Satoru Tsuneishi Park

CAO: Dylan Feik

Population 10,000 to 49,999

The City of Monrovia, California has been recognized with the Community Equity & Inclusion Award for its transformation of Satoru Tsuneishi Park, a project that demonstrates how public spaces can celebrate history, strengthen community connections, and advance equity. Developed on a previously unused parcel of land in South Monrovia, the park provides much-needed green space while honoring the legacy of Satoru Tsuneishi, a pioneering Japanese American whose story reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The project was shaped through extensive collaboration with residents, city leaders, architects, community organizations, historians, and the Tsuneishi family. Community feedback influenced key design features, including expanded green space, shade structures, environmental preservation, enhanced safety measures, and interpretive elements highlighting Japanese American history. Public art, historical signage, murals, and poetry further enrich the park, creating a place where recreation and education come together.

Beyond the park itself, Monrovia reinforced its commitment to inclusion by repealing two World War II-era resolutions that had discriminated against Japanese Americans. Together, these actions underscore the city’s dedication to acknowledging its past, fostering belonging, and investing in public spaces that reflect the diversity, history, and shared values of the entire community.