On Monday, February 27, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) announced grant awards totaling over $12.5 million in funding for two Measure A competitive grant programs: Recreation Access and Youth & Veteran Job Training and Placement. This highly anticipated second cycle of Measure A competitive grants marks the first time that RPOSD is funding educational and interpretive programs and job training and placement programs in all its thirty years of grantmaking. These grants solidify RPOSD’s mission to promote equitable access to public lands and facilities and provide critical funding towards education, skills training, and job placement for youth and veterans across Greater Los Angeles County.

The Recreation Access program awarded $6.4 million in Measure A grant funding for education, interpretive services, and transportation that will enhance access to public lands and park facilities throughout the County. This funding will reduce geographical barriers by covering transportation costs to Countywide regional assets including the LA Zoo, nature centers, and seasonal events. A unique aspect of the program is a collaboration between RPOSD and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), who committed an additional $1 million in funding for Transit to Parks programs.

The Youth & Veteran Job Training and Placement program awarded $6.1 million in Measure A grant funding for education training and job placement programs that will result in jobs for Los Angeles County youth and veterans. This funding will provide exciting employment opportunities and internships for youth ages 18-25 and veterans, leading to jobs in the parks and recreation fields, including outdoor recreation, aquatics, welding, and landscaping.

We invite you to learn more about the grant awards by exploring the resources linked below.