LA Parks

What LA Parks does

LA Parks is the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, a municipal government department operating under the Los Angeles City Charter since 1889. It manages the largest publicly owned recreation infrastructure in Los Angeles: 437 parks, 184 recreation centers, 29 senior citizen centers, swimming pools, golf courses, museums, campgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, and event venues, including landmark assets such as Griffith Park (4,210+ acres), Venice Beach (10M+ annual visitors), the Greek Theatre, and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

Core service offerings include the PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Program (40+ sports at $10 registration for ages 5-17), the RAP State Licensed Preschool Program (full-day care for ages 2-6), senior citizen programming, aquatics, special event venue rentals, and the Park Film Office for production permits. The technology layer is a government recreation management platform that handles online activity registration, facility discovery, trip planning, and virtual recreation content, supplemented by an integration with the MyLA311 city service portal.

The entity is funded through City of Los Angeles general fund allocations, Measure A dedicated local tax funds, HUD-aligned income waivers, CDSS/CDE preschool subsidies, mandatory Park Mitigation Fees from residential developers, programming fees (youth sports, preschool, rentals), and an investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee and IOC for PlayLA. Film permits are administered via Film LA, Inc. as a channel partner. Customer segments span youth and families, active adults 50+, tourists and the general public, event organizers, and film production companies, with no commercial revenue concentration.

Name

LA Parks

Legal name

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Website

https://laparks.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

1889

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LA Parks is the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, a municipal government department that manages 437 parks, 184 recreation centers, and 29 senior centers, serving LA residents and visitors through youth sports, preschool, aquatics, events, and film permitting.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Recreation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds (721211), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (72121), Administration of Conservation Programs (924120), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (BPAIACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH), Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF), Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH), Educational & Edutainment Parks (Science/Discovery/Children’s Parks) (THAJAEAG)

Keywords

• Municipal recreation services
• Public parks management
• Youth sports programs
• Community recreation centers
• Outdoor public facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Recreation Services Fees: Fees collected for youth sports program registration ($10 per registration), preschool childcare services, facility rentals, and recreational activities. Income-eligible families may receive waivers and subsidies through CDSS or CDE funding.
2. Film Permits: Film production companies pay location fees for filming in parks. Fees range from $150/day for prep days to $450/day for film days, plus equipment base camp, crew parking, catering, and special facility fees. Student camera tests and still photos have reduced rates.
3. Park Mitigation Fees: Residential development projects are required to pay Park Fees for the construction of new dwelling units in the City of Los Angeles to support park infrastructure.
4. Government Funding: Funded through City of Los Angeles general fund, Measure A funds, and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee investment for PlayLA youth sports legacy program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

LA Parks (City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks) is a municipal government department that manages 437 parks, 184 recreation centers, and 29 senior citizen centers across Los Angeles. It delivers accessible recreation programming including the PlayLA youth and adaptive sports program, licensed preschool childcare, aquatics, golf, campgrounds, special event venues, and the Park Film Office for production permits, while stewarding iconic landmarks such as Griffith Park and Venice Beach.

Product overview

LA Parks (City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks) operates 437 parks and 184 recreation centers as a civic government service, not a commercial product. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio of recreational services including: PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Program (offering 40+ sports for ages 5-17 at $10 registration); RAP State Licensed Preschool Program (full-day care for ages 2-6); aquatic facilities; golf courses; 29 senior citizen centers; campgrounds; dog parks; skate parks; museums and historical sites; special event venues; and the Park Film Office for production permits. Key landmarks include Griffith Park (4,210+ acres with Greek Theatre, Observatory, and attractions), Venice Beach (10M+ annual visitors), and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Services are accessible through in-person registration, online activity discovery, and facility reservations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PlayLA: Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Program - A comprehensive sports program for youth ages 3-17 offering over 40 sport options, made possible by investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Registration fee is $10 to eliminate economic barriers.
• RAP State Licensed Preschool Program
• PlayLA Youth Sports
• Active Adult 50+
• Muscle Beach Venice

Products and services

• PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Program Year-round quality sports programming for youth of all abilities ages 5-17, offering over 40 different sport options through neighborhood recreation centers and pools. Registration is $10 with income-based waivers available.
• RAP State Licensed Preschool Program Full-day preschool care for children ages 2-6 using Creative Curriculum and STEAM-based activities, with a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio and meals provided. Accepts payments from child care resource and referral agencies and CDSS/CDE subsidies.
• Aquatics and Swimming Pools Public swimming pools and aquatic facilities offering swim programs, Dive Team, and aquatic activities across the city.
• Municipal Golf Courses Municipal golf facilities including Harding Golf Course and Wilson Golf Course in Griffith Park, offering public golfing experiences.
• Recreation Centers 184 recreation centers offering various activities including sports, fitness, arts, and community programs across Los Angeles.
• Senior Citizen Centers 29 senior citizen centers offering activities, programs, and special events including shuffleboard, croquet, arts and crafts, zumba, line dancing, language lessons, and nutrition programs for adults aged 50 and older.
• Griffith Park Over 4,210 acres of natural chaparral-covered terrain and landscaped parkland, one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Features include Greek Theatre, Griffith Observatory, Autry Museum, and hiking trails.
• Venice Beach Iconic beach destination attracting approximately 10 million visitors per year. Features include Boardwalk, Venice Skate Plaza, Muscle Beach gym, fishing pier, basketball courts, and outdoor recreational activities.
• Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Marine aquarium facility located in San Pedro offering cultural programs and science/nature educational experiences.
• Special Event Venues Venues for weddings, events, and celebrations including Brand Park Community Center, Friendship Auditorium, Grace E. Simons Lodge, Griffith Park Visitor Center Auditorium, Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center, and Wattles Mansion and Gardens, with capacities of 40-300 guests.
• Park Film Office Permits Film and photography permit services for filming in city parks, working with Film LA Inc. to issue permits and collect fees for production activities including prep days ($150/day), film days ($450/day), equipment base camp, crew parking, catering, and still photography.
• Campgrounds Outdoor camping facilities including Camp Hollywoodland and Griffith Park Boys Camp offering residential camping experiences.
• Dog Parks Designated off-leash dog parks throughout the city for pet exercise and recreation.
• Skate Parks Skateboarding facilities including the Venice Skate Plaza offering world-renowned skateboarding venues.
• Museums and Historical Sites Cultural and historical facilities including museums and designated historical sites throughout Los Angeles.

Quantifiable outcome

• Venice Beach attracts approximately 28,000-30,000 people daily and over 10 million visitors annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Nike (CoachLA Partnership)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCity of Los Angeles and Nike partnered on the CoachLA initiative to provide training resources for coaches and volunteers to create positive early experiences for youth participating in sports. The partnership supports youth sports development with resources and playbook materials for volunteer coaches.
• Metro and LADOTminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic transit partnerships to provide access to Griffith Park. LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle runs 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with shuttles every 15-20 minutes to reduce parking congestion and provide accessible transportation to park attractions.
• Film LA, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFilm LA, Inc. issues permits and collects fees on behalf of the City of Los Angeles for filming and photography activities in parks. They work in conjunction with the Park Film Office to approve and issue permits for production companies.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Boston Parks and Recreation Department: City of Boston department operating 200+ parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities including historic Franklin Park. Directly comparable municipal recreation provider with youth programming, sports leagues, and iconic urban park assets.
• Chicago Park District: Municipal park agency managing 600+ parks, 70+ natural areas, and extensive recreation programming across Chicago. Directly comparable in operating model as an independent park district with fee-based programming, youth sports, and senior services.
• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: City of Philadelphia department managing 170+ neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and historic sites. Directly comparable municipal recreation provider with youth programming, senior services, and event venue operations.
• Houston Parks and Recreation Department: Municipal department operating 380+ parks and 60+ community centers across Houston. Directly comparable as a large-city municipal recreation provider offering youth sports, senior programs, golf courses, and adaptive programming.
• New York City Department of Parks & Recreation: Operates the largest municipal parks system in the United States, managing 30,000+ acres of parkland, 14 miles of beaches, and thousands of recreation facilities. Directly comparable as a municipal department providing free/subsidized public recreation services to a major US metropolis.
• Denver Parks and Recreation: City and County of Denver department managing 300+ parks and the Denver Mountain Parks system. Directly comparable as a mountain-adjacent municipal recreation provider offering youth sports, senior programming, golf, and event venues.
• San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department: City of San Francisco department managing 220+ parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers. Directly comparable municipal recreation provider offering youth programming, senior services, golf courses, and event venue rentals in a high-cost California urban market.
• Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces: County-level department managing 270+ parks and dozens of recreation facilities across Miami-Dade. Directly comparable large-jurisdiction municipal recreation provider with youth sports, senior programming, and beach/waterfront operations.
• Seattle Parks and Recreation: City of Seattle department managing 400+ parks and 25+ recreation centers, including major destinations like Discovery Park. Directly comparable municipal recreation operator with youth/adult sports, senior services, and event venue rentals.
• San Diego Parks and Recreation: City of San Diego department operating 400+ parks, recreation centers, and aquatic facilities. Directly comparable as another Southern California municipal recreation provider with youth sports, senior programming, and beach-front park operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LACityParks
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTyO0ETBQz2a9CajfP8rmWA
• Facebookfacebook.com/LACityParks
• Instagraminstagram.com/lacityparks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sherman-oaks-castle-park

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LA Parks