New Initiative Seeks to Address L.A. Parks Disparity

Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa launched the city's "50 Parks Initiative," a public-private partnership that plans to add over 170 acres of new park space throughout the city's "park-poor population-dense" neighborhoods.

1 minute read

August 27, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Joe Linton details Mayor Villaraigosa's ambitious initiative to build 50 new parks throughout the city, which was launched last Thursday with the grand opening of two new parks in South Los Angeles built on sites formerly occupied by dilapidated housing.

"Despite city budget shortfalls, the down economy presented an important
window for acquiring land," reports Linton. "Under the city charter, park land  acquired
is permanently dedicated to park uses.  [Recreation and Parks Commission President] Sanders touted these new
acquisitions as an important opportunity to ending the injustice of
unequal park distribution, with fewer facilities in L.A.'s densest
communities of color."

According to a city press release, "Locations for the 50 Parks Initiative were determined by analyzing key
demographic statistics including population density, median household
income, number and percentage of residents in poverty, and the number of
existing parks in a half-mile radius."

"The city plans to have all fifty new park sites acquired by next summer
when Villagraigosa's completes his term," notes Linton. "The projects are in various
states – a few completed, some acquired, some funded, and some where
funding is anticipated."

Friday, August 24, 2012 in Streetsblog LA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog