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| People for Parks' mission is expressed in a number of exciting programs in a wide variety of neighborhoods and settings. Here are some of our favorites: |
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Community-School Parks
Los Angeles boasts many beautiful public spaces, from our beaches and mountains to magnificent expanses like Griffith, Exposition and Elysian parks. Only one in three L.A. kids, however, lives within walking distance (a quarter-mile) of public green space, compared to more than 90% of children in Boston and New York.
Since 2005, People for Parks has been working hard to transform paved playgrounds in elementary schools across Los Angeles into Community-School Parks. The goal is to tear up as much of the asphalt as feasible to create green areas for students during school that are open to the surrounding neighborhoods on weekends and vacations.
Community-School Parks offer a model of how neighbors and non-profits can work with public agencies to improve education and expand green space. The City of Los Angeles and L.A. Unified School District have both strongly endorsed CSPs, and federal officials have channeled additional funding for gang-prevention and job-training programs. By 2010, plans were in motion for the District's first two CSPs – Trinity Street and Vine Street elementary schools – with hundreds more to follow until every L.A. kid can walk to the field of their dreams. |
 one watts/watts unido
Recently hundreds of boys and girls in three South Los Angeles housing projects began participating in a "smart recreation" program at Markham Middle School. The City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks offers flag football, soccer, basketball, arts and crafts, and drill team for 11 to 13 year-old residents of the Nickerson Gardens, Jordan Downs and Imperial Courts developments.
"The One Watts Character Building Program offers kids healthy, positive alternatives to gang activity and other high-risk behavior," said Karl Stephens, the Acting Senior Recreation Director of the William Nickerson Center. |
 Los Angeles Parks Alliance
Serious budget cuts have taken a toll on the City of L.A. Dept. of Recreation and Parks (RAP) every year since 2008, and it looks like even bigger reductions are on the way. These cuts may jeopardize public recreation in the communities that need it most: Watts, East L.A. and South L.A. The Los Angeles Parks Alliance is a coalition of like minded groups and organizations who are fighting to provide:
- Clear information on the current economy and forecasts for recovery, and on the impact of reducing public recreation;
- A forum for residents and stakeholders to voice concerns, suggest solutions, and express the value of parks for their communities; and
- A role for the public in the City's budget-making process.
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Park Awards
The annual Parks Awards celebration is sponsored by People for Parks and the City and County parks departments to recognize the vital role that public recreation plays in healthy communities. The event is also an opportunity to honor the men and women of all ages who make our parks special, from Teen and Adult Park Heroes nominated by employees and users of all local parks in L.A. County for showing exemplary community service, to celebrities and others for their invaluable contributions to life and leisure in Southern California. The celebration also raises much of PFP’s annual operating budget. |
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