The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners adopted a new Parks Needs Assessment on Dec. 18 that provides a roadmap for the city to improve the parks and recreation system, which has been hit hard by stagnant spending and declining staffing. The PNA identifies projects and strategies that could produce tangible improvements to the system quickly and benefit many residents with adequate funding. It also lays out strategies for steadily bringing the whole system up to par with other cities.

The PNA is the result of extensive community engagement that began in January, a park-by-park analysis of conditions and amenities and an innovative approach to prioritizing spending on improving existing parks and building new parks based on where investments will serve the most people in the highest areas of need. It includes a thorough analysis of the history of funding for recreation and parks in the city, the causes of the current budget and staffing shortfalls and a variety of options for increasing revenue and finding savings.

The PNA is informed by the results of a citywide survey of residents and dozens of community meetings across Los Angeles. It evaluates the state of more than 16,000 acres of public parkland in nearly 500 parks as well as 100 recreation centers and facilities. It will guide future investment in park infrastructure and amenities to help ensure the city’s park system can properly function and provide safe, clean, enjoyable parks and recreation facilities.

“We appreciate the input received from the thousands of Angelenos who have participated in this PNA process,” RAP General Manager Jimmy Kim said. “This feedback from the community will help guide RAP’s investments, operations, maintenance and programs for years to come, focusing on the priorities that matter most in our neighborhoods.”

While L.A. parks remain popular, parks funding is lagging behind the growth of the city, according to the analysis. The PNA found that RAP’s budget has not kept up with the city’s overall budget growth or inflation. RAP’s operating budget grew 35% between fiscal years 2009-23, half the rate of the city’s 68% overall budget increase during the same period. The city’s park system continues to grow, but faces severe challenges as its workforce shrinks, making it more difficult to maintain facilities, offer programs and care for parks and open spaces. Full and part-time staff at RAP have decreased as park acreage has increased.

While funding is tight and new revenue streams are needed, the PNA serves as a guide to bring measurable results to L.A. parks. The PNA proposes a prioritization strategy based on feedback from residents across the city and input from the PNA’s steering committee, neighborhood councils, technical advisory committee, advisory boards and interested groups. The prioritization process identifies areas that most need improvement as well as new and expanded park space. It also provides guidance for operations and maintenance priorities.

For information on the PNA findings and recommendations, visit the project website at needs.parks.lacity.gov.