Rural Parks Planning Underway in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to better understand the park and recreation needs of rural areas.

2 minute read

June 24, 2021, 10:00 AM PDT

By clementkhlau


Antelope Valley, California

California poppies bloom above the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County. | Sebastien Burel / Shutterstock

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. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is currently working on a focused update to the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment called the "Regional and Rural Edition." Specifically, the study will 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 located in the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, and Santa Catalina Island 

As part of this process, DPR is conducting various online surveys, including the latest one which seeks to better understand the park and recreation needs of residents in rural communities. The survey includes photos to help participants visualize and respond to questions like:

  • What are your favorite things to do outside?
  • Where do you do any of the fun activities you mentioned?
  • What do you and your household do for health and wellness?
  • How far are you willing to travel for a place to take a walk, a place to play, a place to swim, etc.?
  • What are the greatest park and recreation needs in your community?
  • What is the quality of the parks and trails in your community?

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

Monday, March 22, 2021 in SCV News

Aerial view of snowy single-family homes in suburban Long Island, New York

New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition

Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.

March 20, 2023 - Mark H. McNulty

Yellow on black "Expect Delays" traffic sign

A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts

Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.

March 14, 2023 - Todd Litman

Empty parking garage at night with yellow lines marking spots and fluorescent lighting

Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City

In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.

March 16, 2023 - The New York Times

White SEPTA bus driving through snow in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

‘Bus Revolution’ Revised in Philadelphia

The bus system redesign underway in Philadelphia changed direction after riders and local politicians complained about an initial draft plan.

48 minutes ago - WHYY

Aerial view of small town of Beacon, New York in the Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley City Bans Fossil Fuels in New Construction

Beacon will require all-electric appliances in new buildings starting next year.

1 hour ago - Food & Water Watch

Sidewalk

Mapping Sidewalks for Improved Connectivity

A new tool uses aerial image recognition to map a city’s sidewalks and crosswalks. Its developers hope it will aid in creating a more comprehensive understanding of pedestrian networks and where improvements are needed.

March 22 - MIT News

Planner II

City of Greenville

Planner I

City of Greenville

Rural Projects Coordinator (RARE AmeriCorps Member)

Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.