LA County is home to two world-renowned theaters – the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and the Hollywood Bowl. Maintained and managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, these magnificent, open-air venues host world famous artists, cultural events, interactive participatory arts events, and more.
So pack a picnic and enjoy the best artists from around the world under a beautiful California sky.
Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. The Hollywood Bowl is a venue for showcasing artistic greatness and celebrating our global cultural heritage. The Hollywood Bowl still offers $1 seats for many events. The Bowl is operated under a partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the County of Los Angeles.
The Ford Theatres are dedicated to presenting a diverse roster of events representing music and dance styles reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles County. In addition to its multidisciplinary summer season, the Ford presents interactive participatory arts events where Angelenos can experience genuine LA art, music and culture. The Amphitheatre is operated in partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Angeles National Forest Recreation Areas
Antelope Valley Trails and Recreation Council
Baldwin Hills Regional Conservation Authority
Board of Governors
Bonelli Park Support Foundation
California Parks and Recreation Society
Center for Natural Land Management
Central Basin Municipal Water District
Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation Golf Advisory Committee
Equestrian Trails International (ETI)
Friends of Acton Park
Friends of Jackie Robinson Park
Friends of Salazar Park
Friends of Steinmetz Park Senior Center
George Lane Park Board
Inter-Agency Council of Child Abuse and Neglect
La Cañada / Flintridge Trails Council
Loma Alta Park Community Gardens
Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, Inc.
Los Angeles County Arts Commission
Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office
Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services
Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs
Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Los Angeles County Public Library
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Flood Control District
Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Los Angeles County Office of County Counsel
Los Angeles County Fish and Game Commission
Los Angeles County Parks Foundation
Los Angeles County Probation Department
Los Angeles County Quality Productivity Commission
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
National Recreation and Park Association
Nature Centers Associates of Los Angeles County, San Dimas Canyon
Nature Centers Associates of Los Angeles County, Eaton Canyon
Nature Centers Associates of Los Angeles County, Placerita Canyon
Parks and Recreation Commission
Park Summit of Los Angeles County
Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy
Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Santa Catalina Island Conservancy
Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
Santa Clarita Valley Trails Advisory Committee
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council
Schabarum Regional Park Support Foundation
South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation
Stephen Sorensen Park Board
Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District
Val Verde Community Benefits Funding Committee
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has a long, proud history which has brought us to where we are today.
Prior to becoming the Department of Parks and Recreation, operations and facilities were managed by 1) the Parks Division, which was responsible for maintaining all physical aspects of parks under the Forester and Fire Warden’s Office, and 2) the Department of Recreation, Camps and Playgrounds which was responsible for administering all park programs.
On July 1, 1944, the Department of Parks and Recreation was created by ordinance and all functions were merged into this new Department. Since then, the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has been meeting the recreational needs of residents and visitors from all over the world through programming, facilities, land acquisition and environmental stewardship and more!
Today, the Department owns 182 beautiful parks including natural areas, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, trails, arboreta and botanic gardens and local, community and regional parks. The Department also operates the largest municipal golf system with 20 courses at 18 locations and owns great cultural venues including the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and the world famous Hollywood Bowl.
Creative and innovative recreational programming offers something special for every member of the family and a number of special events are held annually for the enjoyment of the entire community.
The Department is committed to providing social, cultural and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy! The mission and goals of the Department are accomplished through unwavering support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, County Chief Executive Office, partnerships with other County Departments, Friends Groups, Foundations, non-profit groups and other organizations and agencies and through a team of talented and dedicated employees and volunteers who understand completely how Parks Make Life Better!
