Community Engagement at L.A. County Parks

Throughout the month of September, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold community meetings at 56 local parks and eight nature centers across the county. These meetings offer the public the opportunity to meet park staff and hear about the programs, projects, and events at parks and nature centers. Community members will also be able to share suggestions and priorities for their local park and nature center. The input gathered will help shape DPR's budget for the new fiscal year.  

Earlier this year, DPR released its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which was created to guide the agency's direction, decision-making, and growth for the next five years. The Plan sets forth a course of action for both DPR's internal improvements and external work across L.A. County. It also establishes benchmarks to track progress and ensure that DPR is meeting the stated goals. The Plan was developed with extensive public and staff engagement and based on an anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion-focused framework. It affirms the DPR's commitment to prioritize funding and staffing for programming and park access initiatives that redress social, racial, gender-based, and environmental injustice in L.A. County, especially in the most vulnerable communities. 

As part of the Strategic Plan, DPR committed to strengthening communication and engagement with the communities they serve. Hosting annual public meetings is a key part of this commitment and reflects that the Strategic Plan is being implemented.