It is characterized by patches of intact walnut woodland, valley grassland, and coastal sage scrub. Portions of Flat Top are managed by the City of Los Angeles - Recreation and Parks Department as a ‘paper park’, meaning that public access is limited and management is restricted to annual brush clearance. The County of Los Angeles recently supported the acquisition of 30 acres to prevent development. A local urban forestry non-profit has since managed this property, but a transfer of ownership to a government department is likely. Much of the southern portion of Flat Top, adjacent to Lincoln Heights and Happy Valley communities,  remains privately owned and at high risk for residential development.

Flat Top is one of the most culturally significant open spaces in all of Los Angeles. It was heavily featured in Mexican-American films, such as “Blood In and Blood Out” and has always served as an important rendezvous point for local Chicano youth.