Pictured: Arcadia Park in Los Angeles, California, is one of Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation's Care Camp sites, which supports families under mandatory evacuations or directly affected by the recent wildfires.

Parks are essential infrastructure, advancing sustainability and providing vital support to communities in everyday life and during times of crisis. Across the nation and around the world, parks are increasingly recognized as critical to addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health crises and urban resilience. By mitigating urban heat, improving air quality, and offering spaces for mental and physical well-being, parks play a pivotal role in building healthier, more sustainable communities.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) exemplifies this role, consistently and creatively addressing community needs through innovative programming, resilient facilities and dedicated staff. From public health emergencies to natural disasters, DPR has demonstrated adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of L.A. County residents.

Serving as Community Lifelines

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role parks play in public health and community cohesion. As the pandemic unfolded, DPR swiftly adapted its services to meet emerging needs:

Testing and Vaccination Sites

Parks were repurposed as venues for COVID-19 testing and vaccination, providing accessible and convenient locations for residents to receive essential health services. These efforts were only possible because of DPR’s ability to mobilize its facilities quickly and the dedication of staff who ensured smooth operations under challenging circumstances. By transforming familiar community spaces into critical health infrastructure, DPR helped bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas.

Food Distribution Centers

Recognizing the economic hardships faced by many during lockdowns, DPR partnered with other public agencies and organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to set up food distribution centers at parks and recreational facilities, including the iconic Hollywood Bowl. These centers provided millions of pounds of food to families in need. The combination of DPR’s strategically located parks and the tireless efforts of its staff ensured that vulnerable populations received critical support during a time of widespread hardship.

Outdoor Spaces for Mental and Physical Well-Being

With indoor recreational facilities closed, parks offered safe outdoor spaces for socially distanced activities. DPR even initiated the Parks After Dark (PAD) in Motion program through which park-adjacent streets were closed off to vehicles, providing additional spaces for residents to safely walk and ride. In addition, DPR launched Parks from Home, combining innovative virtual programming with the adaptability of its staff to reach residents in their homes.

Mobile Recreation for High-Need Communities

For park-poor communities in L.A. County, the need for accessible recreational opportunities became even more urgent during the pandemic. DPR’s Park on the Move program rose to the occasion, bringing recreation and wellness activities directly to underserved neighborhoods. Specifically, DPR extended its reach beyond physical park boundaries through mobile recreation by delivering portable basketball hoops, soccer goals, skate ramps, games, and art and craft materials, to areas lacking access to parks.

Aiding Communities During Wildfires

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California have placed parks and communities under significant strain. In L.A. County, DPR has been at the forefront of supporting both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts during these disasters.

Care Camps and Donation Drives

During recent the Eaton Fire, DPR organized Care Camps to support families under mandatory evacuations or directly affected by the wildfires. These camps provided children aged 5-12 with a safe environment to learn and play, allowing parents to focus on recovery efforts. In partnership with organizations such as the Dodgers Foundation, the Natural History Museum, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Los Angeles County Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, the LA Philharmonic and Altadena Libraries, the camps offer field trips, activities and meals at no cost to families. By addressing immediate needs and fostering a sense of community, DPR's initiative exemplifies adaptability and compassion during challenging times.

Healing Through Community Events and Programming

Beyond addressing immediate physical needs, DPR recognizes the importance of emotional recovery for communities impacted by crises. DPR hosted free concerts and cultural events to bring communities together and provide moments of relief and joy during challenging times. These gatherings reinforced the role of parks as places of healing and unity, showcasing their potential to support not just physical recovery, but also emotional well-being. This aligns with the principles of trauma-informed care, which acknowledge the impact of trauma and focus on fostering environments that prioritize safety, inclusivity and healing. By offering opportunities for residents to connect and share experiences, these events helped alleviate feelings of isolation and stress that often accompany crises.

Resilient Infrastructure

The Eaton Fire highlighted the vulnerabilities of park facilities during disasters, with numerous structures and trails damaged or destroyed. Despite these losses, DPR staff worked tirelessly to ensure that less impacted park spaces could continue supporting relief efforts. By strategically utilizing operational facilities, DPR offered critical services like Care Camps, donation drives, and community events. This proactive approach ensured affected residents could access essential support while recovery efforts for damaged facilities progressed, demonstrating the importance of contingency planning and resourcefulness in responding to crises.

The Resilience and Importance of Parks

Parks are essential to the resilience of communities, serving as gathering places, distribution hubs, and symbols of hope during crises. Their importance lies not just in their physical presence but in the programs they host and the people they serve.

Facilities as Anchors

Parks are uniquely positioned to serve as hubs for disaster response. Their accessibility, open spaces, and infrastructure often make them suitable locations for relief efforts, whether as vaccination sites, food distribution centers, or temporary shelters. Moreover, their central role in the community allows them to serve as gathering points where residents can access critical resources, receive updates, and connect with support networks during times of crisis.

Innovative Programming

DPR’s ability to adapt programming, such as offering PAD in Motion, Park on the Move, or Parks from Home, ensures that parks remain relevant and accessible, even during crises. These programs address immediate needs while fostering long-term equity and connection. By proactively tailoring services to meet evolving challenges, DPR demonstrates how parks can evolve beyond traditional uses to become flexible solutions for the diverse and urgent needs of the community.

Dedicated Staff

Behind every successful initiative is the dedication of DPR’s employees. From maintenance crews ensuring facilities are safe and operational, to recreation staff delivering fun and innovative programming, to those activated as disaster service workers to support the Care Camps and donation drives, DPR employees are the backbone of the department. Their adaptability and willingness to take on new roles and work long hours during crises exemplify their unwavering commitment to serving the community. In some cases, staff members were personally affected by these crises yet continued to serve the public with unwavering dedication. The efforts of DPR staff amplify the impact of parks, ensuring that they act as community cornerstones during times of need.

Worthy of particular mention is Edgar McGregor, a DPR recreation services leader and amateur climate scientist, who played a critical role in saving lives during the Eaton Fire. Through his Facebook page, he provided accurate, timely warnings and urged residents to evacuate, actions that many credit with preventing further tragedy.

Conclusion

As we navigate an era of increasing challenges — from pandemics to climate change — the role of parks cannot be overstated. DPR has demonstrated remarkable leadership, creativity, and versatility in addressing the needs of its residents during crises. Parks are more than green spaces—they are community lifelines and critical infrastructure. Moving forward, it is vital for continued and expanded investments in parks and recreation as essential elements of community resilience and well-being.

Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP, is a planner with over 17 years of park planning experience in Los Angeles County. He is a regular contributor to NRPA's Parks and Recreation magazine and Open Space blog.