[3][4] In 1936, plans for what would become the Rancho Cienega Playground was laid out, with construction beginning that same year.

[5][6] In 1937, the newly opened Susan Miller Dorsey High School partnered with the center to host its sporting events.

[10] In 2007 presidential candidate Barack Obama held a rally at the Rancho Cienega Recreation Center in the beginning of his campaign.

[12] In 2015 Studio Pali Fekete Architects were selected by the City of Los Angeles to expand and redevelop the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex, which would be renamed the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in honor of Michelle and Barack Obama.

[16] It now includes over 24 acres with an indoor gym and two high school basketball courts as well as a mezzanine walking track and a new Olympic-size pool.