Methods from California’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP)

Designing Parks Using Community Based Planning

2 | Designing Parks Using Community Based Planning

SummaryDesigning Parks Using Community Based Planning Methods from California’s

Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP)

With $1 billion in local assistance grants, SPP is creating park access in underserved areas throughout California. SPP’s grant guidelines, written with feedback from hundreds of local park agencies and nonprofit organizations, led to the development of a three-step public engagement model for designing community parks:

3. Conduct interactive and dynamic meetings to achieve these park design goals:

■ Selecting and designing recreation features.

■ Locating the selected recreation features within the park.

■ Identifying safe public use and park beautification ideas.

To inform future planning efforts over the next five years, the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Community Engagement Division will continue to share successful methods learned through this SPP model.

This process encourages meaningful engagement between neighbors, local government, and organizations. These steps lead to authentic park designs representing each community's unique recreation needs and values.

Planning together for the new 95th & Normandie Pocket Park in West Athens-Westmont, Los Angeles County.

1. Schedule five accessible park design meetings at or near the project site, at different times including weekends or evenings.

2. Invite and involve youth, seniors, and families who live in the project area to engage in an active planning process.