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Angel’s Park score? Let’s say you’re not taking a walk in the park. Los Angeles plummeted to 90th out of 100 major metropolitan areas across the country due to the park system, according to a new report by the Public Land Trust, a nonprofit organization that is committed to connecting people outdoors. This is a surprising statistic considering Los Angeles ranked 49th in the exact same ranking as just five years ago. What has changed so much in the city to require such a poor mark?
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Well, first, let’s work on the reporting methodology. Public land trust considers five important categories when determining which cities are on top and which cities are shortfalls. Rankings for each city, including Los Angeles, are determined compared to all of the other 100 major metropolitan areas, taking into account the capabilities of the park system. The national park score index is published annually and hopes not only dialogue but also triggers action plans to help leaders achieve more resources to improve the city’s park system.
Washington, DC has won the number one spot, and it’s easy to see why. 99% of residents live near green spaces, and over 21% of public land is used in the park. Other cities that have earned top spots in all five categories include Minneapolis, Minnesota. Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Paul, Minnesota; nearby Irvine, California.
Los Angeles was actually able to retrieve pages from a San Francisco playbook. It edging LA in all five categories, with the 6th-placed siblings taking the 6th-placed spot. (Fun fact: 100% of Golden City residents live on a 10-minute walk to the park.)
Los Angeles averaged above average in area (or city-wide land exclusively for Parkland), and averaged for access to green spaces, but had a low investment score. “In Los Angeles, a total of $111 is spent on publicly accessible parks and recreational activities below the average in this category,” the report states. Los Angeles also scored below amenities and equity averages. This indicates “equity in parks and park space equity across regions by race and income.”
Silver Lining: Public Land Trust Report highlights areas that can help the Los Angeles area most. The mapping platform helps leaders determine where to identify their efforts to get the most benefit, as they deserve access to the outdoors, regardless of race, income or location.
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