PROJECT TITLE: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Cooling Amenities Project – Notice of Exemption
PROJECT LOCATION:
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
4100 South La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90056
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area (Kenneth Hahn Park) is located at 4100 S. La Cienega Blvd, in unincorporated Ladera Heights. The 346-acre regional park features a Japanese garden, fishing lake, visitor center, play areas, sport courts, picnic areas, restrooms, multi-purpose sports fields, scenic lookouts, parking lots, and over seven miles of walking paths. The abundance of amenities makes this park a popular year-round regional destination. However, the park lacks adequate shaded areas to provide relief from high temperatures.
Kenneth Hahn Park was identified as a priority for cooling interventions in the LA County Parks 2023 Cooling Strategies in our Parks report to the Board of Supervisors due to several factors. The park is in a study area with high park need according to the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment. The park also serves a population with moderate to high environmental burdens according to the 2022 Park Needs Assessment Plus. The proposed Project will help mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses and better serve the heat-vulnerable community that relies on Kenneth Hahn Park for recreation and relaxation.
LA-County Parks partnered with Climate Resolve, a nonprofit organization that champions equitable climate solutions, on community outreach through local workshops, online surveys, and events to educate the public on cooling strategies and inform the design of the proposed improvements. This engagement ensures that the proposed Project is responsive to community needs and enhances local resilience to extreme heat.
The proposed project will include the installation of a shade structure over the existing fitness equipment zone; installation of a hydration station; shade tree planting; and related improvements.
PROJECT APPLICANT: County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jui Ing Chien
Park Planner
626-588-5317
jchien@parks.lacounty.gov
EXEMPT STATUS: Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code:
Sections 15301 (d), 15303 (e) and 15304 (b)
REASONS FOR EXEMPTION:
The proposed Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed Project, which includes installing a shade structure over the existing fitness equipment, a hydration station, shade tree planting, and related improvements, is within certain classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment in that it meets the criteria set forth in sections 15301(d), 15303(e) and 15304(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines and Classes 1(c), 3(b) and 4(c) of the County’s Environmental Document Reporting Procedures and Guidelines, Appendix G. The Project provides for restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety; construction of small new structures; new landscaping; and will not involve the removal of healthy, mature, and scenic trees. In addition, based on the proposed Project’s records, it will comply with all applicable regulations, is not in a sensitive environment, and there are no cumulative impacts, unusual circumstances, damage to scenic highways, listing on hazardous waste site lists compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, or indications that it may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource that would make the exemption inapplicable.