Los Angeles County planner Clement Lau makes a case for increasing the number of fields and facilities dedicated to a sport that is growing in popularity – soccer.
While soccer is not as popular in the United States as it is in other parts of the world, Angelinos have embraced the sport.
So much so, that Los Angeles County officials are looking for places to put fields and facilities for children wanting to play, according to planner Clement Lau.
"Soccer is so much more than just a sport to many residents of Los Angeles County. Not only do many residents play soccer at local parks, they are also very loyal to and passionate about professional teams in Mexico and Spain."
Creative spaces that could accommodate more facilities include vacant parcels, building rooftops, and under-used parking lots, Lau said.
He goes on to discuss to importance of getting community members involved in efforts to add more sports fields and facilities to make sure the people can give input.
"As park planners, we must understand and plan for the growing and diverse needs of the residents we serve," Lau writes. "To ensure that these plans reflect the desires and needs of the communities, we have been engaging the public in a wide variety of ways, including stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, bike and walking tours, and community fairs/workshops."
FULL STORY: Soccer and Park Planning
How Soccer Is Changing Land Use
Planners are incorporating the growing popularity of soccer into parks and communities, writes L.A. park planner Clement Lau, and not just with soccer fields.
New Park Coming to Chinatown in Los Angeles
A new half-acre park is taking shape on a previously undeveloped hillside property in Chinatown, one of the more densely populated and park-poor areas in L.A.
Urban Planning Insights From Your Inner Child (or Your Actual Child)
Los Angeles County park planner and parent Clement Lau writes about how 'playing' and parenting has given him insight into the urban environment that he applies in his profession.
Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.
Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.
More Affordable Housing for People, Less for Cars
Most jurisdictions have off-street parking requirements that increase motorists’ convenience but reduce housing affordability. It’s time to reform these policies for the sake of efficiency and fairness.
Seattle Council Rejects Transportation Impact Fee
Councilmembers who opposed the proposal say the fee would have slowed housing development and raised housing costs.
FHWA Issues Emissions Tracking Rule
The agency will require states to monitor transportation emissions and create plans to address air pollution.
FTA Proposes Measures to Prevent Transit Operator Fatigue
Public transit is the only type of transportation not already subject to ‘hours of service’ and fatigue risk management regulations.
University of New Mexico - School of Architecture & Planning
Placer County
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Arizona State University, Ten Across
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.
