Parks and Recreation

Dolores Park

Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Parks and Recreation

A newly released report by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) reveals the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities at park agencies across the U.S.

June 9, 2021 - Parks and Recreation Magazine

Griffith Park

Seeking Public Input on Regional and Rural Park Needs

As part of a study, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to better understand the use of facilities like beaches, natural areas, open spaces, regional parks, trails, and local parks in rural areas.

May 14, 2021 - Urbanize LA

Empty Swings

Students Contribute to Park Design Process

As a class assignment, nearly 150 high school students shared their ideas for improvements to Sorensen Park in Lake Los Angeles, California.

February 16, 2021 - Antelope Valley Press

Los Angeles County

The Importance of Regional Parks

Regional parks like Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in Southern California offers something for everyone and are more important than ever in the midst of a pandemic.

February 4, 2021 - KCRW

Los Angeles

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.

February 3, 2021 - Urbanize Los Angeles

New York Park

Budget Cuts Will Severely Impact Park Agencies

A recent survey by the National Recreation and Park Association reveals that many park agencies are deferring or canceling maintenance and capital projects.

January 26, 2021 - Parks and Recreation Magazine

2019 National Planning Conference

Planning with Gratitude

Being a planner is not easy. Our work may often leave us discouraged, frustrated, and cynical. But with Thanksgiving approaching, let's take some time to reflect and count our blessings.

November 12, 2020 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Seattle APA National Conference

2019 Conferences in Planning and Design

An annual sampling of professional development conferences in the coming year for planning and design professionals, by L.A. County Planner Clement Lau.

October 8, 2018 - UrbDeZine

Leslie Knope

Pop Culture Hasn't Been Kind to Planning Lately

A post for the Market Urbanism website says planning is entering Season Three with no guarantees it will catch on with audiences.

February 13, 2018 - Market Urbanism

Wildlife

Parks Employees Surveyed on Sustainability

The people who work for city parks and recreation departments were surveyed about sustainability successes and challenges.

May 2, 2017 - Next City

Presents for 'Plannerds'

The fourth annual edition of holiday gift ideas for that "plannerd" in your life, from L.A. County Planner Clement Lau.

December 12, 2016 - UrbDeZine

Planning for a Network of Trails in the Heart of the Silicon Valley

San Jose, California's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services has begun the process of updating its Trail Strategic Plan.

April 4, 2016 - San Jose Mercury News

Empty Swings

Operate Parks Like a Business

Mindy Craig makes the case for an evolution in the management of parks in an era of shrinking general fund allocations.

July 5, 2014 - Parks and Recreation Business

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.