The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks is in the process of developing a citywide park master plan and a five year capital improvement plan. The first step of this process was to conduct a “Needs Assessment” for the City. ML+A was contracted to develop the Needs Assessment by gathering, assessing and analyzing information regarding current and future recreational needs. Key issues affecting park usage were included in a Final Report with detailed recommendations and conclusions supported by an Action plan for the Department. The objective of this process is to develop strategies to help prioritize and address the tremendous challenges the Department faces.
Some of the key findings included: lack of appropriate levels of neighborhood and community parks; amount of park land available is low for the level of density in the City; concern that parks are unsafe and controlled by gangs and lack significant security; parks are in need of infrastructure improvements; develop new design standards for parks; improve walkability of the city and to city parks; improve maintenance standards; partner with other agencies and school district on use of public property for parks. There are additional issues expressed in the Report that need to be addressed.
