Title
Mr. Melvoin - Connecting Communities: Expanding Community School Parks by Supporting Amendments to the Los Angeles City Charter (Res-003-26/27)
description
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District (District) is committed to providing safe and healthy environments by promoting joy and wellness for all students as illustrated in Pillar 2 of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan;
Whereas, The District, as one of the largest landowners in the City of Los Angeles, has transformed campuses to ensure schools have safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for students to play. The District has completed numerous greening projects that reduce asphalt, increase tree canopy, and improve climate resilience. However, many communities still lack access to parks and green space;
Whereas, Lack of access to parks and green space disproportionately affects students in low-income neighborhoods and can lead to health, environmental, and social problems. Park-poor communities may suffer from higher rates of chronic illness, poor mental health, extreme urban heat, and have fewer safe places for children to play;
Whereas, A Community School Park (CSP) is a shared space on a school campus that welcomes community members to enjoy recreation and play during non-school hours—completely free of charge;
Whereas, School campuses across the country successfully operate as a CSP on weekends–where the school district maintains oversight during school hours and the city oversees park operations as part of its core duty to provide municipal parks;
Whereas, In Los Angeles, CSPs are created through a collaboration between the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the District, with a shared goal of bringing more safe, accessible outdoor spaces to all communities;
Whereas, The District commends the City of Los Angeles for its leadership and commitment to expanding CSPs and providing local neighborhoods with safe, accessible, and vital play spaces;
Whereas, In August...
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