All parks and open spaces, like the Audubon Center at Debs Park, play an essential role in the social, health, environmental, and economic vitality of our neighborhoods. These special places also require ongoing love and care so that each visitor has the same experience as the last. Fortunately, since being awarded funding from Proposition A and the Ahmanson Foundation, Audubon has been busy refurbishing the Center and restoring the surrounding land for people, birds and wildlife to enjoy. Fresh paint, native plant gardens, upgraded bridges and walkways that connect our courtyard to the Children’s Woodland, and new patio delight anyone seeking respite from their busy day. 

Why #OurParks?

Parks and open spaces play an essential role in the social, health, environmental, and economic vitality of our neighborhoods.

Los Angeles parks lost $54 million annually when the park revenue stream Proposition A, which had been funding parks since 1996, expired in 2014.

An alternate measure currently funding LA County parks is set to expire in 2016, while state and federal funding sources for parks have been on the decline for more than 20 years.

Research reports substantiate the following benefits of parks and open space: 

• For kids, being in or near green spaces has been associated with better test scores, improved self-discipline and cognition, and reduced behavioral problems and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Parks and green spaces also may contribute to population health by reducing exposures to air pollution and noise, capturing and filtering stormwater runoff, and mitigating heat-related illnesses.
• In LA, 38% of residents say they got most of their exercise by using parks and parks programming.
• Park proximity promotes higher levels of park use and physical activity.

How Parks Will Be Affected?

2016 offers and opportunity to renew critical funding to local and neighborhood parks. Parks need your support to ensure sufficient funding.

Funds help to maintain facilities, build new parks, provide recreational programs and public art, and support beach and clean water projects. These investments are also critical for supporting programs that employ youth and provide safe areas for recreation

Urban areas like Los Angeles do not get their fair share of park resources to ensure universal access to safe parks and open spaces, and low-income communities and communities of color are particularly underserved for park space

What OurParks Coalition Stands for

OurParks LA was founded as a platform for LA County residents and stakeholders to get engaged in ensuring our neighborhoods have sufficient parks and open space for our communities.

What Can You do?

• Contact your representative to voice your needs for parks and open space
• Attend local Community Engagement meetings
• Join our coalition and learn about actions you can take to support our parks by visiting www.ourparksla.org
• Educate your colleagues, family, and friends about the importance of parks and open space
• Tweet or post to Facebook why #OurParks matter