Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Los Angeles County Launches Record $58 Million Grant Program to Expand Parks and Trails

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District on Tuesday announced a landmark $58 million competitive grant program — the largest in its history — to accelerate the development of parks, trails and green infrastructure across the region.

The 2025 Competitive Grant Program targets shovel-ready, climate-smart projects rooted in community priorities. At least 30 percent of funding is reserved for areas designated as having High or Very High Park Need, based on the County’s 2016 Park Needs Assessment. Rural and historically underrepresented communities will also receive added consideration.

“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 the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. “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.”

Funds will be distributed across three categories:

• Planning & Design Grants ($18 million): Supports community engagement, permitting and project design. Award amounts range from $100,000 to $500,000.

• Natural Lands, Local Beaches, Water Conservation & Protection ($24 million): Funds projects that enhance water quality, habitat and open space. Awards range from $500,000 to $4 million.

• Regional Recreation, Multi-Use Trails & Accessibility ($16 million): Supports trail systems, inclusive recreation and regional park development. Awards range from $500,000 to $4 million.

Over the past two years, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District has directed more than $45 million in targeted investments to park-deficient communities and issued emergency wildfire recovery funds. It also supported the acquisition of 623 acres of new parkland across the County.

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District 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. It aims to improve public health, boost climate resilience and ensure equitable access to nature for all Los Angeles County residents.

Application details and eligibility guidelines are available at rposd.lacounty.gov/2025competitivegrants.