March 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 38

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The PNA+ identifies priority areas for
recreation based on population vulnerability,
access to and availability of
recreational facilities, and the amenities
these facilities offer.
the PNA+ final report. " The report's
needs assessment also highlights
that rural communities, in
particular - like the ones I represent
in the Antelope Valley -
need access to more waterparks,
walking trails and play areas. I intend
to use this report's findings
as another tool [while] I advocate
to bring more of those assets to
my Fifth District residents. They
deserve to have equal access and
enjoy healthy living activities in
their communities. "
equity and will have a transformative
impact in the region. It will
help us reimagine and redefine traditional
conservation - including
the restoration of degraded lands,
such as the Puente Hills Landfill in
my district. "
Los Angeles County has about
1 million acres of parkland,
which account for 38 percent of
the county's total land area.
Meet Regional and Rural
Recreation Needs
The PNA+ also identifies priority
areas for regional and rural recreation
based on population vulnerability,
access to and availability of
recreational facilities, and the amenities
these facilities offer. Los Angeles
County has about 1 million
acres of parkland, which account
for 38 percent of the county's to38
Parks & Recreation | MARCH 2 0 2 3
tal land area. There are, however,
challenges associated with access
to these areas due to their location,
distribution and other factors, such
as the lack of public transit service.
In particular, parklands account
for less than 5 percent of lands in
the most urban areas of the county.
Also, while rural areas have significant
acres of parkland, they are
lacking in certain amenities needed
for public recreation and climate
resiliency - especially water-based
recreation facilities, such as swimming
pools and splash pads, as well
as shaded seating, play areas and
walking trails.
" The completion of this report
is a milestone for our county because
it
work to promote health, play
and a sense of community, " says
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who
co-authored a motion for the
Board of Supervisors to approve
| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
helps us advance our
Engage and Involve
Communities
Development of the PNA+ involved
extensive public engagement
and outreach done with the
support and assistance of more
than 20 CBO partners. To keep
the public engaged and informed,
DPR regularly updated the Parks
Needs Assessment website, posted
on social media (Twitter, Facebook
and Instagram) for the project,
and collaborated with CBOs
on outdoor outreach events and
distribution of paper surveys.
Thousands of residents completed
surveys and participated in workshops
and other events.
DPR also conducted focused
outreach
to
Native American
stakeholders using a tribal needs
survey to collect input from Native
and Indigenous peoples in Los Angeles
County. Key needs identified
by these stakeholders include having
better access to and privacy for
Native peoples to use, enjoy and
practice traditional ceremonies
on ancestral lands, and raising
awareness and educating the pubIMAGE
COURTESY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
March 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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