TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution in support of the formation of the Lower Los Angeles River Recreation and Park District; direct the City Clerk to file the Resolution with the Local Agency Formation Commission; and, authorize City Manager to approve the final District Boundary Map on behalf of the City. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Background
Parks provide many community benefits such as encouraging physical activity, improving health and fitness, mitigating against urban heat effects and air pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through trees and greenery. A study by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, however, identified the region surrounding the Lower Los Angeles (LA) River as one of the most park-poor areas in Los Angeles County. While the countywide average of park space is already low at 3.3 acres per 1,000 residents, the report found that some areas along the Lower LA River have as little as 0.3 park acres per 1,000 residents.
The single greatest barrier to new park space along the Lower LA River is lack of funding and resources. The recently approved State water bond (Proposition 1) provides funding opportunities for the revitalization of the Lower LA River watershed, including a $30 million direct allocation to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) and funds for urban creek restoration. But these resources are strictly limited to acquisition and development of facilities and cannot be used for operations or maintenance of park facilities. A lack of local resources often means that parks cannot be developed, let alone properly maintained.
While the Lower LA River serves an important purpose as a flood protection and control channel, it also presents a unique opportunity for open space and urban greening and as a recreational resource for the region. With numerous recent developments, including the creation of a Lower Los Angeles River Working Group to develop a revitalization...
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