Los Angeles has recently faced a stark decline in its national park rankings, now sitting at 88th out of the 100 largest cities in the U.S. This drop reflects broader systemic issues of inequality, particularly the lack of equitable access to green spaces in underserved communities. Addressing these disparities is not just about beautifying parks; it’s about improving public health, fostering climate resilience, and ensuring that all Angelenos, regardless of their background, have equal access to the benefits of green spaces. The city’s efforts to combat these challenges are anchored in the newly launched Park Needs Assessment (PNA), a comprehensive initiative aimed at reversing this trend and creating a model for park equity that could inspire cities nationwide.
The Urgency of the Park Needs Assessment
The LA park system, encompassing over 16,000 acres and iconic spaces like Griffith Park, has a significant presence across the city. Yet, nearly 40% of Angelenos lack access to parks within walking distance—a disparity that disproportionately affects low-income communities and neighborhoods of color. This inequity is a driving factor behind LA’s drop in rankings. In fact, the Trust for Public Land’s park score now includes an equity metric, highlighting the need for more accessible parks in underserved areas. Adding to this challenge is the upcoming expiration of Proposition K funding in 2026, which has historically provided $25 million annually for park improvements. Despite an attempt to replace this funding through a ballot measure, the lack of specificity led to its failure.
To address these challenges, LA is implementing a cutting-edge Park Needs Assessment, a generational project focused on equity and climate resiliency. This data-driven approach will guide decisions on resource allocation and prioritization, ensuring that underserved communities receive the attention they deserve. With a focus on community engagement, the PNA will gather input from residents to make sure the city’s park system reflects the diverse needs of all Angelenos.
Jimmy Kim: Parks as Vital Infrastructure
Jimmy Kim, the General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, spoke to the essential role parks play in the city’s infrastructure. With nearly 30 years of experience, Kim emphasized that parks are integral to the health, well-being, and resilience of LA’s communities. As the city faces the increasing impacts of climate change—such as devastating wildfires—Kim stressed the need for well-maintained parks that contribute not only to recreation but also to environmental sustainability. Kim introduced the PNA as a project aimed at evaluating all 16,000 acres of parkland in LA, assessing current needs, and projecting future demands based on demographic and environmental changes. With a long-term vision of 25 years, the PNA seeks to prioritize investments and guide the development of parks that are inclusive, accessible, and equitable.
Kim also highlighted the importance of community involvement in this process. The PNA will host over 80 public events throughout the year, inviting residents to share their feedback. Kim urged Angelenos to actively participate, emphasizing that their input will directly shape the future of LA’s park system.
Jessica Henson: Creating a Model for Park Equity
Jessica Henson, a landscape architect and planner at Olin, is leading the PNA project. Henson discussed how the assessment will focus on social equity, climate, and the environment while taking a data-driven approach to park development. She pointed out that parks are vital to the daily lives of Angelenos, offering not only recreational space but also contributing to public health and community well-being. Henson and her team are working closely with neighborhood councils and local leaders to understand the unique needs of each community in LA. The assessment will include a comprehensive analysis of park amenities, such as sports facilities and playgrounds, as well as factors like air quality, heat islands, and tree canopy cover.
Henson emphasized that the PNA will be a model for park systems across the nation, focusing on equity and ensuring that every community has a voice in shaping the future of LA’s parks. She outlined the four phases of the project, from the initial data collection and community engagement to the final draft of the assessment, set for release in the fall. Henson encouraged all Angelenos to participate, particularly through the multilingual surveys and community events.
Roxy Rivas: Grassroots Advocacy for Park Equity
Roxy Rivas, Deputy Director of Capital Projects and Planning at Pacoima Beautiful, offered a crucial community perspective on the challenges facing the eastern San Fernando Valley. Pacoima Beautiful has been a leading community-based organization advocating for park equity in the Valley for nearly 30 years. Rivas pointed out that the area faces a significant park deficit, with existing parks lacking essential amenities and resources. The organization has worked tirelessly to address these issues through park cleanups, community gardens, and advocacy training. Rivas views the PNA as a vital tool for quantifying the needs of the community and advocating for much-needed park investments.
Rivas stressed the importance of making the park development process transparent and accessible to all residents, ensuring that the decisions made reflect the needs of underserved communities. With community organizations like Pacoima Beautiful playing a central role, the PNA will be able to ensure that the needs of local residents are heard and addressed.
Francisco Romero: Parks as a Lifeline for Public Health
Francisco Romero, a program manager at the Prevention Institute, brought a public health perspective to the briefing, emphasizing the direct connection between park equity and health outcomes. Romero explained that parks contribute to the seven dimensions of well-being: cultural, emotional, economic, environmental, intellectual, physical, and social. He highlighted how parks are critical for providing spaces for physical activity, social connections, and rest, all of which are essential for public health. Romero pointed out that parks are especially crucial during times of crisis, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent fires, when they served as essential hubs for relief efforts.
Romero underscored the importance of community engagement in the PNA, emphasizing that the data collected will help prioritize resources for areas that need them most. He reiterated that equitable access to parks is not just a matter of recreation—it is a matter of public health, with parks playing a role in reducing health disparities and improving life expectancy.
A National Model for Park Equity
The LA Parks Needs Assessment represents a bold and innovative approach to addressing park equity and public health. With its focus on data, community engagement, and long-term sustainability, the PNA aims to create a park system that is accessible, inclusive, and resilient to the challenges of climate change. This initiative is poised to serve as a model for other cities across the country facing similar issues of park access and inequality. By prioritizing underserved communities and ensuring that all Angelenos have a voice in the process, the PNA promises to transform LA’s parks into vital, equitable spaces that benefit everyone.
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