New LA County Park Framework

LA County Supervisors approved the 2022 Park Needs Assessment (PNA+), advancing park equity and guiding funding allocation across the County in high- and very high-need communities. Dubbed PNA+, it builds on a previous needs assessment to now include mapping and analyses related to population vulnerability, environmental benefits and burdens, and priority areas for environmental conservation, regional recreation and rural recreation. 

PNA+ is the County’s 30x30 plan (30% of land and coastal waters conserved by 2030), with a new paradigm for conservation that that includes both traditional land acquisition and proactive and strategic restoration of degraded lands such as brownfields and oilfields, especially in communities with vulnerable populations where environmental burdens are concentrated. 

“(This) is a milestone for our County because it helps us advance our work to promote health, play and a sense of community,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who co-authored the motion to approve PNA+. “I am thrilled that we now have a holistic pathway in delivering equity-based park projects,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis.

“Black and brown communities often have the highest environmental burdens and account for 84% of residents living in areas now prioritized for restoration,” said Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, Director of the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation. “The PNA+ is a critical step towards environmental justice.”

You can read more about the PNA+ here.