|
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Over the past two weeks, we have all witnessed the devastating impact of the fires and winds that have swept across our beloved County. Entire communities have faced unimaginable loss—homes reduced to ash, parks scarred, and habitats for precious wildlife destroyed. It is a heartbreaking reminder of how deeply connected we are to this land and to each other.
At RPOSD, we don’t see parks as just places; they are social infrastructure where we gather, heal, and celebrate life’s joys. To see them damaged hurts us all. But this disaster is also a call to action—a reminder of the resilience we can find when we stand together.
RPOSD is rolling up its sleeves to help in every way we can. Our team is out there volunteering at the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Care Camps for children impacted by the fire, organizing donation drives, and lending support wherever it is needed.
To everyone who’s hurting right now, we see you, and we are here to support. And to everyone who is lending a hand—whether it is through volunteering, donating, or just showing up for a neighbor—you’re the heart of this County.
Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we will restore not just our parks, but the sense of hope and connection they bring to all of us.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
With empathy and resolve,
Christina Angeles
District Administrator
RPOSD is gearing up to announce grant award recipients of the 2024 Acquisition-Only Competitive Grant Cycle, which will award over $17.4 million to purchase land for new and expanded open space. Stay tuned for our upcoming press release and website updates to learn about these investments that will mark a significant milestone in advancing park equity and creating transformative green spaces throughout the County.
 Quarterly meetings provide the public an opportunity to address the Advisory Board on items within its jurisdiction. RPOSD encourages everyone to attend, either in person or virtually.
The agenda will be posted at the meeting location and on our website 72 hours prior.
On-Site Information
Address: 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Unit #40 Building A-9 East Ground Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803
Room: Ground Floor Conference Room G-101
Microsoft Teams Meeting Information
Join on your computer or mobile app:
Meeting ID: 278 854 510 617
Passcode: 8BPASU
Or call in (audio only) +1 323-776-6996,730589488# United States, Los Angeles
Phone Conference ID: 231 955 973#
Public comments can be submitted in advance via email to info@rposd.lacounty.gov or online through the form on the Advisory Board webpage. Written public comment must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.
New Playgrounds in Lakewood
 New playground equipment at Biscailuz Park (left) and Boyar Park (right).
On October 26, 2024, RPOSD joined the City of Lakewood to celebrate newly replaced playgrounds at Biscailuz Park and Boyar Park. The city utilized $1,262,762 of its Measure A Annual Allocation funds, along with funding from Measure L and Proposition 68, to transform the playgrounds into inclusive play spaces. Biscailuz Park now features a new tot-lot for children ages 2-5, while Boyar Park boasts a combined playground for toddlers and school-age children.
Congratulations to the Lakewood community on these new playgrounds that offer families a welcoming space to gather, play, and connect!
You can see all of RPOSD’s investments here and learn how your park agency can benefit from the same funding that the City of Lakewood used to replace their playgrounds here.
To date, RPOSD has issued approximately $4.3 million in funds under the Technical Assistance Program (TAP), enabling 18 eligible cities and LA County to hire consultants for critical work to acquire new parkland. These services included land inventories, environmental testing, conceptual designs, and community engagement.
TAP Project Highlight:
The LA County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) plans to expand park access in a Very High Need Study Area in East Los Angeles, by converting an existing site between North Gage Avenue and Herbert Avenue into a 0.36-acre pocket park. Using TAP funds, DPR is evaluating the feasibility of transforming the site. If viable, additional TAP funding will support environmental studies, community outreach, and park design.
 Top photo: current site. Bottom photo: concept plan for the pocket park.
The proposed pocket park will feature a large gathering area at the top of the site and a landscaped space on the west side. The design includes stairs and retaining walls, which could serve as opportunities for public art. DPR is also exploring the addition of a stormwater swale to manage water flow and offer nature play opportunities.
Program Grant Highlights:
In February 2023, RPOSD awarded its first-ever programming grants. Two highlighted programs have successfully completed their first year of implementation.
Youth and Veteran Program Highlight
 |
|
Grantee: Nature for All
Program: Environmental Careers Pathways Program
Grant Amount: $743,023
Nature for All’s Environmental Careers Pathways (ECP) program successfully trained six youth, ages 18-25, to become the next generation of environmental stewards. This nine month training program prepared the youth
|
with various skills, classes and certifications, with lens of environmental justice, culminating in a new generation of leaders that will protect LA County’s local mountains and regional parks.
Recreation Access Program Highlight
and beyond by providing Los Angeles County residents free use of good-quality electric commuter and family cargo bicycles. During its first year of programming, ActiveSGV hosted 20 pop-up events where 1,205 participants borrowed electric bikes to cycle along the network of parks and greenways.
|
