Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex

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Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex
The complex in 2022
Map
Former namesRancho Cienega Recreation Center
Alternative namesObama Sports Complex
General information
StatusOpened
Address5001 Obama Boulevard
Town or cityLos Angeles, California
CountryUnited States
Coordinates34°01′20″N 118°21′06″W / 34.02235856032019°N 118.35170583177882°W / 34.02235856032019; -118.35170583177882
Named forMichelle and Barack Obama
Construction started1936
Completed1937
Renovated2015–2022
Design and construction
Architecture firmStudio Pali Fekete Architects

The Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex, previously known as the Rancho Cienega Recreation Center, is a multibuilding sports complex in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles.[1] The complex is named after Michelle and Barack Obama, where Barack Obama held a rally at the center in 2007.[2] The complex neighbors Susan Miller Dorsey High School, who is partnered with them for its use in school events.[3][4]

History[edit]

Park signage with the previous name, 2014.

In 1936, plans for what would become the Rancho Cienega Playground was laid out, with construction beginning that same year.[5][6] In 1937, the newly opened Susan Miller Dorsey High School partnered with the center to host its sporting events.[7][8] Sports coach Benny Lefebvre served as a playground supervisor for the park in the 1930s.[9] In 1998, the pool at the Center was renamed to the Celes King III Swimming Pool, honoring the businessman.[10]

In 2007 presidential candidate Barack Obama held a rally at the Rancho Cienega Recreation Center in the beginning of his campaign.[11] In 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers alongside the LA84 Foundation dedicated a Dodgers Dreamfield in the Center, with the field being the 30th Dreamfield they had unveiled.[12]

Renovation and renaming[edit]

In 2015 Studio Pali Fekete Architects were selected by the City of Los Angeles to expand and redevelop the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex, which would be renamed the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in honor of Michelle and Barack Obama.[13] The project would be designed to meet LEED silver certification and have a net zero energy use.[14] In April 2021, it was reported that the project was 95% complete and would be finished during the summer.[15]

On June 29, 2022 the new Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex was inaugurated.[16] It now includes over 24 acres with an indoor gym and two high school basketball courts as well as a mezzanine walking track and a new Olympic-size pool.[17] The court was renovated as a part of the city and the Los Angeles Clippers's efforts to renovate all 350 courts in Los Angeles.[18] In July 7, 2022, the complex opened to the public.[19]

Facilities[edit]

The facilities include a 23,000-square-foot [CONVERT] pool facility, a 16,000-square-foot [CONVERT] basketball gymnasium, a raised walking track, a tennis center and stadium, and an enclosed garden. The facilities are pre-engineered manufactured buildings so it would be cost-effective.[20]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Stone, Abigail (April 21, 2020). "West Adams, Los Angeles: Prices Rise With the Neighborhood's Popularity". The New York Times.
  2. ^ Sharp, Steven (April 27, 2020). "Rancho Cienega Sports Complex Renovation Continues in Baldwin Hills". Urbanize LA.
  3. ^ Pucin, Dianne (March 21, 1999). "Waters Are Unfamiliar, but Synchro Swans Dive In". Los Angeles Times.
  4. ^ Morgan, Emmanuel (February 13, 2022). "Once a Youth Football Mecca, L.A. Now Struggles to Find Kids Who'll Play". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "RANCHO CIENEGA SPORTS COMPLEX (PHASE 1 – PRJ20308) (PHASE 2 – PRJ21049) (W.O. #E1907694) – ADOPT THE INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION" (PDF). December 14, 2016. p. 47.
  6. ^ Laverdiere, Andrew (December 26, 2015). "RANCHO CIENEGA PLAYGROUND – LOS ANGELES CA". The Living New Deal.
  7. ^ "School Will Use New Stadium". Los Angeles Daily News. February 7, 1938.
  8. ^ Craig, Eric (June 29, 2021). "Susan Miller Dorsey High School: A Brief History". The South LA Recap.
  9. ^ Obrand, Rick. "The Sandlot Mentors of Los Angeles". Society for American Baseball Research.
  10. ^ Yang, Eleanor (November 10, 1998). "Bringing a New Cool to the Pool". Los Angeles Times.
  11. ^ Reyes-Velarde, Alejandra; Panzar, Javier (August 29, 2018). "Supporters praise newly minted Obama Boulevard in 'iconic black community'". Los Angeles Times.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ "New Dodgers Dreamfields at Rancho Cienega Recreation Center". Los Angeles Sentinel. October 3, 2013.
  13. ^ "Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex". Studio Pali Fekete Architects.
  14. ^ "Preview of the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex at Rancho Cienega Park". Los Angeles City Council District 10. August 13, 2021.
  15. ^ Sharp, Steven (April 12, 2021). "Obama Sports Center revamp 75 percent complete in Baldwin Hills". Urbanize LA.
  16. ^ Niland, Josh (June 29, 2022). "SPF:a's new Obama Sports Complex is inaugurated in Los Angeles". Archinect.
  17. ^ Jackson-Fossett, Cora (June 30, 2022). "Despite Controversies, Wesson Marks Multiple Successes in CD 10". Los Angeles Sentinel.
  18. ^ "LA Clippers And City of Los Angeles Complete Renovations on 350 Clippers Community Courts". NBA. June 28, 2022.
  19. ^ Shelby, Kimberly (July 7, 2022). "Obama Sports Complex Opens to the Public". Los Angeles Sentinel.
  20. ^ "Rancho Cienega Sports Complex Building". e-architect. July 30, 2018.
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