Council District 1 (CD 1) encompasses some of the densest neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

It also has some of the most varied parks in the city, ranging from the highly urban MacArthur Park to scenic Elysian Park. Across the council district, outreach and the need for sheltering unhoused individuals is paramount, with some key initiatives like a Peace Ambassador program and community clean teams being piloted at MacArthur Park. This is also tied to the need for additional fire mitigation measures in the more natural spaces within RAP’s jurisdiction, and the desire for a more active presence from park rangers.

2050 population projections show growing populations in the southern neighborhoods of CD 1, including Pico Union, Westlake, and Elysian Park. Chinatown is expected to see significant growth over the next 25 years, while the neighborhoods of Glassell Park, Montecito Heights, Highland Park, and Mount Washington are projected to see a decline in population.

Council District 1 Neighborhoods

Angelino Heights

Chinatown

Echo Park

Elysian Park

Glassell Park

Highland Park

Koreatown

Lincoln Heights

Mount Washington

Pico Union

Westlake

Montecito Heights

Adams-Normandie

Cypress Park

At a Glance

City Parks

Acres of Parkland

Resdients

Sports Fields and Courts

Playgrounds

Recreation & Community Centers

Pools & Splashpads

Average Canopy Coverage in Parks

Top 3 Languages Spoken

Spanish, English, Korean

Median Household Income

Citywide

Median Household Income

Citywide

Median Household Income

Citywide

What we heard

We need more access to nice parks in lower-income neighborhoods. They play a crucial role in the development, health, and happiness of youth and seniors, as well as the overall health of the environment. The parks in these locations need to be better maintained, with more trees and better lighting.

I adore Sycamore Grove in Highland Park. I’ve met neighbors there, had social gatherings there, and felt more connected to my neighborhood.

I wish our parks were more focused on native species. I hate seeing palm trees and birds of paradise instead of coast live oaks and black walnuts. Our parks should also capture and infiltrate a significant amount of water, and they should have robust volunteer programs so that people in LA can learn about native species and implement that at home.

There is nowhere near enough space to play soccer for the number of kids who want to play or even just practice.

Current and Future Needs: Survey Results

CD 1 respondents feel worse than the city as a whole about the physical condition of both City of LA parks and recreation centers.

Parks

Recreation Centers

Fewer than half of CD 1 respondents feel that there are enough parks and recreation centers within walking distance of their homes.

Most CD 1 respondents have visited a City of LA park in the past year, while only about half have visited a City of LA recreation center.

Parks

88%Have Visited
12%Have Not Visited

4%Daily
35%Weekly
36%Monthly
13%Yearly

Rec Centers

56%Have Visited
44%Have Not Visited

4%Daily
10%Weekly
27%Monthly
13%Yearly
2%Less
than Once a Year

More than half of CD 1 respondents support a bond, levy, or tax to fund parks and recreation facilities.

Top 3 Most Important...

Outdoor Facilities

Unprogrammed green spaces
Natural areas & wildlife habitats
Non-paved, multi-use trails

Indoor Facilities

Swimming and lap pool
Walking/jogging track
Exercise & fitness equipment

Programs

Fitness/wellness programs
Nature experiences or environmental education
Seniors (age 50 & over); Aquatics; Arts + Crafts

Top barriers to visiting parks and recreation centers more often:

People experiencing homelessness there

Lack of public restrooms

Poor/uncomfortable atmosphere

Lack of parking by facilities/parks; No visible patrolling presence