Seeking Public Input on Regional and Rural Park Needs

We all need parks. But what are the types of parks and amenities that people use or want the most? To find out, park and recreation agencies typically conduct some type of survey and needs assessment.  As Steven Sharp of Urbanize LA reports in this article, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is working on a focused update to the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment called the "Regional and Rural Edition." Specifically, the study is intended to comprehensively identify, analyze, map, and document:

1. The need for regional facilities, including regional parks, beaches and lakes, trails, and natural areas and open spaces
2. The park needs of rural communities which are primarily located in the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Santa Monica Mountains 

As part of this process, DPR is conducting an online survey to better understand whether and how L.A. County residents are using regional facilities like beaches and lakes, natural areas, open spaces, regional parks, trails, botanical gardens, as well as local parks in rural areas. The survey includes photos to help participants visualize and respond to questions like:

• What does recreation mean to you?
• What types of places do you like to visit when you spend time outdoors?
• What is special to you about these places? 
• Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected how often you recreate outside?
• Has COVID-19 made you want more places closer to home to experience outdoor recreation?
• Which mode of transportation do you use most often to get to the outdoors or be in nature? 
• Which types of parks do you visit most often?

DPR encourages all L.A. County residents to participate in the survey. For more information about the Regional and Rural Edition, please visit the project website.