A Historic Investment in LA County’s Parks and Open Spaces

Los Angeles County has launched its largest-ever competitive grant program, investing $58 million to expand park access, enhance climate resilience, and support community-driven projects in the areas that need them most.

1 minute read

July 22, 2025, 10:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Downtown Los Angeles viewed from Echo Park with lake with artesian fountain in foreground.

A Beautiful World / Adobe Stock

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has launched a record-setting $58 million competitive grant program to invest in parks, trails, and open space across the county. This historic initiative represents the largest grant program in RPOSD’s history and is designed to support projects that are community-driven, climate-smart, and shovel-ready. A minimum of 30% of funds will be allocated to areas identified as High or Very High Park Need, with additional attention to rural and historically underserved communities.

RPOSD Director Norma E. García-González emphasized that the program goes beyond funding—it is a promise to deliver on voter-approved priorities and ensure equitable access to quality park spaces. The investment builds on more than $45 million awarded in the past two years to park-deficient communities, wildfire recovery efforts, and the acquisition of 623 acres of new parkland. This latest round of funding continues the County’s momentum in advancing park equity and climate resilience.

The 2025 Competitive Grant Program includes three categories: $18 million for Planning & Design to prepare projects for future implementation; $24 million for Natural Lands, Local Beaches, and Water Protection to support ecological restoration and water quality; and $16 million for Regional Recreation and Trails to expand connectivity and inclusive access. Through this effort, RPOSD aims to create lasting impacts for communities across Los Angeles County.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17, 2025 - San José Spotlight

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Downtown Portland, Oregon with convention center in foreground with green glass spires and rooftop solar panels visible.

Oregon Approves Ambitious Framework for ’Microgrids’

Local energy “islands” within the larger power system ensure key facilities can remain online during emergencies and power outages.

5 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Downtown Los Angeles viewed from Echo Park with lake with artesian fountain in foreground.

A Historic Investment in LA County’s Parks and Open Spaces

Los Angeles County has launched its largest-ever competitive grant program, investing $58 million to expand park access, enhance climate resilience, and support community-driven projects in the areas that need them most.

6 hours ago - Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District

Dense high- and mid-rise buildings in San Diego, California on a sunny day.

San Diego Wins $14M for Affordable Housing

The funding comes via the state’s Regional Early Action Planning program and will help create close to 1,000 new housing units.

7 hours ago - Fox 5 San Diego