Community Conservancy International's (CCI) flagship projects, beginning in 1997, were 1) the comprehensive effort to create a two-square-mile Baldwin Hills Park ('One Big Park') and acquisition of the Vista Pacifica property (today's Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook). In 1997, only the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area existed. The Vista Pacifica property (today's Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook) had been approved for nearly 100 homes, and there was no effort being made to protect additional public open space in the area.

CCI provided the vision, leadership, community coalition-building, fundraising, and political and public finance strategic capacity that made possible today's extremely popular and heavily-visited Baldwin Hills Park, including the best scenic vista in Los Angeles and the 'Culver City Stairs' or 'Scenic Overlook Trail'.

CCI's community-focused approach in the Baldwin Hills set an early example for how to successfully advance protection and funding of public park and natural lands in urban areas. With funding from the ARCO Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Irvine Foundation and others, CCI directed the Ecological Assessment of the Baldwin Hills (still in use as of 2022); developed extensive GIS maps and visual communication materials; directed a talented inter-disciplinary team to develop the draft 'One Big Park' Plan; and held over 200 community meetings. CCI's work launched what became the approved Baldwin Hills State Park Plan. CCI's work with State Senator Kevin Murray resulted in state legislation in 2000 to create the Baldwin Hills Conservancy (BHC), a state agency under the California Natural Resources Agency. The BHC's first and current Executive Director, David McNeill, was hired and trained by Esther Feldman as CCI's Community Outreach Director.