As critical infrastructure in our communities, parks are a foundational part of life in Los Angeles. The City of LA has one of the most iconic park systems in the United States, boasting parks like Echo Park and Sepulveda Basin and world-renown facilities like the Griffith Observatory and Greek Theatre. Keeping up with this system and providing equitable access to parks is a challenge and LA has fallen behind in the national ranking of parks completed by the Trust for Public Land. The City of Los Angeles 2025 Park Needs Assessment (PNA) is a pivotal initiative designed to shape the future of the city’s extensive park system. As the prime consultant on this effort, OLIN led a team of 13 subconsultants to support the City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) in this effort. This forward-looking assessment brings together deep community engagement, innovative data collection, and the lived realities of Angelenos to identify current and future needs, challenges, and opportunities for improvement across nearly 16,000 acres of public parkland and recreational facilities. More than just an inventory, the PNA will guide future investment in park infrastructure and amenities, helping ensure it reflects the city’s diverse cultures and communities and anticipates projected population growth.
