The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking public input on a pending update to the 2016 Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.

Aerial view of the Whittier Narrows Natural Area and Recreation AreaWikimedia Commons

The effort, which was initiated by a motion adopted by the County's Board of Supervisors, will be focused on:

  • regional facilities such as beaches, lakes, natural areas, regional parks, and trails; and
  • rural communities such as those located in the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and the Santa Monica Mountains.

“Unprecedented numbers of visitors to our regional parks and trails highlight the need for individuals and families to have access to parks and open space, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,“ said Los ANgeles County Parks and Recreation Director Norma E. García-Gonzalez in a prepared statement. “Now more than ever, we need to ensure that the future of our parks reflects the needs and interests of our diverse, growing population.”

The County's outreach efforts, launched through a dedicated website for the "Regional and Rural Edition," will include surveys, social media channels, workshops, focus groups, and webinars.  The process is expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2021, according to the website.

L.A. County Parks will also consult with a Technical Adivsory Committee - comprised of representatives from various County Departments, Cal Poly Pomona, Metro, UCLA, SCAG, and other organizations - which will guide data analysis, the creation of metrics to gauge need, and community engagement.

Castaic LakeWikimedia Commons

The 2016 Parks Needs Assessment was developed over a 14-month period, which similarly included outreach to residents of cities and unincorporated communities.  The results of that process were reflected in the composition of Measure A, a Countywide ballot measure which generates more than $90 million each year for parks and open space.

Visit the Regional and Rural Edition site for more information.