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Council District Fifteen (CD 15) represents the southernmost portion of Los Angeles, spanning key coastal and industrial communities.

The district plays a vital role in the region’s economy due to its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles and significant transportation infrastructure. CD 15 is defined by its working-class character, diverse population, and strong community identity.

The district’s parks serve as crucial spaces for recreation, environmental access, and cultural gathering—especially in areas where green space is limited and environmental burdens are high. Residents face persistent challenges related to air quality, industrial pollution, and inadequate tree canopy coverage. Despite these challenges, there is strong community interest in revitalizing parks with improvements to safety, accessibility, and programming. Priorities include climate resilience, increased shade, equitable access to resources, and opportunities for youth and families to gather, play, and thrive.

Population projections for 2050 show slight growing populations in neighborhoods like San Pedro and parts of Harbor Gateway, while neighborhoods like Harbor City and Wilmington are expected to see an overall population decline.

Council District 15 Neighborhoods

Harbor Gateway
San Pedro
Watts
Wilmington
Harbor City
A map showing the boundary of Council District 15 in South LA.
Council District 15.
City Boundary, Council District Boundary, and Parks: City of LA Data Portal, 2025.

At a Glance

44
City Parks
792.8491922343248
Acres of Parkland
255125
Resdients
82
Sports Fields and Courts
45
Playgrounds
21
Recreation & Community Centers
5
Pools & Splashpads
29%
Average Canopy Coverage in Parks

Top 3 Languages Spoken

Spanish, English, Other Asian and Pacific Island Language

$69615
Median Household Income
$81173
Citywide
45262
Median Household Income
624523
Citywide
31.8
Median Household Income
37.5
Citywide

What we heard

It’s hard to enjoy the parks when there’s no real shade and the pavement radiates heat. We need trees, not just concrete.
More trees would make a huge difference. Right now, it feels like you’re walking on a frying pan by midday.
We can’t breathe some days—between the trucks, the refineries, and the port traffic, the air feels heavy and dirty.
The park closest to us feels abandoned at night. You want to feel safe, not anxious, when you’re just trying to walk your dog.
There are days when I worry about letting my kids play outside. The smell from nearby industry makes me question the air quality.
Living near the port means constant noise and diesel pollution. Parks should be places to get relief from that—not be surrounded by it.
It’s ironic that a park is supposed to be a green space, but it’s just dry turf and pavement.
We need shaded spaces—not everyone has air conditioning, and the park is the only place to cool down.

Current and Future Needs: Survey Results

CD 15 respondents feel more positive than the city as a whole about the physical condition of both City of LA parks and recreation centers.

Parks
Recreation Centers

Almost two-thirds of CD 15 respondents feel that there are enough parks and/or recreation centers within walking distance of their homes.

Most CD 15 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
  • 89%Have Visited
  • 11%Have Not Visited
  • 10%Daily
  • 34%Weekly
  • 34%Monthly
  • 10%Yearly
  • 1%Less
    than Once a Year
Rec Centers
  • 56%Have Visited
  • 44%Have Not Visited
  • 2%Daily
  • 16%Weekly
  • 24%Monthly
  • 10%Yearly
  • 4%Less
    than Once a Year

About half of CD 15 respondents support a bond, levy, or tax to fund parks and recreation facilities.

Top 3 Most Important...

Outdoor Facilities

  1. Unprogrammed green spaces
  2. Paved, multi-use trails
  3. Natural areas & wildlife habitats

Indoor Facilities

  1. Walking/jogging track
  2. Exercise & fitness equipment
  3. Swimming pool

Programs

  1. Fitness/wellness programs
  2. Youth & family; Arts & crafts classes
  3. Special events/festivals

Top barriers to visiting parks and recreation centers more often:

43%
People experiencing homelessness there
36%
Do not know where to go/what is offered
31%
Too far from our residence
26%
No visible patrolling presence
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