Community Recreation Amid COVID-19

Over the last several weeks, in response to the growing need for safe, socially-distanced recreation for communities during COVID-19, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas hosted a “Drive-In at the Park” summer series.

Launched on Labor Day weekend with a screening of Cool Runnings in LAFC’s parking lot, located at Exposition Park, visitors were treated to an abundance of snacks and souvenirs, courtesy of partners Chevrolet and Ozo. This screening was followed the next weekend with a special screening of the of Black Panther in honor of the recently passed Chadwick Boseman at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

To close out the series, on back-to-back days, families were treated two Disney classics. First tucked away in a campground environment, gathered away from the shining lights of the city at Kenneth Hahn State recreation area families were shown Remember the Titans, featuring Denzel Washington. Offering not just a unique setting, but a powerful storyline that resonates parallels to the moment we are in today and the need for strength and unity to forge a path forward.

And on the following day, Disney family favorite, Moana, was played at the newly revitalized Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park. The screening served as the culmination of a day of celebratory activities at the park that included a special visit from the park’s namesake—Magic Johnson himself—in anticipation of its reopening after $70 million upgrades. Even at night, the community was able to safely come to life with families strolling the completed areas of the park after dark.

Working in conjunction with event partners: View Park Organization, Empowerment Congress West Area, New Mount Calvary, Animo Watts College Preparatory Academy, Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation Chevrolet, and OZO, the two drive-in experiences provided safe, community relief and diversion for families and individuals of all ages in the South Los Angeles area. At each event, guests got their fill of free popcorn, candy, swag bags, and more from sponsors to enjoy with the movie.

Although this series of drive-in events has ended, there will be more future opportunities for the community to continue to come together while staying COVID-19 safe.

Stay Tuned!