Nature for All- Park Access and Justice Coalition

Green space, park access, and trees

South LA San Gabriel Valley San Fernando Valley Gateway Cities County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Throughout Los Angeles, a critical disconnect persists among environmentally-led entities: community-based organizations, park agencies, and municipalities are operating in isolation instead of in concert. These barriers affect community health determinants: access to parks, clean air and drinking water. Nature For All proposes the formation of Park Access and Justice Coalition - members will include community based organizations as well as local, city and regional stakeholders and representatives from County and State agencies.
Over half of Los Angeles County residents lives in communities that are in high need of parks and less access to green space. We seek to dismantle the silos of information, sharing resources and individual efforts between our colleagues in order to build a regional voice that can support urban park development, programming, and maintenance for some of the highest park need areas in our region.

The continuity of this powerful alliance will unite local community-based organizations (CBOs), forging a collaborative network that amplifies our collective reach and impact. By working together, we'll more effectively serve residents in high and very-high need park areas, ensuring all Angelenos have equitable access to nature's vital benefits. This coalition isn't just about parks; it's about unifying our community and creating a healthier, more connected Los Angeles for everyone.
Our proposal outlines a proactive strategy: the development of a culturally relevant, outdoor-equity focused coalition. This coalition will continue to unite local community-based organizations (CBOs) to collaboratively serve community members in high and very-high need park areas within our region.
Plan to meet quarterly, collaborate on systems change efforts and offering immersive training and collaboration in community organizing
Increase Public Awareness: Promotion of countywide distribution of and access to parks and open space, includes meeting with elected officials who represent these high park need areas, as well as County and State agencies
Systems-level changes to funding criteria for conservation, to increase funding opportunities for the restoration and operations and maintenance of urban degraded lands
Through these efforts we hope to work towards achieving Environmental reparations for Environmental Justice communities through the restoration and stewardship of urban degraded lands

Los Angeles County will have built a strong regional voice for park equity issues. Strong civic engagement will significantly impact community education and literacy, fostering collaboration among community members, organizations, and agencies. Leadership development programs will empower participants, and CBOs will extend their reach, uniting communities and protecting biodiversity. This will enable continuous advocacy for improved parks, green spaces, air quality and public health. Los Angeles will become more connected and resilient, with increased local representative support for improved community quality of life.