ONE BIG THING: PARKS NEEDS ASSESSMENT
For the first time in 15 years, Los Angeles has a new Park Needs Assessment — a blueprint for how the city invests in parks and public space.
By the Numbers
43% of CD13 respondents feel there are enough parks within walking distance of their homes.
75% of CD13 residents rated the physical condition of parks as excellent or good — compared to 65% citywide.
67% of CD13 residents said they would support a bond to fund new parks and recreation facilities — well above the 58% citywide average.
Top 5 barriers to visiting parks for CD13 residents:
- Parks are too far away
- Uncertainty about where to go or what’s offered
- Presence of unhoused neighbors
- Lack of parking
- Poorly maintained facilities
Why it Matters
Every Angeleno deserves a safe, clean, and welcoming park within walking distance — places where kids can play, seniors can gather, and neighbors can come together to build community.
The Park Needs Assessment gives us a roadmap to make that vision real. It shows where our city has fallen short and where we must invest — from repairing broken playgrounds to creating parks in neighborhoods that don’t have any at all.
In District 13, we’re already putting this vision into practice — we’re activating pocket parks like Seily Rodriguez Park and Selma Park, taking down the fence around Echo Park Lake, and exploring a new dog park at Dorothy and Benjamin Smith Park in Hollywood.
These changes prove what’s possible when we put community first, but now it’s time to scale up — to follow the evidence, and most importantly, the voices of Angelenos — so that every neighborhood in our city has the safe, green spaces it deserves.
What’s Next?
This is still a draft document because even though this is an outcome of months of community engagement and scientific polling, we still want as much information from the community as possible.
Visit needs.parks.lacity.gov to learn more and give public comment by October 15.
Two More Quick Hits
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns to Hollywood Blvd
Donald Trump’s attempted censorship of Jimmy Kimmel Live! threatened hundreds of union jobs here in CD13.
The show’s reinstatement proves what we already knew: when workers, artists, neighbors, and audiences stand together, our collective power is stronger than their fear. This fight is a reminder that the power of the people will always win out over the people in power.
- Shanah Tovah!
Wishing our Jewish neighbors a Happy New Year as we mark Rosh Hashanah this week.
The High Holidays are a time to reflect and come together — may the year ahead bring sweetness, health, and community to all who celebrate. It’s a season that reminds us of the power of renewal and the work still ahead to build a more just city.
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Spike, our Pet of the Week!
This sweet German Shepherd mix is only a couple of months old, but he's already a big boy!
Spike is just a baby, which means he’s growing fast and has lots of love to give.
If you are looking for an energetic, love bug – look no further, please contact ani.foster@lacity.org
