Information & Resources

What is TAP?

TAP = Technical Assistance Program

With voter-approved funding from Measure A: the LA County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure of 2016, RPOSD establishes TAP to assist agencies and organizations develop eligible park projects and strong applications for our grants, helping communities create multi-benefit park projects and programs throughout L.A. County. Promoting park equity being at TAP’s core, additional support is available for grant writing and application, Planning and Design, innovation, and construction management. The Professional Services and Consulting resources can be accessed for projects serving Study Areas with High and Very High Park Need in Los Angeles County. This page contains information on how to navigate the variety of Technical Assistance we have to offer as well as general TAP resources available to all.

Navigating the District’s TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

ON THIS PAGE, you will find the latest information on workshops, toolkits, and other TAP resources available to all to help navigate the Measure A Grantmaking process.

TAP Services

To learn more about TAP services specialized towards projects that serve PNA Study Areas designated as High or Very High Park Need, you should refer to TAP SERVICES.

TAP Partners

If your organization is interested in providing consulting for TAP eligible projects and becoming a Qualified Vendor, you should refer to TAP PARTNERS.

For general information about Measure A and Proposition A funding, such as accessing details about existing grants on the Grants Management System or maintaining your park inventory on LA Parks Portal, refer to the tabs under GRANTEES on the menu bar.

TAP Resources

RPOSD has developed grantmaking resources to assist all grant applicants through all stages of their proposed park project or program. Additional toolkits are being developed and will be available as they are completed:

Manage your Measure A Grant

1. Park Planning Handbook

How to plan a park or open space project in your community

2. Manual De Planificación Del Parque

Spanish version of the Park Planning Handbook

3. Measure A Basics Handbook

A complete overview of Measure A funding programs

4. Measure A Quick Start Guide

How to register and use the required RPOSD Grants Management System (GMS)

5. Grant Writing Handbook

How to apply to Measure A grant programs

6. TAP Policy and Allocations Guidelines

Read the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) Policy as well as the Guidelines for July 2022 TAP Funding Allocations

7. TAP Master Agreement

Please note that this is the Master Agreement between TAP Eligible Entities and RPOSD. For the one between Qualified TAP Vendors and RPOSD, go to the ‘TAP Partners’ page.

Events, Workshops & Important Dates

Training and education workshops are provided to help inform all potential grantees, community-based organizations, and others about Measure A grantmaking.

In addition to announcements, these events are shared on the RPOSD’s calendar along with links to relevant materials. News and contents regarding the current and upcoming TAP and Measure A workshops are also highlighted on this page.

Link into TAP

Next Event Coming Soon

Information regarding future “Link into TAP” events will be posted here.

Link into TAP Live! Event

TAP Virtual Brown Bag Lunch with...

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on August 29, 2023

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on April 12, 2023

TAP Information Session for Non-Profit Organizations

Shared Materials from 3.30.2023 Session:

PowerPoint Presentation

Calendar Event

Technical Assistance Program Allocation Announcement 2022

allocation announcement coming soon! (1)

Links will activate when available:

Important Dates for the 2022 Competitive Grant Programs

Go to RPOSD Calendar

Go to Competitive Grant Programs

June 2: 2022 Competitive Grants Programs Release Date
June 20: Applications Open on GMS
June 22: Program Guidelines Updated
July 7: Recreation Access Workshops at 10:00 AM
July 7: Youth & Veteran Job Training & Placement Workshop at 03:00 PM
August 15: Deadline to submit questions pertaining to current competitive grants cycle
September 29: Grant Applications Deadline at 10:00 AM

2021 Competitive Grant Programs Factsheet

TAP Vendor Pre-Solicitation Workshops

English: February 25, 2021

Recording of the Workshop
Presentation Slides

Spanish: March 1, 2021

Recording of the Workshop
Presentation Slides

This is the Vendor Pre-solicitation Workshop for the RPOSD’s TAP Master Agreement. The workshop provides information on the procedures to be qualified to work with eligible public entities across the full range of park project development, application, and project completion.

The solicitation process for Qualified TAP Vendors to provide services for TAP eligible entities is open with no deadline.

Read the RFSQ

Addendum 1: Responses to the Vendor Questions

Addendum 2: Modifications to the RFSQ*

*This includes the extension of the initial due date for SOQ!

TAP for Eligible Entities Workshops

About

This TAP Workshop provided information on the procedures to apply for professional services and consulting. An overview of the entire Technical Assistance Program was also provided.

These Workshops were Designed for…

Public Agencies, non-profits, schools, and Community-based Organizations eligible to receive Measure A Competitive Grants and have projects that service park ‘high-need’ or ‘very-high-need’ communities are encouraged to sign up for and participate in a Workshop on the Technical Assistance Program (TAP). These resources help agencies and organizations develop eligible park projects and complete successful applications. Additional support is available for grant writing and application, planning and design, innovation, and construction management. The Professional Services and Consulting resources are available for projects serving park ‘high-need’ or ‘very-high-need’ areas of Los Angeles County.

TAP Workshops Dates to be Announced

We will soon be sharing details on the upcoming Technical Assistance workshops here.

There will soon be a workshop for entities eligible for TAP to provide information on the procedures to apply for professional services and consulting. There will also be a pre-solicitation workshop for the RPOSD TAP RSFQ for any organization interested in becoming a Qualified Vendor for the TAP.

Please refer to this section again for future updates. Thank you for your patience.

Outside Resources

Part of building RPOSD’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) includes identifying and sharing outside resources that could be helpful for grantees when planning their park and open space projects. We have found the following links informative and hope that you find them useful, too. Please don’t hesitate to recommend additional links or resources you don’t see listed here by emailing us at TAP@rposd.lacounty.gov

DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN

Accessibility and Universal Design Standards

When it comes to applying and practicing universal park design, the National Park Service is in the forefront.

CPTED Design Guidelines

There are four important Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines which you should follow when conducting a CPTED security property assessment.

Creating Parks and Public Places for People of All Ages

A free, step-by-step guide to developing fun, safe and healthy outdoor places by AARP.

From Fitness Zones to the Medical Mile

A publication on how urban park systems can best promote health and wellness by Peter Harnik and Ben Welle published by The Trust for Public Land.

International CPTED Association

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach for reducing crime through urban and environmental design and the management and use of built environments.

Nature Play Design Guidelines in the Built Environment: Design Standards and Guidelines

Initiated through a partnership with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation as a commitment to advocate for connecting people and land through play as a core community value that is critical to a better quality of life and the development of future stewardship of public spaces, these guidelines compiled by Valerian llc. and Bienstock Natural Playgrounds build upon previous planning efforts and provide strategic alternatives that support the vision to incorporate nature play and learning spaces into parks, schools, open space, and science and cultural institution.

Pathway to Parks & Affordable Housing Joint Development

A document co-authored by LA THRIVES, SEACA, and Enterprise Community Partners as part of the Los Angeles Regional Open Space and Affordable Housing (LA ROSAH) collaborative. It outlines how parks and housing sectors can work together to leverage investments and help low-income Angelenos live in homes near transit and parks in order to create healthy, climate-resilient neighborhoods.

Reclaiming the Right of Way

“A Toolkit for Creating and Implementing Parklets” published by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation.

SMART Parks: A Toolkit

Published by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, this document is a compilation of technologies that can be used in parks to make them SMART.

Standards for Accessible Design

Regulations according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 were updated in 2010. The document includes standards for public accommodations and facilities, relevant to all parks and open spaces.

Re-create & Recreate: Recycling Streets to Reshape Neighborhoods

An outline for a Master Plan that has been several years in the making by Ron Goldman, an architect with a goal of solving the park equity issue through “walkable neighborhood parks” created from “recycled streets”.

The Center for Universal Design

Although currently inactive, the center’s website contains useful information and references regarding universal design.

METRICS & ASSESSMENTS

Complete Parks Indicators: A Systems Approach to Assessing Parks

ChangeLab Solutions introduces the 7 Complete Parks elements, presents indicators and sample metrics for assessing a parks system, and provides guidance on data collecting.

Complete Parks Overview: Creating an Equitable Parks System

This document by ChangeLab Solutions describes a new approach, the Complete Parks approach, and how it can be used to create a Complete Parks system.

Tree Equity Score

The Tree Equity Score provides information about Urban Forests across Los Angeles County.

The Urban Tree Assessment

The Urban Tree Assessment provides tools to evaluate tree canopy.

OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

CitiesWithNature

A shared platform for cities and their partners to engage and connect, working with shared commitment towards a more sustainable urban world.

City of Portland Public Involvement Manual and Toolkit

This document from Portland Parks & Recreation defines a process for collaborative development of public involvement plans and describes key elements that plans should include.

Community Engagement Resource Guide

Designed by NRPA to provide park and recreation professionals the tools to conduct community engagement, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. It highlights essential steps to meaningful engagement around neighborhood-level and park-system planning projects.

Community Engagement Toolkit: Guidance and Resources for Engaging Community in Planning and Policy Development

In partnership with Public Health-Seattle & King County, Futurewise, Interim CDA, OneAmerica and El Centro de la Raza worked together to develop and pilot approaches to engaging community in local government planning.

Parks and Recreation Inclusion Report

Developed by NRPA to provide greater insight into how agencies across the United States ensure that all members of their communities can enjoy parks and recreation. The study also highlights the significant challenges facing the industry in delivering on this promise.

The Nature of Cities

The Nature of Cities, to engage and educate community through cohesive messaging/signage

OUTSIDE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

California Grants Portal

The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.

Community Partnering Program

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California created the program to provide grant sponsorship of up to $2000 maximum for water education programs and community events.

Environmental Justice Data Fund

The Environmental Justice Data Fund (EJDF or “the Fund”) is an $8 million fund, created and seeded by Google.org, that aims to help frontline communities that have been historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustice. The Fund will enable frontline communities in the United States to use data to unlock resources, increase their access to Justice40 benefits and federal infrastructure funding, and advocate for new policies that empower communities to address past environmental harm and pave the way to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Forest Biomass Fund

The Climate Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund, one of the current programs financed by The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank), is offering funding for projects that reduce wildfire threats through forest biomass management and utilization. The program is open to both private and public sector applicants.

Funding Opportunities – California Department of Parks and Recreation

California State Park Office of Grants and Local Services maintains a list of current funding opportunities.

Grant and Loan Programs within the Natural Resources Agency

California Natural Resources Agency offers a variety of grant programs with different eligibility requirements. Check back frequently, as these are updated on a regular basis.

LA84 Foundation Grants

LA84 Foundation offers grants to organizations that focus on youth development through sport.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

California Land and Water Conservation Fund—Outreach Recreation Legacy Partnership Program provides funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians.

Local Resource Program

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California created the program to provide financial incentives to local projects such as water recycling, groundwater recovery, and seawater desalination projects developed by local and member agencies.

Ongoing Grant Opportunities

Kaboom! offers various playground grant opportunities to help communities build safe places for kids to play.

Proposition 68 Grants

The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 provides several funding programs. These funds are intended to create parks, enhance river parkways, protect coastal forests and wetlands, and increase outdoor access.

Recreational Trails Program

Recreational Trails Program provides funds annually for recreational trails and trails-related projects. Funding is available at both state and federal levels.

Safe Places to Play – Giving Kids a Place to Call Their Own

U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants for projects transforming abandoned courts, empty schoolyards, vacant lots and the link into state-of-the-art soccer fields for kids.

Stormwater Recharge

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is expanding its effort to learn more about the water supply potential of local stormwater capture with a new $7.5 million pilot program.

The Skatepark Project Grants

The Skatepark Project aims to promote high quality, public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States, and to support international programs that enrich the lives of youth through skateboarding.

SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY

13 Short Range Livability Solutions Information

Placemaking solutions that can be implemented efficiently and cost effectively by AARP.

Clean Up Green Up

Environmental Justice site with some stories and how-to’s

Creating a Complete Los Angeles River Greenway For All

Presented by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, this Guide features 14 case studies of small and large projects that have improved community access to the LA River and/or created parks, pathways, or bridges along it.

Creating Parks and Public Places for People of All Ages

A free, step-by-step guide to developing fun, safe and healthy outdoor places by AARP.

Greening without Gentrification: Learning from Parks-Related Anti-Displacement Strategies Nationwide

This appendix is a supplement to Greening without Gentrification, a report written by Alessandro Rigolon, assistant professor in the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning at The
University of Utah, and Jon Christensen, adjunct assistant professor in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA.

Measures Matter

A USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity publication on “Ensuring Equitable Implementation of Los Angeles County Measures M & A” by Vanessa Carter, Manuel Pastor, and Madeline Wander.

Park Equity, Life Expectancy, and Power Building

Prevention Institute, in collaboration with the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health’s Department of Environment Health Sciences and the Powering Healthy Lives through Parks Community Advisory Board, has published new research about the relationship between parks and life expectancy and an advocacy toolkit that community-based organizations can use to push for park equity.