“People use it for so many activities; why not enhance the area? There’s a great playground, and the large field is fantastic,” remarked Fox Hills Neighborhood Association president Judi Sherman, reflecting on the park clean-up days she initiated in 2003 to help maintain the space.
While Culver City is rich in green space, Fox Hills in particular is an area where many people love their local park. The amount of activity might seem surprising, but when people have a place to gather in the sunshine, breathe under the trees and enjoy the horizon, that’s what they do.
Dex, who works nearby Fox Hills Park, a central gathering spot in Culver City, often stops by after work for a soccer training session. “For me, this park is my favorite of all. I come here to tap the ball towards the pickleball fence because it helps me practice my aim. There’s also the pull-up bars, which I personally like to use”
The courts’ fences have become more than just barriers; the fence serves both the needs of pickleball players and local wildlife. A member of the pickleball group hung a feeder wreath on the it to offer peanuts to squirrels.
Justin, a regular at the park, appreciates the ability to attach his battle rope to it for conditioning exercises, something he was restricted from doing in Santa Monica parks.
“Culver City does a good job of focusing on real problems in the city. They spend resources on 5150 calls if someone is having a mental health crisis, rather than just following some regulation. Do they really want to tell me in Santa Monica that I can’t attach my rope to a metal garbage can? I couldn’t break it if I wanted to—I’m not the Hulk,” Justin told Culver City Crossroads. “During COVID, I appreciated that the park took a middle stance. I was here almost every day. It was my sanctuary, my refuge, my temple, my church—whatever you want to call it. I bring all kinds of things: battle ropes, kettlebells, martial arts pads, medicine balls. I run in this park. I don’t know anyone who does as much as I do here.”
A group of 14 men meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at the park. “Most of us transitioned from racquetball—played indoors—to pickleball during COVID. When indoor courts shut down, we needed a new spot, and this park just made sense,” Alan one of the members, explained.
Despite the park’s peaceful atmosphere, parking has become a growing issue. According to Jack, a maintenance worker with 20 years of experience at the park, “it’s a pretty quiet park because there is a parking issue.”
A public comment in the October 2024 Draft Plan for Fox Hills highlighted that increased density in the neighborhood will require additional park space due to the five proposals for apartment complexes on the south of Slauson, which will further exacerbate the parking issue on the park, located on the Southside of Slauson.
To address some of the challenges, one potential solution discussed at a February 12, 2025 Standing Mobility Subcommittee meeting was the improvement of bicycle lanes on Green Valley and Buckingham.
Despite the challenges of increased density and parking issues, Fox Hills Park remains a welcoming space for residents.
A soccer club rents the multipurpose field, leaving five goals there, which has led to spontaneous connections among strangers. Christa Pecikozic’s 10-year-old son met a new friend while shooting at the goals. “A couple of weeks ago, my son met a little friend playing soccer with the goals. I became friendly with the mom, and she invited us to an Easter egg hunt coming up here.”
In addition to casual play, the field hosts more organized activities. The women’s tackle football team, Cali War Football, practices there every Saturday in preparation for the Women’s Football Alliance season, set to begin in late April 2025.
“We’re based out of L.A., but we come here because we usually find space that enables us to have a good workout. It’s a nice park in a nice area,” said Antoinette, the team’s captain.
The picnic table off the edge of the trail is the jam spot in this area. Ildar, a saxophonist, plays for two hours every Mondays, Fridays, and weekends, performing everything from Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, improvising over a speaker.
“I love playing my music here because there’s a good vibe. Once you’re on top, on the hill, the view is fantastic.”
The elevated geographic aspect is particularly appreciated by capoeira teacher Martell, who hosted a two-day training session for 25 students beneath two large coral trees near the basketball court on March 8th.
“I checked a park on La Brea, but it was too exposed to fast cars and it’s ground-level. Here, I found a raised, quiet spot that feels just right.”
Just a week later, on March 15th, the same peaceful spot served Leticia Corveloni, a graphic designer from L.A., to organize an art and meditation workshop for a group of nine women. They gathered to practice watercolor and pressed flower art.
“This park isn’t crowded and has plenty of green space. I just wanted to bring women together for art and meditation, and this space was a nice fit.”
Fox Hills Park continues to be a cherished gathering spot amidst the changes surrounding it.
Clara Caravalho