ABOUT US

The best of Los Angeles County awaits you at your County parks. From the world’s largest municipal golf course system to Nature Centers and Wildlife Sanctuaries, to local parks and large regional recreational centers, you’ll find thousands of ways to enjoy the great life here in Southern California.

Scroll down to learn more about the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.

MEET OUR DIRECTOR

Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, Director

Norma Edith García-Gonzalez was appointed as Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space District on July 7, 2020. She is the first woman and the first person of color to serve in this role since the Department was created in 1944. Before her recent appointment, she held the position of Acting Director and Chief Deputy. In her role, Mrs. García-Gonzalez was responsible for the Department’s day-to-day operations of 182 facilities that include an annual budget of $256 million, more than 2,600 employees and 6,477 registered volunteers.

Previously, she also held the position of Deputy Director for the Department’s Planning and Development Agency. In her thirteen-year career with the Department, Mrs. García-Gonzalez has held responsibilities in areas of planning, acquisition, development, and asset management of 71,249 acres of parkland and over 200 miles of trails.

Mrs. García-Gonzalez is an advocate for the well-being of children, families, and in bringing equity to communities throughout the County. This commitment is further demonstrated through her active participation in various civic and professional organizations. She currently serves on the Governing Board of Trustees for Rio Hondo College and the El Monte Promise Foundation.

Mrs. García-Gonzalez is a daughter of immigrants and the first in her family to attend college. She is a double graduate from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Urban Planning. She and her adventurous family of boys and dog, Cozmo, enjoy everything about parks!

OUR MISSION

  • Serve as stewards of parklands.
  • Build healthy and resilient communities.
  • Advance social equity and cohesion.

OUR
VISION

To be a world-class parks and recreation organization.

OUR
VALUES

Compassion – We cultivate emotional and cultural awareness that ensures empathy toward our diverse population.
Health and Wellness – We are dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of the communities and people we serve.
Inclusion – We will intentionally seek diversity in the experience of our staff and ensure our offerings reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Innovation – We dream big and combine creativity and productivity to design forward looking solutions.
Integrity and Dedication – We exhibit loyalty, commitment, honor, and truthfulness in actions and deeds.
Stewardship and Sustainability – We strive to balance social, economic, and environmental needs through proactive stewardship and conservation practices.

OPERATIONS PLAN

LA County Parks Operations Plan for fiscal year 2024/2025 was developed with centering equity, access and commitment to programming. The hours of operations of parks and programs promote equitable access to the public.  The Operations Plan also provides an overview of the key core programs offered by LA County Parks, information on the rental fees to access the facilities and provides important contact information for the main offices.

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