At its virtual meeting this week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to approve new funding for the ongoing makeover of Willowbrook's Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park.

Phase 1B of the park's mater plan, previously approved by the Board in October 2019, is slated ot transform the former site of the Ujima Village apartment complex into park space with landscaping, exercise equipment, pedestrian walkways, parking, and a dog park.

The project cost, originally estimated at approximately $7.1 million, has since been revised to roughly $11 million.  Los Angeles County will account for the increased price tag by allocation existing $200,000 in existing public works funds, as well as $3.74 million in Measure A and Measure U funds.  

A request for bids is scheduled to be issued in May, according to a staff report.

Construction began one year ago for the Phase 1A of the Magic Johnson Park makeover, which carries an estimated cost of $70-million. 

The project, designed by landscape architecture firm AHBE|MIG, includes:

  • a new community events center;
  • an outdoor pavilion;
  • a splash pad;
  • children's play areas;
  • improved lighting;
  • walking paths, and
  • public parking. 

The County also plans to divert water from Compton Creek to fill the manmade lake at the center of the parking, creating 30 acres of wetlands.

Completion of Phase 1A is expected later this year.

The full $135-million master plan for Magic Johnson Park will both redesign existing green space and expand its footprint, resulting in a contiguous 120-acre green space.  Completion of the plan is scheduled to occur in phases over 18 years.

The park site was previously developed with an oil storage facility.