Mary McLeod Bethune Park is a Los Angeles County community park in the Florence-Firestone area, at 1244 E. 61st St. Its mix of sports facilities, play areas and community spaces makes it a practical outdoor stop in South Central Los Angeles; it’s about a 7-minute drive from a motel near Mary McLeod Bethune Park.
- Location: 1244 E. 61st St., Los Angeles, CA 90001
- Park setting: Florence-Firestone community facility
- General park hours: Open daily
- Notable facilities: skate park, sports courts, play areas and swimming pools
Where is Mary McLeod Bethune Park?
Mary McLeod Bethune Park is at 1244 E. 61st St. in Los Angeles, in the Florence-Firestone community. Los Angeles County’s Department of Parks and Recreation names the park for Mary McLeod Bethune, an educational advocate and civil rights leader.
The park serves as a neighborhood community facility, with recreation areas and indoor spaces. Its name also appears as Mary M. Bethune Park in county materials.
What can you do at the park?
The park has facilities for sports, play and community activities. Outdoor options include baseball and softball fields, basketball and handball courts, a skate park, children’s play areas, picnic tables and group picnic shelters. Barbecue facilities and civic art are also part of the park.
Indoor amenities include a community center, gymnasium, multipurpose rooms and computer labs. Swimming pools are among the park’s facilities, though pool access and schedules can vary. The County describes the skate park as one of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s first.
Programs and activities include baseball and T-ball, basketball, computer classes, day camps, exercise and fitness, flag football, martial arts, movie screenings, soccer, swimming, teen clubs and a toy loan program.
The County also describes a collaboration with Kids N’ Sports for organized youth leagues in baseball, softball, soccer and flag football. Check current program details before planning around a specific activity.
What are the hours and visitor details?
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM–10 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Restroom hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. These facility schedules and activities may change, so check the official site before you go. For questions, the County provides (323) 846-1895 for general information, (800) 404-5888 for reservations and (323) 846-2646 for aquatics.
How do you get from Sand Piper to the park?
The park is about a 7-minute drive from Sand Piper Motel South Central Los Angeles. Its address is 1244 E. 61st St., Los Angeles, CA 90001; use that destination to plan your route. The County’s community parks plan includes on-site parking, though parking arrangements can change.
What other parks can you visit nearby?
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is another South Central Los Angeles park to consider. Its name refers to a separate park, so plan it as its own stop rather than assuming it shares Bethune Park’s facilities.
The Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park guide covers access and visit planning. The African American Firefighter Museum is another South Central place to add to your itinerary.
FAQs
Is Mary McLeod Bethune Park free to enter?
The County’s park information does not specify admission costs. Check its official information before visiting.
Does Mary McLeod Bethune Park have a skate park?
Yes. The County includes a skate park among the facilities and describes it as one of the department’s first.
Are swimming pools available at the park?
The park has swimming pools, but schedules can change. Confirm current aquatics hours with the County before making plans.