On Sunday, Nov. 24, city and community leaders will cut a ribbon at a massive park in Porter Ranch, wrapping up a years-long saga that started with a local politician proposing to name the park after his family members.
In 2018, luxury home developer Toll Brothers suggested naming the 50-acre park after the mother and sister of then-Councilmember Mitch Englander, with its pavilion bearing the council member’s name.
The plan was quickly abandoned after the FBI launched an investigation of corruption at City Hall that eventually sent Englander to a federal prison.
The nearly completed Jane and Bert Boeckmann Park, a new 50-acre park in Porter Ranch, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Its pavilion is named Sesevenga or ‘the place of the sycamore woods’ in honor of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
After the collapse of Englander’s plan, area residents proposed to name it Porter Ranch Community Park, but that plan also came to a halt after Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, who represents the area, proposed to name it the “Jane and Bert Boeckmann Park” in honor of the late philanthropists and owners of Galpin Motors dealership.
Six years later, the park will finally welcome visitors on Sunday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks and speeches from elected officials.
Among the expected guests are Lee, the Boeckmann family, representatives of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, whose historic land includes Porter Ranch.
The park’s pavilion has been named Sesevenga, or “the place of the sycamore woods” in honor of the tribe.
“It’s been a long time waiting,” said tribal president Rudy Ortega Jr. in a phone interview. “It’s existing. It’s another accomplishment for the city to name the area — especially the pavilion after the tribe.”
He said Sesevenga is “the traditional village name, and people will get educated about this area” when they visit the park.
This Sunday visitors will enjoy family-friendly activities, including open court time for pickleball and basketball. They will also learn about the park’s amenities and future events.
“The Boeckmann family will attend and speak at the opening ceremony for the Jane & Bert Boeckmann Park and Sesevenga Pavilion,” wrote Hannah Lee, Lee’s chief of staff, in an email.
The event will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Jane and Bert Boeckmann Park at 11930 Mason Ave. in Porter Ranch.