ABSTRACT
Parks offer visual and psychological relief in high-pace urban communities and contribute to the quality of life and overall sense of well being of urban dwellers. The inadequate supply of parks and open spaces in LA is more pronounced in some neighborhoods than others. Ironically, despite the scarcity of green open spaces in the region, many parks remain underutilized and devoid of social uses and activities. Parks and recreation departments should not forget that small green spaces in neighborhoods can also offer recreational opportunities and environmental benefits. The underrepresentation of certain age, gender, or ethnic groups at parks is likely partly the result of a misfit between their needs and preferences and the park offerings. Unfortunately, park suppliers have not always responded to the challenges of inadequate park supply, inequitable allocation, underutilization, and frequent misfit between park form and programming and the needs of some Angelenos.
