FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Glassock, mglassock@rposd.lacounty.gov, 626-223-7916
Date: July 15, 2025
Historic $58 Million Investment for the Next Generation of Parks, Trails, and Open Space
LOS ANGELES – July 15, 2025 – The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has announced a landmark $58 million investment—the largest competitive grant program in its history—to transform the future of parks, trails, and open space across Los Angeles County.
“This is more than a grant program—it’s a commitment to creating parks and open space in the communities that need them most,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation and Director of RPOSD. “This $58 million investment has the power to deliver on the promises made to voters—transforming neglected spaces into vibrant parks, trails, and green infrastructure that will serve generations to come. We envision a Los Angeles County where every neighborhood has access, and where children and families can easily access a park, trail, or open space they can call their own.”
The 2025 Competitive Grant Program is designed to accelerate shovel-ready, climate-smart, and community-rooted projects. At least 30% of funds are reserved for communities identified as having High or Very High Park Need, according to the 2016 Countywide Park Needs Assessment. Additional consideration will go to projects in rural and historically underrepresented communities.
This latest investment builds on RPOSD’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every person has access to green space in their community. Over the past two years, RPOSD has awarded more than $45 million in targeted investments to local park agencies serving LA County’s most park-deficient communities. In addition, RPOSD provided emergency wildfire recovery funds earlier this year and supported the acquisition of 623 acres of new parkland countywide.
The $58 million from this grant program will be awarded through three grant categories, each designed to unlock the full potential of community-driven park projects:
- Planning & Design Grants – $18 million: To fund planning, design permitting, and engagement work to create shovel ready projects ready to compete for other funding opportunities. Awards range from $100,000–$500,000.
- Natural Lands, Local Beaches, Water Conservation & Protection – $24 million: For shovel-ready projects that enhance water quality, habitat, and open space. Awards range from $500,000–$4 million.
- Regional Recreation, Multi-Use Trails & Accessibility – $16 million: To connect the County through trail systems, regional parks, and inclusive recreation. Awards range from $500,000–$4 million.
About RPOSD:
The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) is a special district that grants voter-approved Measure A funding to cities, agencies, and nonprofits for new and improved parks, trails, and green spaces across the County. RPOSD ensures that investments reach the communities that need them most—improving public health, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature for generations to come.