Dear LA Parks Advocate:  

LA Recreation and Parks is on the brink of losing over 300 full-time positions due to imminent staffing cuts and a critical $10M reduction in the part-time budget.

Soon students across LA will be on summer vacation. Our youth need safe, clean, well-maintained parks to stay physically active and healthy. 

You can help! But it can't wait. 

1) TELEPHONE  Call LA City Budget Committee NOW to urge them to restore a minimum of 80 staff positions for the LA City Department of Recreation and Parks before it's too late. 

Councilmember Blumenfield: (818) 774-4330
Councilmember Rodriguez: (213) 473-7007
Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky: (213) 473-7005
Councilmember Tim McOsker: (213) 473-7015
Councilmember Price: (213) 473-7009 

 2. WRITE  Submit public comment to the Budget Committee: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/publiccomment/
 
 3. POST/REPOST FB, Instagram, LinkedIn and X
Copy and paste:
@CurrenDPriceJr @MRodCD7@BobBlumendfield @CD5LosAngeles @TimMcOskerLA: 24-25 Budget. Make sure LA’s parks are clean and safe and fully staffed!

For more information, read below...

Support LA City Parks:
Ensure all LA City Parks are Clean, Safe, and Properly Staffed

LA Recreation and Parks is at risk of losing the ability to fill over 300 full-time positions due to staffing cuts and a $10M reduction in the part-time budget. These front-line positions support recreation programming, new park planning, and maintenance staff, all of which are critical for maintaining the well-being of LA City parks and ensuring they remain accessible and well-maintained. The recreation staff positions provide essential services to communities across the city.

Many of the positions proposed to be cut are from the maintenance program. When parks are not well-maintained, community members may feel unsafe accessing them. Neglected parks can become areas for unwanted activity, further contributing to the perception that they are not safe spaces for families to enjoy.

Additionally, the proposed $10M cut in part-time recreation and programming positions will exacerbate inequities in LA's park system. Part-time recreation and parks staff play crucial roles in operating community centers, providing lifeguards for swimming pools, and maintaining park restrooms. Without these positions, the department will need to reduce hours and services provided to communities, where the recreation center often serves as the only safe space for children and families.

The Department is urging the City Council to restore a minimum of 80 full-time positions proposed to be cut to maintain essential services. While the Department's leadership is committed to closing the equity gap in access to park space, without sufficient staff, this goal may be unattainable. Access to parks significantly impacts mental and physical health, and it is essential to consider the long-term effects on communities across Los Angeles. Please take action now!

We Need Your Help!

By FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024, contact the LA City Budget Committee to urge them to restore a minimum of 80 staff positions for the LA City Department of Recreation and Parks.

1. Call the Budget Committee Councilmembers and request the restoration of RAP’s authority for a minimum of 80 full-time positions and the reversal of the $10M cut in the Department’s part-time budget:

   Councilmember Blumenfield: 610-616-2713 Councilmember Rodriguez: 213-473-7007 Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky: 213-473-7005 Councilmember Tim McOsker: 213 473-7015 Councilmember Price: 213-473-7009

2. Submit public comment to the Budget Committee: https://cityclerk.lacity.org/publiccomment/

3. Share on social media.

Twitter: @CurrenDPriceJr @MRodCD7 @BobBlumendfield @CD5LosAngeles @TimMcOskerLA: 24-25 Budget. Ensure LA’s parks are clean, safe, and fully staffed!