Tucked within Vincent Lugo Park, La Laguna de San Gabriel—affectionately known as Dinosaur Park—is a beloved playground featuring whimsical sea creatures sculpted from concrete. Designed in 1965 by Mexican-born artist and craftsman Benjamin Dominguez, the park remains one of the few surviving examples of his fantastical playgrounds. La Laguna has been a source of joy and adventure for generations of children with its climbable sea serpents, friendly fish, and towering whales.

Dominguez, who had previously designed similar playgrounds in Texas and California, was known for his ability to transform public spaces into immersive landscapes of imagination. La Laguna de San Gabriel was his final creation, a playful design that reflected his artistic vision and dedication to public art. His work at La Laguna is particularly significant because it represents a rare example of handcrafted, mid-century playgrounds, when parks were designed to be creative and interactive rather than standardized.

La Laguna was a cherished gathering place for families in San Gabriel and the surrounding communities for decades. However, in 2006, the city announced plans to demolish the playground due to safety concerns. News of its impending destruction galvanized the community, and local parents, preservationists, and historians quickly mobilized to save the park. Their efforts led to the formation of Friends of La Laguna, a nonprofit dedicated to its preservation.

Advocacy efforts resulted in a major victory in 2009 when La Laguna was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation recognized its cultural and artistic significance and ensured that it would be protected for future generations. However, simply securing landmark status wasn’t enough—restoration was necessary to preserve Dominguez’s sculptures while bringing them up to modern safety standards.

“We had to learn to focus our efforts and to not accept “no” as an answer. It has required engaging a wide variety of community groups – whose interests and concerns are wide and varied – around the basic issues, needs, and importance of public spaces and public services.” -Eloy I. Zárate

The restoration process was complex, requiring specialized conservation techniques to maintain the integrity of Dominguez’s original craftsmanship. Preservationists worked carefully to reinforce the sculptures while staying true to their original colors and textures. Funding for the restoration came from various sources, including the Annenberg Foundation, the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, and local supporters who rallied behind the cause. Thanks to their dedication, La Laguna remains open and continues to delight visitors.

“Through our 20 years of working to restore the playground, the L.A. Conservancy has been a constant partner, resource, and support. The preservation community is deep and brings rich resources. We are ever indebted to ModCom who was so instructive in helping us articulate the community value and artistic merit of Benjamin Dominguez’ work. Now more than ever, the power to illuminate the contributions of the marginalized through our built environment, is a strength of preservation.” –Eloy I. Zárate

Beyond its artistic and historic value, La Laguna tells a deeper story about community advocacy and the importance of preserving cultural landmarks. It stands as a testament to the power of grassroots preservation, demonstrating how a community’s passion can protect irreplaceable treasures. The successful campaign to save La Laguna has also inspired similar efforts to recognize and preserve mid-century playgrounds and other overlooked public art.

Today, La Laguna de San Gabriel is more than just a playground—it’s a living monument to creativity, history, and the community that fought to keep it alive. Visitors of all ages continue to explore its sea creatures, proving that places of play can hold just as much cultural significance as the grandest of monuments.