On any given day in Exposition Park, a visitor might find a family taking quinceanera photos in the Rose Garden, youth playing soccer, friends enjoying picnics, and herds of kids buying treats from local street vendors after school. More than just a tourist attraction, the park serves as an urban oasis and community hub for residents of the surrounding South LA neighborhoods.

The southwest corner of the park offers facilities and resources, especially accessible to those in the surrounding neighborhoods. EXPO Center offers teen sports and music programs, a gymnasium and a senior center; and the soccer fields across the street are used by local organizations, clubs and individuals for learning and recreational play. The Olympic-sized pool, originally built for the 1932 Summer Olympics, is popular for open swimming and water sports.  The EXPO Urban Mini Farm, at 15,000 square feet, provides community garden plots and resources aimed at combating food insecurity.

At the opposite corner to the north sits the historic seven-acre Rose Garden, which features 20,000 rose bushes and a beautiful central fountain. This popular spot is used by locals for peaceful strolls and sitting in contemplation. World-class museums in the park include the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center, the California African American Museum (CAAM), and the George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which is set to open in 2025. They serve visitors from near and far in addition to the local community, and are made accessible through programs that offer free admission to LA County residents and a host of community engagement initiatives.

Exposition Park thrives as a vibrant gathering place where the diverse South LA community comes together to play, learn and connect. With its range of recreational facilities, this urban oasis remains an invaluable hub for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the neighborhood.