HARBOR GATEWAY : Supporters Protest Transfer of Director at Rosecrans Park

Neighbors of Rosecrans Recreation Center speak of Park Director John Willingham as a miracle worker.

Parents credit Willingham with turning a former gang hangout into a safe haven for children who now flock to the park at Vermont Avenue and 149th Street to participate in sports, day camps and after-school activities.

During his three-year tenure, Willingham also persuaded parents to get involved in the park’s programs, supporters said.

So Los Angeles parks officials’ decision to move Willingham to a park in South-Central has the community fuming. Residents have launched a campaign to fight Willingham’s transfer, which is effective Sunday. Last Saturday, about 30 children and parents held a demonstration at the park. Armed with balloons, cowbells and hand-painted signs declaring their love for Willingham, the protesters chanted, “Let’s keep John.”

Parents accuse city parks officials of ignoring the community’s needs and neglecting the recreation center. They said Willingham devotes his own money and time to the park, waiting until every child has left at night and serving as a father figure who has counseled and won both youngsters’ and gang members’ trust.

“He teaches them not to curse, to respect women,” said Rodney Williams, a parent who coaches some of the Rosecrans sports teams. “He’s a hands-on role model.”

Thanks to Willingham, enrollment in the park’s programs has more than doubled, parents said.

Willingham could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, city officials are standing firm on their decision to move Willingham. David Gonzalez, assistant general manager for the Recreation and Parks Department’s Pacific Region, would not comment on the reasons for the transfer, saying only, “There’s a need for him in another area. If he has served (Rosecrans) well, we’re very proud of him.”

Gonzalez also said the transfer is not a demotion nor a disciplinary action and countered residents’ complaints that city officials have neglected them. Gonzalez said he has talked at length with concerned neighbors and is committed to improving Rosecrans’ facilities and programs.

But upset residents said Willingham’s work at Rosecrans isn’t finished.

Pamela Watkins, a mother of six, summed up their feelings: “He’s the foundation, and if they snatch him, the house will fall.”