MEASURE A PARKLAND ACQUISITION GRANT PROGRAM
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Monday, July 8, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) announced the Measure A Acquisition-Only Competitive Grant Program, releasing $14.5 million in funding opportunities for parkland acquisitions throughout Los Angeles County.
This competitive grant program aims to add more parks, trails, and green spaces in communities throughout Los Angeles County that need them the most. Public agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities may apply by accessing RPOSD’s Grants Management System at https://grantfunding.rposd.lacounty.gov.
In July 2022, RPOSD allocated $9 million in technical assistance funds through its Technical Assistance Program (TAP) to 30 high and very-high-need park agencies to assist them in being project-ready for the upcoming Measure A grant funding cycles. In addition, RPOSD will also be providing funding support for grant writers to assist high park-need communities with the application process.
The guidelines for this competitive grant program are available on RPOSD’s website and the application window closes on September 27, 2024. RPOSD will host a virtual workshop to provide an overview of the grant program’s eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria on July 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. For more information on the Measure A Acquisition-Only Competitive Grant Program, please visit the RPOSD website at https://rposd.lacounty.gov.
“Like never before, Measure A is providing high and very-high-park-need communities a series of funding opportunities so that one day all children and families growing up, living, and aging in Los Angeles County can experience parks, the outdoors, recreation, and nature in their own communities,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District.
"I am excited that our communities have the opportunity to further expand our parks in Los Angeles County through the availability of $14.5 million in grant funding for green space," said Los Angeles County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. "This funding will empower local organizations, especially those in our most vulnerable communities, to address the critical need for new green spaces and ensure that Los Angeles County remains a vibrant and sustainable place for all residents to enjoy."
“Growing up in the unincorporated community of Puente Valley, I know firsthand the many disparities residents in vulnerable communities – especially those without access to parks and open space – face, which is why I have led the fight to increase green spaces where children and families can play, relax, escape the heat, and nurture their minds and bodies in nature,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District. “This $14.5 million in funding is another milestone in our ongoing journey to advance environmental justice and equity in communities where the need is greatest, because more than half of County residents do not have access to parks within a half-mile of their homes. Whenever we add open spaces in underserved communities, we improve the lives of thousands of children and families. This is a moment to celebrate.”
"Investing in green spaces not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also promotes physical activity, social interaction, and environmental well-being. By prioritizing park development, we are not just creating recreational spaces; we are cultivating healthier communities where individuals and families can flourish," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.
“We know that parks provide so many benefits – they foster community and provide much-needed space to enjoy the outdoors. But too many people in LA County don't have access to a local park,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District. “With this funding, cities across LA County have the opportunity to invest in creating new neighborhood parks and improve the lives of their residents.”
"Through this unique funding opportunity, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District is affording communities a valuable chance to create more parks that will boost both community enjoyment and mental health well-being for their residents. Investing in green spaces enhances the physical landscape of our local neighborhoods and fosters a sense of belonging, relaxation, and respite. I am hopeful applicants across the County will seize this opportunity and develop projects to enrich the lives of their residents for years to come," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Fifth District.
Thank you to the Los Angeles County voters who supported Measure A with nearly 75% approval rating. Together, we are building a greener, healthier, and park-equitable Los Angeles County.
About Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District
Since its inception in 1992, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has awarded more than $1.7 billion in grants to cities, County departments, state and local agencies, and community-based organizations for projects to improve and rehabilitate our parks, recreational facilities, trails, and open space lands. Our grants have and will continue to make life better in Los Angeles County by building stronger and safer neighborhoods, enriching recreational experiences, advocating equitable access to parks and open spaces, and preserving our natural spaces for this and future generations. By empowering initiatives that create, maintain, and improve our open spaces, RPOSD can help ensure that everyone in the Los Angeles County region benefits from all that parks have to offer. This is all possible thanks to the support from the people of Los Angeles County.
About Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation manages 183 parks. It also operates a network of 9 regional parks, 38 neighborhood parks, 20 community parks, 16 wildlife sanctuaries, 9 nature centers, 41 public swimming pools, more than 240 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and the largest municipal golf system in the nation, consisting of 20 golf courses at 18 facilities. The department also maintains four botanical centers: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. The department also owns the iconic Hollywood Bowl, and the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, providing County residents with valuable entertainment and cultural resources.
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