Civic Center Sports Field Breaks Ground, Commemorates the Past, Looks to the Future

August 29, 2019 8:41 AM
by Tati Simonian

On Tuesday, August 27, 2019, approximately 150 community stakeholders gathered to commemorate the groundbreaking of the Civic Center Multipurpose Sports Field. 

 

The feeling of the event was joyous as well as reflective. It not only marked a milestone in the decades-long work to bring a sports field to the area but also highlighted the history of the area as the center of Santa Monica’s historic African-American community, formerly known as the Belmar neighborhood. 

Former Santa Monica Mayor Nathaniel Trives led the program as the emcee, tying in his personal story as well as the people and places that had been part of the Belmar neighborhood. He evoked the future, as we look ahead to a space where youth and adults can stay active.  

An invocation by Reverend Lemuel Mossett of Santa Monica’s Cavalry Baptist Church opened the remarks. 

Mayor Gleam Davis was presented with a commendation by Senator Ben Allen’s office. 

Recreation and Parks Chairperson Lori Brown celebrated the occasion and Vice Chairperson Maryanne LaGuardia shared her personal story of field advocacy. 

Remarks closed with Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson, a prominent historian on the history of the African-American community in Southern California, who will be working with community leaders and artists to commemorate the history of the site. An arts-driven community engagement project is planned in tandem with the construction of the field. 

The groundbreaking ceremony is just the beginning for the important work ahead as the City and community counts down to the field opening in Summer 2020. 

   

 

More event photos >

Authored By

Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer