing and improve their lives.
“Greener Where the Money Grows: Budget’s Influence on Urban Canopy”
Parks play a vital role in fostering community connection, serving as venues for events that bring people together. The Burmese Welfare Association, a group representing Burmese Muslim communities, exemplifies this. Established in 2002, the association has held its annual Eid celebrations at Veterans Memorial Park in Culver City for over two decades.
U Aung Nyunt, the founder of the association, explains that the park’s amenities make it an ideal location for their gatherings. “It is convenient to host the event in the park during the hot summer season for worshiping elders and catering,” he notes. “It is also convenient for the children to play in the playground.” Additionally, the park’s well-maintained environment, free from graffiti and loitering, contributes to its appeal.
Culver City stands out as an affluent and ethnically diverse community in California. As of 2018, the city boasted a per capita income of $75,245, translating to a comfortable annual income of $300,980 for a family of four. This figure surpasses both state and national averages, solidifying Culver City’s reputation as a prosperous urban center.
The Burmese American Muslim Association (BAMA) hosted a vibrant gathering on June 23, 2024, at the Veteran Park Teen Center in Culver City. The event drew over 700 attendees of diverse ages, showcasing the community’s strong sense of togetherness. The festivities spilled over into the park grounds, where groups of Burmese Muslim men engaged in lively games of Chinlone, a traditional Burmese sport involving a woven cane ball, well into the evening. Others enjoyed badminton matches, while some found solace in quiet moments of prayer.
The park’s outdoor spaces proved to be a valuable asset, offering respite from the summer heat and accommodating the large crowd. “When our event drew more than 700 people, we couldn’t fit in the hall at the same time,” explained U Aung Nyunt, a representative of BAMA.
“When it’s very hot, many people are not comfortable in the event room. They are on and off going out to the park, cooling off and going back to the event hall.” This highlights the importance of parks in providing flexible spaces that can adapt to the needs of diverse community events, particularly during warmer months.
“Playing group activities of Burmese traditional cane ball in the park is better for our health than doing self-exercise at home,” shares Ko Yan Naing, a passionate player of Chinlone, the traditional Burmese sport involving a woven cane ball. “I know how far I can run,” he continues, emphasizing the limitations of solitary exercise. “Playing in the park for the sake of breathing fresh air and health is good for both the physical and mental health.”
KaiTamsin Bwor, an 11th-grader at Granada Hills’ International Baccalaureate program, sees a clear link between Culver City’s diverse urban environment and its well-maintained parks. According to Bwor, the city’s cleanliness and safety are not only attributed to its high tax base, but also to the diverse cultural makeup of its residents.
“Different ethnicities respond differently to the needs and changes in the community,” Bwor observes. They note that the variety of perspectives and approaches within a diverse community can lead to more effective problem-solving, particularly when it comes to park maintenance and reporting concerns to relevant authorities.
Furthermore, Bwor suggests that the frequent use of Culver City parks for various cultural festivals further strengthens the bond between residents and their green spaces. “The park is used for all ethnic festivals, so people use the park more than cities where there are many ethnic groups, so it’s a constant connection between parks and people.”
Culver City’s adopted budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year reveals a focus on security and community events within its Parks, Recreation and Community Services department. While $250,000 is allocated for bolstering security at city facilities and $15,000 earmarked for the Fiesta La Ballona celebration, critics argue that the city could better serve its residents by prioritizing urban greening initiatives.
The annual Fiesta La Ballona celebration takes place at Veterans Memorial Park, a beloved community gathering spot in Culver City. By reallocating funds towards tree maintenance, park upgrades, and other environmental projects, Culver City could significantly enhance its urban landscape, improving air quality, mitigating heat island effects, and fostering a healthier environment for its residents.
Arcadia, a designated “Tree City USA” since 1993, demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining its urban forest. The city follows a comprehensive Tree Maintenance Program, which includes trimming each city tree on a four-year cycle. In 2018, Arcadia boasted a percent canopy coverage of 16.47%, sprawling across an impressive expanse of 1,007.03 acres.
This story was produced by Ethnic Media Services in collaboration with the Laboratory for Environmental Narrative Strategies (LENS) at UCLA as part of the Greening American Cities initiative supported by the Bezos Earth Fund.
Swe Swe Aye wrote this fellowship story for LA-based Myanmar Gazette, the only Burmese-language newspaper in the U.S.
“Beyond Planting: The Crucial Role of Maintenance in Urban Forests” features Quimby Park, once a cherished green haven for the Canoga Park LA community, as residents grapple with new concerns about disrepair, homelessness, crime, and drug use in the context of broader questions about the community’s responsibility of maintaining urban green spaces as open social hubs.
Aye, a reporter for the Gazette since 2013, said “National parks, parks in general, mountains, and beaches are essential to me because they always give me positive energy. When I am overloaded with stress, going to parks and beaches are my outlets. I usually go to national parks almost every summer to stay away from the heat. Many Burmese immigrants live in multigenerational homes, and both the elderly and the young need parks for their physical and mental well-being.”
