The Los Angeles Parks Foundation has released an in-depth evaluation of the Community School Parks program, a strategic initiative to expand equitable access to recreational space across Los Angeles.

The report was released as Los Angeles grapples with persistent inequities in access to safe and accessible public spaces. Prompted by a 2023 motion authored by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, 4th District, the program has led to the opening of 10 new Community School Parks, offering residents expanded access to playgrounds, sports fields and courts outside of traditional school hours. The Community School Parks program is currently implemented at Harvard Elementary School, Camellia Avenue Elementary School, Garden Grove Elementary School, Leo Politi Elementary School, Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School, Northridge Middle School, Obama Global Prep Academy, Open Magnet Charter School, Pio Pico Middle School and Ramona Elementary School.

The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the interagency partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Department of Recreation and Parks, and offers recommendations to use the model to meet the city’s growing demand for equitable open space. Michael Shull, an L.A. Parks Foundation Board member and former general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, is the primary author of the study. He collaborated with fellow foundation board member and former Department of Recreation and Parks Board commissioner Joseph Halper. The findings highlight the Community School Parks program’s effectiveness in expanding access to recreational spaces, particularly in neighborhoods where residents lack a public park within a half mile of their homes.

“With the launch of this report, our hope is that the information and critical findings detailing the robust collaboration between the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles United School District and Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks will serve as a cornerstone for building park equity across Los Angeles,” L.A. Parks Foundation president and CEO Tony Budrovich said. “With the launch of this report, our hope is that the information and critical findings detailing the robust collaboration between the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles United School District and Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks will serve as a cornerstone for building park equity across Los Angeles.”

The Los Angeles Parks Foundation works to enhance, expand, preserve and promote public recreation, parks and open spaces. For information, visit laparksfoundation.org.