The South LA Charrette brought together an amazing group of community advocates and leaders at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Here were the takeaways that we heard from participants about their vision for the Festival Trail.

• Equity and access must be central. From the need for shaded bus stops and accessible bathrooms to inclusive navigation systems and multi-language signage, participants reminded us that design must consider everyone—including elders, youth, and people with disabilities. 

• Community character matters. Spaces like Leimert Park Village hold cultural significance and should be uplifted—not overlooked. Community members emphasized a desire for places that are walkable, welcoming, and rooted in history. 

• Underutilized spaces have untapped potential. Vacant churches, parking lots, and properties like the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall could become hubs for community gathering, local business, and play—indoors and out. 

• Economic opportunity is key. Whether it’s supporting street vendors, creating pathways for small, local businesses, or bringing attention to areas through cultural events and storytelling, they wanted economic development that’s community driven. 

• The LA28 Olympics & Paralympics should leave a real legacy. Participants called to use this global moment to highlight South LA—not just as a backdrop, but as a destination. The idea of the “Festival Trail” resonated: a vision for cultural corridors that showcase local stories, art, and life. 

• They want to stay involved. From building resilience hubs to co-designing the trail, they wanted to be part of the process. Many folks offered ideas around youth engagement, historic theaters, food systems, and even QR codes to share community stories.