Parks for Seniors: Identifying Opportunity Sites in Los Angeles

Older adults are a highly underserved group in regards to parks, despite the fact that scholars have found a “healing effect” and promotion of one’s physical and emotional well-being when spending time in natural settings. Despite the strong link between physical activity and health, older adults represent the most inactive portion of the population. This is due, in part, to a general lack of recreational and park facilities designed with older adults in mind. This report seeks to build upon the work of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, the City Project, and Community Health Councils to address park needs in Los Angeles, but also focus particular attention on the needs of older adults. This report intends to identify the areas of high need but also high opportunity in the City of Los Angeles for developing senior-friendly parks.

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