This section sets the stage for the Park Needs Assessment by outlining the foundational elements that guide the assessment.
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary offers a high-level overview of the PNA’s objectives and the overarching vision for parks across Los Angeles.
- LA’s parks help us thrive everyday by providing spaces to play, learn, and connect in nature.
- The 2025 City of Los Angeles Park Needs Assessment (PNA) brings together deep community engagement, innovation in data collection and mapping, and the lived realities of communities around the City.
- The PNA will guide future investment in park infrastructure and amenities that is reflective of the diverse cultures and communities of the City and projected population growth.
- The PNA defines the WHERE, WHAT, and HOW for future parks investment.
Planning Context
Planning Context situates this effort within the broader context of regional and local plans and underscores the vital role that parks and recreation play in supporting healthy, vibrant cities.
- Recreation and parks are essential. They help improve health and wellness, support childhood development, offer economic opportunity, and help build strong, resilient communities.
- The PNA builds on a constellation of related local, state, and federal planning efforts.
- Thousands of Angelenos participated in the development of the PNA through surveys, in-person meetings, workshops, and events.
Engagement
The Engagement chapter summarizes the robust community input gathered through surveys, workshops, engagement meetings, and other outreach efforts, which helped shape the plan’s priorities and reflect the diverse recreation and park needs of Angelenos.
- What we heard:
- Less than half of respondents feel that there are enough parks and/or recreation centers within walking distance of their home.
- The majority of respondents typically drive or walk to parks and recreation centers.
- Less than 40% of respondents think parks are in excellent or good condition.
- Less than half of respondents think recreation centers are in excellent or good condition.
- Close to 2/3 of respondents are supportive of a bond, tax, or levy to fund parks and recreation facilities.
- The most important outdoor facilities:
- Unprogrammed green space
- Natural areas and wildlife habitats
- Paved, multi-use trails
- Non-paved, multi-use trails
- The most important indoor facilities:
- Swimming pools
- Exercise equipment
- Walking/jogging tracks
- Weight rooms/gyms
- The most important programs:
- Fitness/wellness programs
- Special events/festivals
- Nature experiences/environmental education
- Arts and crafts classes