A park for all: layering transgenerational, translocal, and parochial experiences of immigrant communities in Los Angeles

This study examines how immigrants in Los Angeles engage with public spaces, connecting their cultural identities with local spaces. As these immigrants navigate memories of homeland, social belonging and community in public space, their experiences reveal the intersections of ethnicity, diaspora and translocality. Through a participatory project transforming a major landfill into a park, the research highlights the role of public spaces as sites for constructing identity and fostering belonging amidst fears of surveillance and exclusion. The findings reveal that immigrants view parks through translocal, transgenerational and personal lenses, using them as spaces to connect with family, friends and community, as well as with their past and homeland. The research offers insights into designing inclusive spaces that reflect the complexities of immigrant communities and address barriers to equitable access.