Lakewood City Council
August 12, 2025

AGENDA

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5000 CLARK AVENUE

LAKEWOOD, CALIFORNIA
August 12, 2025
ADJOURNED MEETING: 6:00 p.m.

Park, Recreation and Community Services Long-Range Plan EXECUTIVE BOARD ROOM CALL TO ORDER 7:30 p.m.

INVOCATION: Reverend Louis Chase, Holman United Methodist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Scout Troop 113/3433
ROLL CALL: Mayor Cassandra Chase
Vice Mayor Jeff Wood
Council Member David Arellano
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Todd Rogers
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:

Presentation by Captain Dan Holguin, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, Regarding Quarterly Public Safety Report

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA
ROUTINE ITEMS:

All items listed within this section of the agenda are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion. Any Member of Council may request an item be removed for individual discussion or further explanation. All items removed shall be considered immediately following action on the remaining items.

RI-1 PERSONNEL TRANSACTIONS - It is recommended City Council approve report of personnel transactions.

RI-2 REGISTERS OF DEMANDS - It is recommended City Council approve registers of demands.

RI-3 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES’ ACTIVITIES - It is recommended City Council receive and file the report.

RI-4 MONTHLY REPORT OF INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS - JUNE 2025 - It is recommended City Council receive and file the report.

RI-5 QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2025 - It is recommended City Council receive and file the report.

City Council Agenda
August 12, 2025

ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
RI-6 RESOLUTIONS OF DESTRUCTION FOR OBSOLETE CITY RECORDS MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW, RESOLUTIONS NO. 2025-43 THROUGH NO. 2025-50 - It is recommended City Council adopt proposed resolutions.

RI-7 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-51 AND NO. 2025-52; ESTABLISHING DISABLED PERSON

DESIGNATED PARKING ON THE WEST SIDE OF ELAINE AVENUE AND ON THE EAST SIDE OF MCNAB AVENUE - It is recommended the City Council adopt the proposed resolutions.

RI-8 ACCEPTANCE OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO. 2025-6, IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING MAYFAIR PARK BLEACHERS - It is recommended City Council accept work performed by Deark E&C in final contract amount of $180,423.50 and authorize City Clerk to file Notice of Completion; and ratify Change Order Nos. 1-7 in net additional amount of $16,923.50.

RI-9 APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR PROPOSITION A

DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM FOR COLLECTING AND REPORTING DATA FOR THE NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE FOR REPORT YEAR 2023 - It is recommended City Council approve and authorize Mayor to sign the MOU for Proposition A Discretionary Grant Program, so as to continue to collect and report National Transit Database statistics and receive approved transit allocation funds in amount of $37,227.

RI-10 APPOINTMENT OF MEASURE L CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBER - It is recommended City Council approve the appointment of Rudy Villarreal to the Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee.

RI-11 APPROVAL OF ENCROACHMENT PERMITS FOR 3954 ANN ARBOR ROAD AND FOR 4176 FLEETHAVEN ROAD - It is recommended City Council approve permanent encroachment permits, authorize Mayor to sign and direct City Clerk to record with County Recorder.

LEGISLATION:

2.1 APPOINTMENT TO COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMISSION, RESOLUTION NO. 2025-53 - It is recommended City Council adopt proposed resolution.

2.2 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-54; AMENDING CAR WASH SPECIAL EVENT RESOLUTION NO 2024-38 - It is recommended City Council adopt proposed resolution REPORTS:

3.1 ACCEPTANCE OF FEDERAL COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE PALMS PARK COMMUNITY CENTER IMPROVEMENT - It is recommended City Council accept award of Federal Community Project Funding in amount of $850,000 for Palms Park Community Center Improvement.

3.2 PARK, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES LONG-RANGE PLAN - It is recommended City Council receive and file the completed Parks, Recreation and Community Services Long-Range Plan for the public record and reference the document as needed to reaffirm alignment with city goals, priorities, available resources and community needs. Additionally, it is recommended that the Park Development Committee undertake a systematic review of the Plan’s recommendations and, where applicable, collaborate with the Capital Improvement Program Committee.

City Council Agenda
August 12, 2025

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a qualified individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the City Council meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA, at 562/866-9771, ext. 2200; or at [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance to ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting.

Agenda items are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, and are available for public review during regular business hours. Any supplemental material distributed after the posting of the agenda will be made available for public inspection during normal business hours in the City Clerk’s Office. For your convenience, the agenda and the supporting documents are available in an alternate format by request and are also posted on the City’s website at www.lakewoodcity.org REPORTS: - Continued

3.3 APPOINTMENTS TO GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS & COMMITTEES - Mayor recommends City Council approve appointments.

AGENDA

LAKEWOOD HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY

1. REGISTER OF DEMANDS - It is recommended Housing Successor Agency approve register of demands.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:

ADJOURNMENT

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

SUMMARY CHECK/EFT REGISTER

CHECK/EFT

VENDOR NAME AMOUNT

CHECK/EFT
DATE
6,700.00
1,925.00
1,495.00
694.23
7,959.00
3,750.00
200.00
254.80
1,393.32
583.33
1,418.71
1,708.85
2,550.00
338.00
11,757.29

81.77 49.03
17,797.15
7,866.16
60,203.54
8,730.50
1,336.03
837,596.15
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
07/31/2025

IWATER INC

SHAKER NERMINE

ADVANCED AVANT GARDE INC

BELLFLOWER, CITY OF

HI-WAY SAFETY RENTALS INC

KILEY GREGORY THOMAS

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL INTEROPERABLE

LAKEWOOD PROJECT SHEPHERD

MEALS ON WHEELS OF LONG BEACH INC

PATHWAYS VOLUNTEER HOSPICE

JENKINS, MICHAEL

KICK IT UP KIDZ LLC

LAKEWOOD CITY EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION

MARKLEY, ELIZABETH

MIDAMERICA ADMIN & RETIREMENT

SO CALIF SECURITY CENTERS INC

SPECIALTY TIRES LLC

THE TECHNOLOGY DEPOT
U S BANK PARS ACCT #6746022500
VOYA

WATERLINE TECHNOLOGIES INC

ZONES IT SOLUTIONS INC
Total:

Portfolio Review
PFM Asset Management | pfmam.com 11

CITY OF LAKEWOOD
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2025
Portfolio Snapshot

1. Yield and duration calculations exclude cash and cash equivalents. Sector allocation includes market values and accrued interest.

The portfolio’s benchmark is currently the ICE BofA 1-5 Year U.S Treasury Index. Prior to 3/31/19 it was the ICE BofA 1-3 Year U.S Treasury Index. Source: Bloomberg Financial LP.

An average of each security’s credit rating was assigned a numeric value and adjusted for its relative weighting in the portfolio.

Portfolio Snapshot - CITY OF LAKEWOOD¹
Credit Quality - S&P
26%
40%
16%
34%
27%
23%
11%10%
10% 6% 5%
0%
50%
40%
30%
20%
0-1 Yr 1-2 Yrs 2-3 Yrs 3-4 Yrs 4-5 Yrs
Portfolio Benchmark
Duration Distribution
U.S. Treasury | 40%
Corporate | 24%
Agency CMBS | 17%
ABS | 14%
Negotiable CD | 3%
Municipal | 2%
Federal Agency | 1%
Sector Allocation
AAA| 12%
AA+ | 58%
AA| 1%
AA- | 6%
A+ | 8%
A | 6%
A- | 5%
BBB+ | 1%
Not Rated | 4%
Portfolio Statistics
Portfolio Effective Duration
Benchmark Effective Duration
Yield At Cost
Yield At Market
Portfolio Credit Quality

2.52 years

2.48 years

4.29%

4.04%
AA
Total Market Value $42,412,595.70
Securities Sub-Total $42,072,741.31
Accrued Interest $271,608.03
Cash $68,246.36
PFM Asset Management | pfmam.com 12

CITY OF LAKEWOOD
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2025
Account Summary

14.0%

23.7%

2.8%

1.6%

17.3%

0.7%

40.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
ABS - $5,913,044
Corporate - $10,026,731
Negotiable CD - $1,196,873
Municipal - $659,783
Agency CMBS - $7,322,577
Federal Agency - $301,131
U.S. Treasury - $16,924,211
PortfolioAllocation Sector Limit for Analysis*
Sector Allocation Analytics
For informational/analytical purposes only and is not provided for compliance assurance. Includes accrued interest. *Sector Limit for Analysis is as derived from our interpretation of your most recent Investment Policy as provided.

PFM Asset Management | pfmam.com 13

CITY OF LAKEWOOD
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025
Compliance
Note: Pre- and post-trade compliance for the account(s) managed by PFM Asset Management is provided via Bloomberg Asset and Investment Management ("AIM").

Certificate of Compliance
Duringthe reporting period forthe quarterended June 30, 2025 the account(s)managedbyPFM Asset Management ("PFMAM") were in compliance with the applicable investment policyand guidelines as furnished to PFMAM.

Acknowledged : PFM Asset Management a division of U.S. Bancorp PFM Asset Management | pfmam.com 14

CITY OF LAKEWOOD
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2025
Portfolio Activity
Portfolio Activity - CITY OF LAKEWOOD
Net Activity by Sector
($ millions)
U.S. Treasury
Agency CMBS
Municipal
Corporate
ABS
($8.0) ($6.0) ($4.0) ($2.0) $0.0 $2.0 $4.0 $6.0 $8.0
Purchases
Based on total proceeds (principal and accrued interest) of buys, sells, maturities, and principal paydowns. Detail may not add to total due to rounding.

Sector Net Activity
ABS $2,568,132
Corporate $1,279,464
Municipal $200,000
Agency CMBS ($523,226)
U.S. Treasury ($2,798,299)
Total Net Activity $726,072
Sales/Maturities
PFM Asset Management | pfmam.com 15

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-53

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

LAKEWOOD APPOINTING CATHERINE TOLENTINO TO THE

COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMISSION REPLACING LINDA
MANIS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Resolution No. 2024-13 of the City Council pertaining to the appointment of members to the various commissions is amended as provided in this Resolution.

SECTION 2. Section 2 of said resolution pertaining to residents of the City of Lakewood appointed members of the Community Safety Commission for a term of two years, terminating with the second Council meeting following the next general municipal election is hereby amended by replacing Linda Manis with Catherine Tolentino, a resident of the City of Lakewood, and by setting the termination date to the first Regular City Council meeting held after the meeting at which the City Council certifies the results of a General Municipal Election per Resolution No. 2022-76.

SECTION 3. The appointment of Catherine Tolentino herein contained shall be effective upon said member taking the Constitutional Oath of Office and filing the Statement of Economic Interest within the time and manner specified in the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Lakewood.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 12TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2025.
___________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk

2.1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-54

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

LAKEWOOD REAFFIRMING AND AUGMENTING THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A PERMIT FOR SPECIAL

EVENTS AT PROPERTIES OCCUPIED BY COMMERCIAL

CAR WASHES

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. On June 25, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-38, which established the requirement for obtaining permits for Special Events at properties occupied by commercial car washes. This Resolution includes the language contained in such earlier Resolution, and adds additional restrictions. This Resolution shall supersede and replace Resolution No. 2024-38.

SECTION 2. On any property at which a commercial car wash operates pursuant to Section 9350(B)(13)(b) of the Lakewood Municipal Code, it shall be necessary to obtain a “Special Event Permit” (the “Permit”) from the City for any activity that exceeds the authority of that property’s Conditional Use Permit with respect to scope or nature of activity or physical use of the property, or that exceeds the maximum hours of operation set forth in said LMC section. The City’s Director of Finance and Administrative Services, or his/her designee (the “Director”), shall be authorized to issue the Permit, and shall be authorized to impose conditions and restrictions on the Permit as he/she deems necessary and appropriate, including but not limited to: (1) The posting of a bond which would be forfeited in the event of violation of the conditions of the Permit; (2) requirement of approval/concurrence of residential neighbors; (3) the submittal of a traffic plan; (4) the provision of contracted traffic management during the Event; and (5) reimbursement for staff costs in the case of violations of the Permit, including costs of staff time required to document and report violations.

SECTION 3. The following new restrictions shall apply: (a) There shall not be more than two Special Events held at any such property in a calendar year; (b) no Special Event Permit shall be issued for more than seven days; (c) the days of a Special Event need not be consecutive, but the first and last days of a Special Event shall not be more than 23 days apart; and (d) there shall be at least 45 days between the end of one Special Event and the commencement of another Special Event at the same property.

SECTION 4. A decision by the Director on an application for the Permit may be appealed by the applicant to the City’s License and Permit Hearing Board (the “Board”). Any such appeal must be filed with the City Clerk, in writing, not later than five days after the Director provides the applicant with a notice of decision on the application. The Board’s decision on such appeal shall be final.

Resolution No. 2025-54

SECTION 5. The application fee for the Permit shall be $500.00. The fee for appealing the Director’s decision shall be $100.00.

SECTION 6. Pursuant to Section 4900, et seq., of the Lakewood Municipal Code, the City Council hereby sets the amount of the administrative fine for each violation of the requirements of this Resolution, or of the conditions of any Permit issued pursuant to this Resolution, to be $1,000.00. Each day that any violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

SECTION 7. This Resolution is intended to and shall amend all prior City Council resolutions pertaining to the establishment of the amounts of administrative fines, which resolutions shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase in this Resolution, or any part hereof, is held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections or portions of this Resolution. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase in this Resolution irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 12TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2025.
___________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk

PARKS,

RECREATION
& COMMUNITY

SERVICES

LONG-RANGE PLAN

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
JULY 2025

PARKS,

RECREATION
& COMMUNITY

SERVICES

LONG-RANGE PLAN

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
JULY 2025
IV
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A comprehensive Assessment identified both critical and varied We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the creation of the City of Lakewood’s first Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan. This significant accomplishment could not have been possible without the dedication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration of City officials, community members, residents and visitors, and the hardworking staff of the Department of Recreation & Community Services. Many thanks to all who shared their support and experiences during this planning process.

CITY COUNCIL
Todd Rogers, Mayor
Cassandra Chase, Vice Mayor
David Arellano, Council Member
Steve Croft, Council Member
Jeff Wood, Council Member

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES

COMMISSION
Dave Allen
Kristie Larison
Veronica Lucio
Ted Spaseff
Anitza Valles

CITY MANAGEMENT
Thaddeus McCormack, City Manager

CITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Valarie Frost, Director of Recreation & Community
Services
Kevin Bright, Assistant Director of Recreation &
Community Services
Abel Andrade, Parks Superintendent, Recreation &
Community Services
Chuck Martucci, Community Services Manager,
Recreation & Community Services
Michael Cracium, Environmental Resources
Supervisor, Recreation & Community Services
Sabrina Junkin, Community Services Supervisor,
Recreation & Community Services
Kevin Yamakawa, Associate Civil Engineer, Public
Works
Ted Spaseff, Recreation & Community Services
Commissioner

CONSULTANT TEAM
MIG
Cindy Mendoza, Principal-in-Charge
Jose M. Rodriguez, Project Manager
Allison Lee, Deputy Project Manager
Jessa Miller, AICP, Park Planner
Zec Eight Insights
Austin L. Hochstetler, CPRE, Principal
V
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Lakewood’s slogan “Times Change. Values Don’t” was coined in 2004 and reflects civic unity and pride.

VI
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The City of Lakewood and our residents are proud
of our parks, recreation programs and community
services, which have been essential parts of
Lakewood throughout our 71 years as a city.

Indeed, community opinion surveys consistently
show that Lakewood residents feel that our parks
and recreation programs are one of our top
strengths as a city.

But we can never rest on our laurels.

As with all of our city services, we need to
continually look for ways to improve and to meet
the challenges and opportunities of the future.

That is why our City Council commissioned this
Long-Range Plan specifically focused on helping
guide us into the future with our parks, recreation
programs and community services.

We want to thank the many Lakewood community
members who took part in the surveys and face-toface meetings involved with this plan. Your input has been extremely valuable.

This Long-Range Plan will serve as a strategic
framework for guiding critical decisions related
to the enhancement of park infrastructure, green
spaces, athletic courts and fields, recreation
programs, and community centers and services
over the next decade and beyond.

The City Council is committed to ensuring our
residents remain proud and pleased with our park
facilities and programs, which make Lakewood
such a great place to live, work and play.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in
this Long-Range Plan and to everyone who will use
it as a valuable resource in the months and years
ahead.
- Lakewood City Council, Spring 2025

A FRAMEWORK

FOR THE
FUTURE
DEAR LAKEWOOD COMMUNITY MEMBERS:

VII
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan “One of the reasons I moved to
Lakewood over 30 years ago is the
many parks available in this city.

I love driving through Lakewood
and seeing all the green lawns and
beautiful trees, and I also enjoy
hearing the children playing when
I’m out working in my yard.”
—Public Survey Respondent
“I was raised in Lakewood and now
live in Lakewood as an adult. I love
this city and am very thankful for
the leadership team who communicates with its residents. Keep up the great work!”
—Public Survey Respondent
VIII
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

FRONT MATTER

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY VI
CHAPTER 1
A PIONEERING PLAN 1-1
Purpose of the Plan 1-2
Planning Process 1-3
Previous Planning Efforts 1-5
Plan Organization 1-6
CHAPTER 2

A DYNAMIC PARKS AND RECREATION
SYSTEM 2-1
Location 2-3
Department of Recreation & Community Services 2-6
Park and Recreation System Overview 2-12

CHAPTER

PRESERVING THE PAST, FORGING THE
FUTURE 3-1
Lakewood’s Recreation Legacy 3-2
An Evolving Community 3-6
Community Insights 3-14

CHAPTER
CONNECTING PEOPLE TO PARKS 4-1
Park and Facility Access 4-3
Quality Park and Facility Development 4-10
Recreation Facility Needs 4-12
Park and Trail Connectivity 4-16
Needs for Recreation Programs and Community
Events 4-20

CHAPTER
LOOKING AHEAD 5-1
Citywide Goals and Key Strategies 5-4

CONTENTS

TABLE OF
3 4
5 IX
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan CHAPTER 6
TAILORING PARKS FOR TOMORROW 6-1
Recreation Building Recommendations 6-4
Aquatic Facilities Recommendations 6-6
Guidelines for Park Design and Development 6-10
Additional Recreation Facilities 6-16
Site-Specific Recommendations for Existing
Parks 6-18

CHAPTER
TAKING ACTION 7-1
Capital and Programmatic Project List 7-3
Project Prioritization Tool 7-4
Funding Sources 7-8
Other Implementation Strategies 7-18
Partnership Protocols 7-20
Facility Cost Menu 7-21

APPENDICES
Appendix A. Park and Facility Inventory A-1
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-1
Appendix C. Engagement Summary C-1
Appendix D. Equity, Access & Needs Assessment D-1
Appendix E. Capital & Programmatic Project List E-1
7 X
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure ES-1. Engagement at a Glance XIII
Figure ES-2. Key Engagement Themes XIII
Figure ES-3. Lakewood Park Metrics XIV
Figure ES-4. Citywide Parks and Recreation Goals XVI
Figure 1-1. Process Graphic 1-3
Figure 1-2. Goals for Community Engagement 1-4
Figure 2-1. Regional Location Map 2-3
Figure 2-2. Drainage Courses and Transmission
Corridors 2-4
Figure 2-3. Tree Canopy Percentage by Location 2-5
Figure 2-4. Recreation & Community Services Divisions
and Services 2-7
Figure 2-5. Park and Facility Distribution by Size 2-13 Figure 2-6. Park and Facility Classification Map 2-22
Figure 3-1. Lakewood Parks and Recreation
Historical Timeline 3-4
Figure 3-2. Demographic Stats (2023) 3-6
Figure 3-3. Population Growth 1960-2020 3-6
Figure 3-4. Population per Square Mile 3-8
Figure 3-5. Race and Ethnicity Percentages (2022) 3-9
Figure 3-6. Race/Ethnicity Change 2010-2020 3-9
Figure 3-7. Housing Unit Types by Location 3-10
Figure 3-8. Vulnerable Populations 3-11
Figure 3-9. Percent Below Poverty (2022) 3-11
Figure 3-10. Age Range Change 2010-2020 3-12
Figure 3-11. Engagement at a Glance 3-15
Figure 4-1. Park Access Map (10-Minute Walk) 4-4
Figure 4-2. Population Vulnerability and Park
Access 4-6
Figure 4-3. Sports Fields & Courts Access
(10-min Walk) 4-10
Figure 4-4. Lakewood Parkland LOS Comparison 8
Figure 7-1. FY2023-24 Revised Budget
Appropriations 7-9
Figure B-1. Asset Condition Scoring Summary B-12
Figure B-2. Asset Condition Rating by Park B-16
Figure B-3. Percentage of Total Recreation Activities
Offered B-72
Figure C-1. Engagement at a Glance C-2
Figure D-1. Needs Assessment Methodology D-1
Figure D-2. Park Acreage Level of Service (LOS) D-7
Figure D-3. Population Within Walking Distance
of a Park D-9
Figure D-4. Access Map (10-Minute Walk) D-10
Figure D-5. Population Vulnerability D-11
Figure D-6. Recreation Survey Results
Related to Safety D-14
Figure D-7. Bike Access to Parks D-20
Figure D-8. Transit Access to Parks D-23
Figure D-9. Pedestrian Safety Around Parks D-26
Figure D-10. Engagement Safety Comments
Summary D-28
Figure D-11. Major Recreation Facilities Access D-30
Figure D-12. Sports Fields and Courts Access
(10-Minute Walk) D-31
Figure D-13. Access to Swimming Pools D-32
Figure D-14. Lakewood Recreation Asset Conditions
Summary D-34

TABLES, FIGURES, & MAPS
XI
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Park Classifications 2-14
Table 2-2. Sampling of Recreation Activities, Classes,
and Programming 2-31
Table 4-1. Trail and Pathway Types and Mileage 4-19
Table 7-1. Park Project Prioritization Tool 7-5
Table 7-2. CIP Funding Sources
(FY 23/24 to FY 29/30) 7-10
Table 7-3. RCS CIP Budget Funding Expenditures by
Project Type (FY 23/24 to FY 29/30) 7-11
Table 7-4. New Build Capital Cost Range by Facility,
based on 2025 Construction Costs 7-22
Table 7-5. Modifications (%) to New Build
Construction Costs 7-28
Table A-1. Park and Facility Inventory A-1
Table B-1. Park Classifications B-2
Table B-2. Park Inventory B-3
Table B-3. Summary of Park Assets B-4
Table B-4. Major Recreation Facilities and Buildings B-6 Table B-5. Recreation Facilities Attendance B-7
Table B-6. Picnic Shelter Reservations B-8
Table B-7. Recreational Asset Condition Scoring B-12
Table B-8. Asset Condition Rating by Park B-14
Table B-9. Sampling of Lakewood
Community Events B-70
Table B-10. Activities and Enrollment Statistics B-73
Table B-11. DASH Transit (2021-2023)
Overall Capture B-74
Table B-12. DASH Transit (2021-2023)
Trip Categories B-74
Table B-13. Adaptive Recreation Program (ARP) Overall
Registered Participants B-75
Table B-14. Community Special Events (2021-2023)
Overall Capture B-75
Table B-15. Family Programs (2021-2023)
Overall Capture B-75
Table B-16. Aquatics (2021-2023) Overall Capture B-76
Table B-17. Tot Lot (2021-2023) Participants B-76
Table B-18. Centre Reservations (2021-2023) B-76
Table B-19. Holiday Activities (2021-2023) B-77
Table B-20. Teen Activities (2021-2023) B-77
Table B- 21. Lakewood Youth Sports and Adult Sports
(2021-2023) B-77
Table B- 22. Project Shepard Statistics
(2021-2023) B-78
Table B- 23. Senior and Active+ Statistics
(2021-2023) B-79
Table B-24. Activity Time Frames B-80
Table B- 25. Activity Meeting Frequency B-81
Table B- 26. Activity Day of the Week B-82
Table D-1. Parkland Level of Service (LOS) D-8
Table D-2. Bicycle Connectivity Score D-19
Table D-3. Transit Connectivity Score D-22
Table D-4. Courts Level of Service (LOS) D-37
Table D-5. Fields Level of Service (LOS) D-39
Table D-6. Trail Types and Mileage D-46
Table E-1. Capital and Programmatic Project List
Per Site E-2
XII
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY
The Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Long-Range Plan (the Plan) is a first for the City of
Lakewood. It serves as a strategic blueprint for the
development, enhancement, and management of
our community’s parks, trails, recreation facilities,
programs, events, and services over the next
decade.

Through a comprehensive planning process
involving community input, stakeholder
engagement, and careful analysis of current
resources and trends, this plan will guide decisionmaking and investment in parks and recreation over the next 10 years to ultimately meet the
needs of diverse populations, improve quality of
life, and foster a sustainable, vibrant community.

LEARNING FROM THE

COMMUNITY
The recommendations identified in this document
are based on the needs, desires, and ideas
generated by the community over a year-long
engagement process. The process involved a
variety of activities designed to elicit diverse
voices and perspectives from the community.

Engagement activities were both online and
in-person; ranging from interviews, to a public
survey, to pop-up events. Additionally, advisory
groups were regularly involved to provide
guidance, direction, and local insight. In total,
nearly 1,850 people weighed in to shape the Plan.

Key themes from outreach highlighted a deep
appreciation for Lakewood’s park and recreation
offerings, site maintenance, diverse programs,
and emphasis on inclusivity. However, community
members also pointed out a need for better
access to parks, more variety of facilities,
enhancements of community buildings, safety and
comfort improvements, and creative partnership
opportunities.
“I love this community and I am
very grateful to be part of the
Lakewood city. I am glad that we
have an opportunity to voice our
opinions.”
—Public survey respondent
XIII
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE ES-1. ENGAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
FIGURE ES-2. KEY ENGAGEMENT THEMES
Appreciation for
Existing Parks
and Programs
Importance of
Close-to-Home
Parks
More Recreation
Facilities
Greater Variety
of Recreation
Facilities
Recreation
Building
Enhancements
Expanded Trails
and Connectivity
Diversified and
Increased
Programming
Safety and
Maintenance
Community
Engagement,
Communication
& Inclusiveness
Partnership
Opportunities
Community Members
Weighed in Including: Focus Group
Meeting Participants
1,848
City Leaders
Interviewed
10 90
Pop-Up Event
Interactions
600
Online & Paper
Survey Submissions
1,111
Teen Survey
Submissions
37 XIV
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

NEEDS AND

CONNECTIVITY

ASSESSMENT
In addition to community feedback, a full needs
and connectivity assessment was conducted as
part of the planning process. The assessment
focused on:
• Quantity of parkland and recreation facilities;
• Quality of access to parks and facilities;
• Connectivity between parks and trails;
• Availability of programs, events, and
community services; and
• Maintenance and stewardship of parks,
facilities, and trails.

The City of Lakewood is host to 207.6 acres
of parkland well-distributed throughout the
jurisdiction. The ample distribution means that
70% of Lakewood’s residential population live
within a 10-minute walk (one half-mile) to a park –
meeting the national access standard promoted
by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This
reflects the foresight of past planning efforts that
prioritized neighborhood-based parks as part
of Lakewood’s development pattern. To extend
this legacy, the city is also exploring ways to reach
the remaining 30% of residents who live beyond
walking distance to a park.

FIGURE ES-3. LAKEWOOD PARK METRICS
Lakewood’s 70th Anniversary Family Movie Night
XV
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan However, despite the successful distribution of
parks and facilities, the city remains below the
California State median of parkland provision for
a population of its size.*
As the city’s population
grows, it will continue to fall behind the state
median unless it similarly increase its parkland
acreage to match the growing residential
population.

While Lakewood may be considered “deficient” in
park acreage by these standards, it’s important to
recognize the city’s built-out nature and limited
availability of undeveloped land. The challenge
of acquiring new parkland is compounded by
* The California State median for similarly sized cities has a Level of Service of 3.3 acres per 1,000 residents, according to NRPA’s Park Metrics. The Level of Service for Lakewood is 2.6 acres per 1,000 residents.
high land and development costs, making largescale expansion unlikely. However, this reality also presents an opportunity to focus on enhancing
and reimagining existing parks to better serve a
growing and diversifying population.

To this aim, the city has already embarked on
creative recreation opportunities such as turning
utility corridors into low-maintenance recreation
spaces, orchestrating rotating sports offerings on
multi-use courts and fields, and partnering with
local nonprofit organizations for inclusive play
programs at various sites. These types of strategic
approaches will continue to benefit the Lakewood
community.

Group picnic tables at Monte Verde Park
XVI
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

CITYWIDE GOALS AND SITE RECOMMENDATIONS
The community’s aspirations and needs for Lakewood’s parks, parkways, recreation facilities, and programs are the guiding forces for the Plan. This document identifies eight goals for the park and recreation system, along with the strategies that will guide city staff in implementing projects, programs and services to achieve the community’s vision. Furthermore, based on a facility and amenity condition assessment,*
overarching design guidelines and site specific recommendations were provided for existing and future parks. These guidelines and recommendations, as outlined in more detail in Chapter 6, align with the citywide goals to enhance recreation opportunities for all residents. * For more information, see Appendix B: Existing Conditions Summary. 4 2IMPROVED

PARK & FACILITY
ACCESS
IMPROVED 3 CONNECTIVITY
1 SAFE, WELLMAINTAINED PARKS
& FACILITIES

UNIQUE, DIVERSE,

PARKS &

FACILITIES
FIGURE ES-4. CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION GOALS
Prioritize safe, well-maintained facilities through
design, asset management, efficient resource
use, tiered maintenance, and coordination with
public safety providers.

Distribute parks, remove barriers, and improve
park access to and within parks to meet or
exceed the guidelines of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).

Diversify parks and facilities to reflect and
support Lakewood’s diversity, history, culture,
health, and wellbeing.

Enhance trails, bike lanes, park access, and DASH
services to connect parks across the city and
make it easier for people to reach parks.

XVII
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 6 8

RESILIENT &

SUSTAINABLE

GREENSPACE

PARTNERSHIPS

THAT ENHANCE

COMMUNITY
IMPACT
5 7

INCLUSIVE
& VIBRANT

PROGRAMS &
EVENTS

FORWARD THINKING

MANAGEMENT
& STRATEGIC

INVESTMENT
FIGURE ES-4. CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION GOALS
Strengthen city programs and events to meet
community needs, while carefully prioritizing
resource allocation for lasting impact.

Adapt to current and future climate conditions
to enhance visitor comfort and promote
ecosystem health across all parks and facilities.

Develop a foundation for long-term planning
and strategic operations in funding,
communications, volunteer engagement,
administration, and other key areas to sustain
high-quality park and recreation offerings for
the future.

Build relationships with other public and
private entities within the City of Lakewood for
expanded recreation opportunities and funding
support.

XVIII
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design guidelines encourage best practice and
strategic decision-making for sustainable parks
and facilities. Improvements to buildings and
aquatic facilities include approaches ranging from
maintaining existing conditions, to renovating
for improved conditions, to rebuilding into new
structures, to demolishing and repurposing the
space. While demolition may seem drastic, in some
cases the capital and operational costs may not
balance with the current use and needs of the
community. In the case of demolition, alternative
recreation options are presented that aim to fulfill
the need without incurring the high costs or risks
associated with the current structure.

Guidelines for park design and development cover
areas such as:
• Park safety
• Park connectivity
• Park design/landscaping
• Dogs and dog parks
• Playgrounds and recreation amenities
• Comfort amenities
• Sports/exercise facilities
• Increased park space and trails
Additional recreation facilities are also proposed in
the case where new parkland becomes available,
existing parkland is repurposed, or partnerships
are made possible. It is always beneficial for
cities to look to the future to evaluate recreation
trends, user demographic shifts, public health and
wellness needs, and budgetary resources. With
this foresight, Lakewood can maintain a high level
of service for its residents while providing exciting
and enticing spaces to play, relax, and recreate.

Park connectivity at San Gabriel River Nature Trail
Fitness stations for all at Rynerson Park
XIX
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Dog-friendly spaces at Home Run Dog Park Safe play structures at the Bolivar Park Playground Play opportunities at Rynerson Park Playground
XX
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

IMPLEMENTATION
This Plan provides the information and tools to
make strategic decisions about park investments
moving forward.

A Park Project Prioritization Tool ranks projects
through three steps:
• Step 1: Alignment with city planning
documents and assessments
• Step 2: Special catalysts or special
circumstances
• Step 3: Prioritization criteria focused on
community needs and implementation
feasibility
Chapter 7 also discusses current funding sources,
describing how and where the Department
receives funding for capital and operational
costs. Acknowledging that the city’s park
needs may outpace their resources, other
implementation strategies are provided to
augment current resources. These strategies
include land acquisition mechanisms, leasing
and easements, collective ownership models,
and other partnerships. To help yield productive
partnerships, an evaluation checklist is offered as
aspects for consideration.

Lastly, a menu of facility capital costs is included
to serve as a high-level guide for budget planning.

This cost menu helps the city make informed
investment decisions to repair, renovate, replace,
improve, or expand on recreation facilities.

The implementation of this plan over the next
10 years will contribute to a high quality of
recreation and green spaces within the City of
Lakewood, with improvements to public health,
city aesthetics, youth engagement and social
wellbeing.

Spring flowers at San Gabriel River Nature Trail
XXI
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Opening of airplane playground at Del Valle Park

A PIONEERING
PLAN
CHAPTER 1
1-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan For many of us, core memories were formed at
parks and recreation spaces. Learning new skills at
summer camp, celebrating family birthdays with
park picnics, meeting friends through an adult
sports league – all made possible by city parks
and programs. These spaces are not just stagnant
places of leisure; instead they circulate life and
energy throughout a community, connecting
people to nature and to each other, and ensure a
flow of wellness, recreation, and vitality in every
corner.

This chapter serves as an introduction. It
summarizes the 24-month planning process,
describes previous citywide planning efforts, and
outlines the Plan’s organization.

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
This Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Long-Range Plan (the Plan) is a first for the
City of Lakewood. The Plan serves as a strategic
blueprint for the development, enhancement,
and management of our community’s parks,
trails, recreation facilities, programs, events,
and services over the next decade. The Plan is
designed to reflect the needs, aspirations, and
priorities of the Lakewood community, ensuring
that residents have access to high-quality
recreation opportunities that promote health,
wellness, social connection, and environmental
stewardship.

Through a comprehensive planning process
involving community input, stakeholder
engagement, and careful analysis of current
resources and trends, the Plan will guide decisionmaking and investment in parks and recreation over the next 10 years to ultimately meet the
needs of diverse populations, improve quality of
life, and foster a sustainable, vibrant community.

By providing a clear vision and actionable steps,
the Plan will shape the future of our public spaces
and recreation programs, ensuring they remain
relevant, accessible, and enjoyable for generations
to come.

A PIONEERING
PLAN
CHAPTER 1
1-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 1-1. PLANNING PROCESS

EXISTING CONDITIONS NEEDS, TRENDS, &

OPPORTUNITIES
01 02

RECOMMENDATION &

PRIORITIES
03 PLAN DEVELOPMENT
04 PHASE PHASE PHASE PHASE
• Parks Tour and Conditions
Assessment
• System Inventory
• Base Maps
• Community Involvement
Strategy
• Stakeholder Interviews
and Focus Groups
• Community Survey
• Pop-ups, Meetings, and
Workshops
• Park Accessibility and
Connectivity Study
• Programs, Services, and
Events Review and Analysis
• Level of Service, Trends, and
Needs Assessment
• Joint City Council/Commission
Work Session
• Public Draft Long-Range Plan
• Final Long-Range Plan
• Systemwide Goals and Policies
• Maintenance and Operations
Review and Analysis
• Capital Project List,
Prioritization Criteria, and Cost
Menu
• Action Plan and Funding
Strategies
Summer 2023 - Fall 2023 Winter 2023 - Summer 2024 Fall 2024 - Winter 2024 Spring 2025 - Summer 2025

PLANNING PROCESS
This Plan is the first comprehensive planning
document of its kind since the Long Range Plan
for the Development of Recreation in Lakewood,
published in 1955. This new plan was developed
over 24 months, beginning in summer 2023 and
concluding in summer 2025. It was developed
through a four-phased process that started by
describing existing conditions and the city’s park
inventory to provide a foundation for development
of the plan. This base data was used to identify
community needs, recommend new projects
and programs, prioritize future investment, and
document steps and strategies to move forward.

Throughout the process, public feedback was
solicited in various ways including a community
survey, interviews with targeted groups,
community focus groups, pop-up events at
planned city events, regular check-ins with city
staff and joint meetings with City Council and the
Recreation & Community Services Commission.

The city’s overall engagement goal was to inform,
collaborate and solicit input from the community
in the development of the Plan. The intention
was to ensure participation by a broad range of
residents, stakeholders and community groups,
and use input to inform key components of the
Plan.
1-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 1-2. GOALS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Educate and inform community members about the Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan update and development process.

Provide varied and frequent engagement opportunities for participation by a wide cross section of community members – residents, youth, teens, families, seniors, young adults, special needs groups, business community, service providers and groups, and non-profit organizations – to accurately capture the diverse perspectives and interests that represent Lakewood.

Solicit input from residents, stakeholders, visitors, businesses, and organizations who have a deep understanding of the Lakewood community and who can articulate aspirations for short- to long-term park and recreation changes.

Demonstrate transparency through open, consistent interactions with the community throughout the process and communicate how public comments and input are incorporated into recommendations and decisions.

Civic Center Block Party
1-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PREVIOUS PLANNING

EFFORTS
The Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Long-Range Plan builds on previous planning
efforts, including community development
initiatives, the Capital Improvement Plan,
transportation planning, and environmental
sustainability projects. Plan alignment ensures
that the city’s parks and recreation system
reflects with broader community goals, such
as improving connectivity through pedestrian
and bike paths, enhancing green space in urban
areas, and promoting ecological conservation.

By coordinating with previous planning efforts,
the benefits of parks and recreation spaces
can be maximized and solidified as essential
infrastructure for a cohesive and vibrant
community.
1996 CITY OF LAKEWOOD GENERAL
PLAN
The City’s General Plan, adopted in 1996, contains
10 elements, two of which pertain specifically to
this Plan. The Open Space Element focuses on the
preservation and expansion of passive and active
open space lands in the city. The Recreation and
Community Services Element discusses recreation
opportunities, park facilities, trends and needs,
and opportunities.
2021 RACE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND

INCLUSION (REDI) COMMUNITY

DIALOGUE ACTION PLAN
The Lakewood City Council approved the
Community Dialogue Action Plan in 2021. The
plan includes strategies such as engaging teens
in REDI-focused activities, creating a public
roundtable, creating a Lakewood Multicultural
Festival and Food Festival, providing training on
racial sensitivity and inclusion to city officials and
staff and more. Since its adoption, the Action
Plan has received regular progress updates with
initiatives completed or advanced.
2021-2029 LAKEWOOD HOUSING

ELEMENT
Through the Lakewood Housing Element 2021-
2029, the city provides an outline of the type and
quantity of homes the city must accommodate
through zoning and land use tools to meet
regional and local housing needs. The Lakewood
Housing Element also outlines projected
residential growth, enabling the Department
of Recreation & Community Services to better
anticipate and plan for future demand for
parks, facilities, and programs. The Element also
details forecasted residential growth within the
city, helping the Department of Recreation &
Community Services define residential needs for
parks, facilities and programs.
1-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PLAN ORGANIZATION
The Plan is organized into the following sections:

Chapter 1. A Pioneering Plan serves as an
introduction to Lakewood’s first Parks, Recreation
& Community Services Long-Range Plan.

Chapter 2. A Dynamic Parks and Recreation
System showcases Lakewood’s parks and
recreation system, including providing an
overview of geographic and governing context.

Chapter 3. Preserving the Past, Forging the
Future discusses Lakewood’s recreation legacy
and future vision, in consideration of local
demographics and engagement findings.

Chapter 4. Connecting People to Parks details
findings on park access and recreation needs,
as determined by spatial analysis, vulnerability
assessment, transit studies, community feedback,
survey results, and other forms of data analysis.

Chapter 5. Looking Ahead outlines key strategies
and recommendations for the city, in alignment
with the city’s mission, vision, and values. This
includes systemwide goals and strategies to
improve the city’s system.

Chapter 6. Tailoring Parks for Tomorrow, offers
strategic recommendations for recreation
facilities, park design, and site-specific
improvements to enhance amenities, modernize
infrastructure and meet the community’s
changing needs.

Chapter 7. Taking Action is focused on Plan
implementation, and includes useful tools for
project prioritization, funding mechanisms,
partnership agreements and cost estimations.

Appendices provide more detail as well as capture
the planning process over the 24-month period.

Appendix A. Park and Facility Inventory
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary
Appendix C. Engagement Summary
Appendix D. Equity, Access and Needs
Assessment
Appendix E. Capital and Programmatic Project
List
1-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Lakewood youth can choose to participate in a variety of outdoor sports and recreation programs.

A DYNAMIC

PARKS AND

RECREATION
SYSTEM
CHAPTER 2
2-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Parks, recreation and community services play
a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for
individuals and communities. These spaces and
programs offer a wide range of physical, mental,
and social benefits—from promoting healthy
lifestyles through exercise and outdoor activities
to fostering social connections and encouraging
community engagement.

This chapter provides an overview of Lakewood’s
parks, recreation facilities, and programs,
including information on the city staff and
advisory groups who work to ensure a successful
system for years to come.

A DYNAMIC PARKS

AND RECREATION
SYSTEM
CHAPTER 2
Active+ programming Fitness classes at Weingart Senior Center 2-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LOCATION
Lakewood, located in Los Angeles County, is
characterized by a suburban environment with
a mix of residential, commercial, school and
recreation areas. Many parks and schools are
centrally located, allowing residents to walk to
parks and/or schools. Some key aspects of the
physical setting and location of Lakewood include:

E Compton Blvd Somerset Blvd
Bellflower Blvd
91 91
91 91
19 105
105 105
Pa ramount
E Anaheim St Cherry Ave
S Santa Fe Ave
Del Amo Blvd
E Willow St
E South St
N Bellflower Blvd
Carson St
1 19
405
405
405
710
Long Beach
Airport
Carmenita Rd
Alondra Blvd
Pioneer Blvd
Rosecrans Ave Rosecrans Ave Norwalk Blvd
91 91 91
105
605 5
Norwalk
Ball Rd
Katella Ave Katella
Pioneer Blvd
E Wardlow Rd
Valley View St
Cerritos Ave
Norwalk Blvd
Lincoln Ave
N Studebaker Rd
Woodruff Ave
91 605
605
605
605
605
405
Joint Forces
Training Base
Los Alamitos
Cerritos
Cypress
Artesia
City of Long Beach, County of Los Angeles, California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA, USFWS FIGURE 2-1. REGIONAL LOCATION MAP
Geography: Lakewood sits in the
southeastern part of Los Angeles
County, bordered by the cities of
Long Beach to the south, Bellflower
to the north, Cerritos to the
northeast, and Orange County to
the east. The city is bisected by the
I-605 freeway and the San Gabriel
River.

Residential: Lakewood is
primarily a residential community,
characterized by a mix of singlefamily homes, townhouses and apartment complexes. The
neighborhoods are well-planned,
and there are various amenities and
services within reach for residents.

Commercial: Neighborhood
commercial and retail centers are
located at key intersections of
major roadways. Lakewood Center,
a regional shopping commercial
center, is a prominent destination in
the area.

Connectivity: The city is traversed
by Lakewood Boulevard as the
major north-south roadway and
Del Amo Boulevard, the key eastwest roadway. Long Beach Airport is located several miles south of the
city. This accessibility contributes to
the connectivity and convenience
for both residents and visitors.

Districts: The city is divided into five
Council Districts and four School
Districts. In some cases, the City
has joint-use agreements to utilize
school land and facilities for public
recreation purposes.
2-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
As a mid-size city in south Los Angeles County,
Lakewood does not have access to vast open
space preserves, coastal areas or large regional
parks; though these recreation areas exist in the
region surrounding the city. However, a series
of environmental features do provide Lakewood
with special recreation opportunities through
partnership and creative approaches.

Concrete water drainage channels, such as the
San Gabriel River and Coyote Creek, can offer
uses beyond their main function as urban water
drainage. For example, the Lakewood Nature
Trail runs along the edge of the San Gabriel River
among the electrical transmission lines.

Lakewood is also traversed by a series of electrical
transmission corridors, with one owned by the Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power and the
remaining corridors are owned and managed by
Southern California Edison. Electrical transmission
lines are essential components of the power
grid responsible for transmitting electricity over
long distances from power plants to distribution
substations and eventually to consumers.

Rynerson Park, Candleverde Park, the Lakewood
Equestrian Center, and Lakewood Community
Gardens are facilities located under electrical
transmission lines, with authorized recreation
uses permitted through a license agreement with
Southern California Edison.

FIGURE 2-2. DRAINAGE COURSES AND TRANSMISSION CORRIDORS Sources: MIG 2024, with data from California Energy Commission and California Natural Resources Agency Open Data. 2-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 2-3. TREE CANOPY PERCENTAGE BY LOCATION

URBAN FOREST AND TREE CANOPY
An urban forest refers to the collection of trees
and vegetation within an urban area, including
parks, streets, green spaces and private
properties. Urban forests provide numerous
benefits to communities, such as improving
air quality, reducing urban heat island effects,
mitigating stormwater runoff, providing wildlife
habitat, enhancing aesthetics and promoting
physical and mental well-being. While park spaces
are key hosts for trees and vegetation, the urban
forest extends beyond parks to include city
sidewalks, medians, and private properties.

Lakewood’s urban forest is made up of
approximately 27,500 trees citywide. The city
has held the Tree City USA designation for
over 40 years, underscoring its commitment to
maintaining and growing a healthy urban tree
canopy.

Given a rise in urban heat from climate change
and increased development, it is important that
cities maintain a robust tree canopy. On average,
Lakewood has a 10% tree canopy coverage across
the city, ranging from a low of 4% to a high of
18%. Coverage can be increased by planting more
trees, starting with but not limited to, park spaces
and recreation facility areas. Emphasis should be
placed on areas with lower tree canopy coverage,
as seen in areas of red-orange coloring on Figure
2-3.

Source: MIG 2024, with data from American Forests, Tree Equity Score. 2-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

DEPARTMENT OF

RECREATION &

COMMUNITY SERVICES
The Department of Recreation & Community
Services (RCS) oversees a vast expanse of parks,
trails and recreation facilities that span over 200
acres. The department undertakes landscape
maintenance for parks, street medians, and city
facilities. It also manages recreation programs,
citywide events and quality-of-life services.

Additionally, the department oversees the city’s
DASH specialized transportation service — a
specialized curb to curb transit program for
disabled and senior residents.

The department is organized into the Program
Division and the Environmental Resources
Division. Furthermore, it is responsive to the
recommendations of the Recreation & Community
Services Commission, which provides essential
support to staff in the administration of
Lakewood’s recreation programs and community
services.

The Department of Recreation & Community Services supports six key aims:

Gathering Places – By providing places for learning and socializing.

Forever – Parks enrich our lives by providing memories for a lifetime.

Play – By offering safe playgrounds and play spaces.

Nature – By providing beautiful landscaping and open space.

Exercise – By providing opportunities for healthy exercise.

Positive Spaces – By offering supervised places for youth.

Lakewood City Hall
2-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 2-4. RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISIONS AND SERVICES Senior & Human Services
Programs
Parks Programs
Social & Cultural
Programs
Sports Programs
Parks & Facilities Turf
Maintenance
Park Maintenance
Parkways & Medians
Maintenace
Environmental Resources
Division Program Division
Aquatics Programs
Centre Facility Operations
DASH Transit
Recreation & Community
Services Department
Recreation & Community
Services Commission
Recreation & Community
Services Administration
Lakewood’s Earth Walk at Monte Verde Park
2-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

RCS ADMINISTRATION
RCS Administration oversees the RCS Department
operations and staff. Administrative staff also
prepare studies, report, and recommendations
for the City Council, City Manager and Recreation
& Community Services Commission. It also
reviews, recommends and administers licensed
and professional service agreements, grant
applications, and compliance contracts.

PROGRAM DIVISION
The Program Division, managed by the Assistant
Director, has 21 full-time employees and nearly 300
part-time personnel who work across a variety of
programs.

Aquatics Program
This program aims to enhance water safety
education by offering residents opportunities to
develop aquatic and swimming skills for personal
recreation, physical fitness and survival. It also
provides opportunities for recreation swimming.

Centre Facility Operations
The main objective of managing The Centre as
a multipurpose facility is to offer instructional,
meeting, audiovisual and banquet resources. It
strives to provide a quality environment for various
public and private functions.

DASH Specialized Transportation Service
DASH transit service is a vital mobility service
for specified groups. The aim of this service is
to plan, manage and operate a reservationbased paratransit system for elderly and disabled residents who lack access to private or
existing public transportation. It also operates
a community excursion program, focusing on
providing social and memorable experiences for
residents within the community.

The DASH service provides transit access to seniors and disabled residents. 2-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Senior and Human Services Programs
This program aims to provide human and social
services for all Lakewood residents, by connecting
them with public and private service agencies.

It includes senior adult programs, a community
volunteer program, community health clinics,
emergency food and utility assistance through
the Project Shepherd Program in association
with Rotary Club of Lakewood and senior services
programs that encompass nutrition, socialization,
recreation, health, wellness and safety awareness.

Parks Program
This program offers recreation experiences for
residents of all ages and ensure that park facilities
are accessible, inclusive, and safe. It includes the
scheduling and supervision of recreation facilities,
with park staff closely overseeing activities
to maintain a safe and secure environment.

This supervision helps ensure the safety of all
participants while fostering an enjoyable and
welcoming atmosphere. The program also focuses
on planning and conducting adaptive recreation
programs for individuals with developmental and
physical disabilities, as well as organizing engaging
teen programming to promote social interaction
and community involvement.

Social and Cultural Programs
This program offers opportunities to develop
personal skills through enrichment programs
and community-wide special events. It includes
instructional programs in arts, self-improvement,
dance, fitness, and crafts for youth and adults.

It also organizes seasonal recreation brochures
and community special events such as Halloween
Carnivals, Earth Walk, and Summer Concerts in the
Park series.

Sports Program
The purpose of this program is to provide
recreation experiences through team and
individual athletic and fitness opportunities for
youth and adults. The Lakewood Youth Sports
program remains free for residents, ensuring that
every child in the city has access to recreation
sports. The program also coordinates field permits
for community youth sports organizations
such as Little League baseball and AYSO soccer,
among others, for games and practices through a
seasonal allocation.

Community spirit at Earth Walk 2024
2-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DIVISION
The Environmental Resources Division, under
the leadership of the Parks Superintendent,
is dedicated to preserving the environmental
integrity and visual appeal of Lakewood’s public
spaces. The division provides comprehensive
landscape, irrigation, and custodial maintenance
services across city facilities, city-owned
properties, street medians, and parkways. The
Parks Superintendent oversees a team of 38 fulltime and 30 part-time personnel.

Turf and Landscape Maintenance
This area encompasses turf care, irrigation
system upkeep, and pest control for parks, city
facilities, public parkways, and street medians.

The City’s Turf Maintenance Program includes
all aspects of turf management—from scalping
to fertilization—to promote the health and
aesthetics of City parks and community centers.

Irrigation System Maintenance ensures the proper
operation of controllers and valves across green
spaces. This task also includes the Illegal Dumping
Mitigation Program, addressing reports of illegal
dumping in alleys and rights-of-way.

Park Maintenance
Park Maintenance provides custodial services as
well as grounds and landscape upkeep for all city
parks. It includes the maintenance and renovation
of 260 ball diamonds and 10 sports fields to
ensure optimal playing conditions. Daily safety
inspections are performed on 19 playgrounds to
maintain safe environments for children aged 2 to

12. Landscape maintenance extends to turf areas
and planter beds within city parks.

Custodial Maintenance
Custodial services are performed daily across
citywide facilities, including parks, community
centers, and City Hall. The routine cleaning and
sanitization of public spaces, buildings, and
restrooms are a top priority for the Department of
Recreation & Community Services (RCS), ensuring
a clean and safe environment for all users.

Contract Services
Contracted services include floor care and carpet
cleaning in large facilities, gopher abatement,
landscape maintenance of select street medians,
and mowing of large open park spaces.

Public Works Coordination
The Environmental Resources Division partners
with the Public Works Department for a variety
of essential services, including hardscape,
playground, and building repairs such as
plumbing, HVAC, and electrical and lighting work.

Public Works is also responsible for tree trimming
and planting, using both in-house and contracted
crews.
2-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Lakewood parks workers maintain lawns and landscaping for safety and comfort. 2-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARK AND RECREATION

SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Lakewood’s parks and recreation facilities boast
a diverse range of functions and character,
catering to both active and passive recreation
and leisure pursuits suitable for individuals of
varying ages and interests. These spaces vary in
their degree of development, some featuring
extensive amenities while others maintain a
more tranquil ambiance. Lakewood’s inventory
includes 18 developed parks and recreation sites,
spanning approximately 207.6 acres in total. The
park and recreation system encompasses various
recreation spaces, infrastructure, facilities and
resources overseen and programmed by the
Department of Recreation & Community Services.

For a comprehensive overview of the current
(2025) park system and facility inventory, refer to
Appendix A: Park and Facility Inventory.

Lakewood parks and facilities are distributed
throughout the city. Most neighborhoods are
anchored by a park, however, there are some
areas where few or no parks exist. Similarly,
certain neighborhoods lack convenient access
to recreation facilities, especially specialized
ones such as the youth center or senior center.

The largest facility is The Centre which is a 40,000
square foot building with rooms for receptions,
banquets, meetings and conferences.

Colorful youth play structures at San Martin Park
2-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 2-5. PARK AND FACILITY DISTRIBUTION BY SIZE
Source: MIG 2024.

Families enjoy Bolivar Park Playground.
2-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

CLASSIFICATIONS COUNT ACREAGE PERCENT
Park Sites
Passive Parks 2 5.3 2.6%
Neighborhood Parks 4 41.9 20.2%
Community Parks 5 102.7 49.4%
Special Use Parks 3 26.0 12.5%
Parkways and Nature Trails 1 26.4 12.7%
Major Recreation Facilities
Standalone Major
Recreation Facilities 3 5.4 2.6%
TOTAL 18 207.6 100%

CLASSIFICATIONS
Classifications help the city plan and manage
their existing system, as well as make decisions
about the right amount of development, types
of facilities and levels of park maintenance and
programming based on the intent for each park
site.

PARK SITES
A park’s classification considers the purpose
or functionality of the site, factoring in
characteristics such as size, use, service area
and available amenities and facilities. The City of
Lakewood classifies its parks into six categories.

The classifications are defined on the next several
pages.

San Martin Park playground
TABLE 2-1. PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
2-15
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PASSIVE PARKS
Passive parks (typically 2-3 acres) offer essential
recreation facilities and amenities to community
members. These sites tend to be embedded
within residential neighborhoods and have
amenities such as small playgrounds, benches,
tables, trash cans and grassy areas. Passive parks
are intended to serve the immediate surrounding
area within walking distance. Candleverde and
Cherry Cove are examples of passive parks.
2 PARKS, 5.3 TOTAL ACRES
Average Size: 2-3 acres
Typical Amenities: Expansive lawn areas, trees, trash cans, and benches.

Candleverde Park green space
Cherry Cove Park has open lawns and a small playground
2-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Neighborhood parks (typically 4-15 acres) are
small parks that serve residential areas but
feature more extensive amenities such as picnic
shelters, wading pools, creative play structures,
sports fields and courts. Sites may or may not
include parking lots or restrooms. Compared with
passive parks, neighborhood parks offer a wider
range of facilities, amenities and programming
opportunities. Biscailuz Park, Bloomfield Park,
San Martin Park and Boyar Park are examples of
neighborhood parks.
4 PARKS, 41.9 TOTAL ACRES
Average Size: 4-15 acres
Typical Amenities: Picnic shelters, play structures, sports field, and sports courts.

Boyar Park play structures
San Martin Park playground, affectionately known as “Pumpkin Park” 2-17
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

COMMUNITY PARKS
Community parks (typically 10-40 acres) are midto-large-size parks that support sports, specialized facilities, group gatherings and programmable
space for several neighborhoods or a portion of
the city. They feature amenities and services such
as sports programming and swimming pools.

Shade structures and picnic tables are abundant
in community parks. They are intended to serve
the wider community rather than only the
surrounding neighborhoods, therefore they often
include parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and
other amenities that support longer stays, as well
as programming for community-wide events. The
programming and/or the presence of Community
Centers or Major Recreation Facilities adds to
the community-wide draw (e.g. teen centers,
swimming pools, etc.). Bolivar, Mayfair, Del Valle,
Palms, and Rynerson are examples of community
parks.
5 PARKS, 102.7 TOTAL ACRES
Average Size: 10-40 acres
Typical Amenities: Community centers, swimming pools, picnic shelters, sports fields, and sports courts.

McCormick Pool at Bolivar Park
Del Valle Park Playground
Bolivar Park Playground
Rynerson Park fitness stations
2-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

SPECIAL USE PARKS
Special use parks (size varies) provide singular
or specialized uses. Some sites are closed to the
public and require advanced notice or reservation
to enter or use the site. Amenities vary but might
include community garden beds, shaded picnic
areas, nature trail loop, interpretive signage,
meeting rooms, equestrian facilities, and rentable
spaces. Lakewood Community Gardens, Lakewood
Equestrian Center, and Monte Verde Park are
examples of special use parks.
3 PARKS, 26.0 TOTAL ACRES
Average Size: varies
Typical Amenities: Community garden beds, shaded picnic areas, nature trail, interpretive signage, meeting rooms, equestrian facilities, and rentable spaces.

Monte Verde Park picnic area
Monte Verde Park summer camp
2-19
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARKWAYS AND NATURE TRAILS
Parkways and nature trails (size varies) combine
natural resource protection, public access to
nature and nature-based recreation. Most
trailheads begin in residential areas, offering the
immediate community an opportunity to access
nature. The city currently has one nature trail,
the San Gabriel River Nature Trail (“Nature Trail”)
(1.7 miles in length), which features interpretive
signage, a meandering pathway, natural
landscaping, tree groves, and native habitat
planting. The Nature Trail is the only site of this
park type in Lakewood.
1 TRAIL, 26.4 TOTAL ACRES
Average Size: varies
Typical Amenities: Meandering trail, native landscaping, natural habitat, trees, and benches.

San Gabriel River Nature Trail
San Gabriel River Nature Trail is a favored space for bird watchers due to the natural landscaping. 2-20
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

MAJOR RECREATION FACILITIES
In addition to parks, RCS operates Major
Recreation Facilities, consisting of community
centers, swimming pools, and other unique sites.

Major Recreation Facilities provide specified and
often singular recreation experiences or target a
specific audience (e.g. seniors, swimmers, etc.).

These facilities are not classified as parks and
may exist as standalone sites or reside within an
existing park.
• Community Centers. Lakewood community
centers are versatile facilities that serve
as hubs for various recreation, social,
and educational activities for the local
community. These centers typically offer a
range of amenities and services, including
multipurpose rooms for meetings, classes
and events, and fitness centers with exercise
equipment and workout spaces.
• Activity and Community Buildings.

These buildings serve as central points for
community activities within neighborhood
parks. While not as spacious or adaptable as
larger community centers, they generally
consist of one community room, recreation
staff offices and a maintenance area. Many
of these structures date back to the 1950s,
constructed during the establishment of the
neighborhoods, often built with the help of
volunteer residents.
• Swim Pavilion and Bath House. The Swim
Pavilion at Mayfair Park and the Bath House
at Bolivar Park for McCormick Pool are
facilities that provide amenities for swimming,
showering, and changing. They also include
maintenance equipment for pools, reception
areas and lifeguard and staffing areas.
15 FACILITIES
Average Size: varies
Typical Amenities: Varies per facility.

Community Center at Mayfair Park
2-21
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

STANDALONE MAJOR RECREATION FACILITIES
In total, there are 15 Major Recreation Facilities
in Lakewood, including community centers,
swimming pool, and activity buildings. Most
of these are located within existing parks, and
their acreage is counted towards their host
park. However, three buildings are standalone
recreation facilities that are not associated
with a particular park site. These three include
the Centre, Weingart Senior Center and Burns
Community Center.

These sites provide flexible multi-purpose rooms,
administrative and community services, and
programming for the public. They require staffing
and oversight to manage and maintain the
buildings, and operate recreation and community
service programs.
3 FACILITIES, 5.4 TOTAL ACRES
Average Size: varies
Typical Amenities: Multi-purpose rooms, office space, specialty rooms, permanent restrooms, and parking.

The Centre
Burns Community Center Weingart Senior Center
——————————————————— —
—
—
— —
——
—
—
œ
œ
œ
œ
œ
B i scai l u z
Pa rk
Mayfai r
Pa rk
Bloomfield
Park
Monte
Verde Park
Bol i va r Pa rk
Mae Boya r
Pa rk
Rynerson
Park
San Ma rtin
Pa rk
Ch erry
Cove Pa rk
Del
Va l l e Pa rk
Can d l everde
Pa rk
West San Gabriel
R iver Parkway
N ature Tra i l
Lakewood
Equestrian
Cen ter
Lakewood
You th Cen ter
Palms Park
Lakewood
Commun i ty
Ga rden s
Th e Cen tre
Burn s
Comm u n i ty
Cen ter
Mayfa ir Poo l &
Joh n San ford Todd
Comm u n i ty Cen ter
Wei n gar t
Sen ior
Cen ter
M cCorm i ck Poo l
S . Mark Taper
Vi sta Lodge
Pa l m s
Comm u n i ty Cen ter
Home Run
Dog Park
Teen Resource
Cen ter
B e l l flower B l vd
N orwa l k B l vd
Ward l ow Rd
San Anton i o Dr
Car son St
Artes i a F rwy
D e l Am o B l vd
Artes i a F rwy
N orwa l k B l vd
L akewood B l vd
P aram ou nt B l vd
Stu deb aker Rd
Artes i a B l vd
C l ark Av
P aram ou nt B l vd
Centra l i a St
D own ey Av
Los Coyotes D i ag n a l
Gr i d l ey Rd
B e l l flower B l vd
Stu deb aker Rd
1 95Th St
1 83Rd St P i on eer B l vd
Can d l ewood St
L akewood B l vd
B l oom fie l d Av
Ward l ow Rd
Ch erry Av
P a l o Verde Av
Woodru ff Av
San Gabr i e l R i ver F rwy
Car son St
Artes i a B l vd
D e l Am o B l vd
South St
Centra l i a St
South St
South St
Ch erry Av
D e l Am o B l vd
Al l i n gton St
H edd a St
Ash worth St
Woodru ff Av
H arvey Wy
Arbor Rd
H arvey Wy
Car son St
L akewood B l vd
C l ark Av
Con ant St
Ward l ow Rd Bal l Rd
Ch erry Av
Cover St
Grid l ey Park
Liberty
Park
Pan
American
Park
H eartwe l l Park
Cherry
Avenu e
Park
El Dorado East
Regional Park
H eartwe l l Go lf Cou rse
Daven port
Park
Artesia
Park
Westgate
Park
Don Knabe
Commun ity
Regional Park
Lakewood
Cou nty C lu b
B irdcage Park
San Gabriel
R i ver Tra i l
Jacob Park
Cerritos
H eritage Park
Constitution
Park
Ramona
Park
Lakewood
Ten n is
Center
Skyl inks at
Long Beach
Skyl inks at
Long Beach
Coyote Creek
Sa n Gabr i e l R i ver
H eartwe l l
Lake
Ward l ow
Park
Ros i e th e
R i veter
Park
B ou lton
Lake
Artesia
High School
Aloha
Elementary
Carver
Elementary
Melbourne
Elementary
Palms
Elementary
Furgeson
Elementary
Willow
Elementary
Tetzlaff
Middle
School
Haskell
Middle
School
Bragg
Elementary
Nixon
Elementary
Stephen
Foster
Elementary
McBride
High School
Helen Keller
Middle
School
Lakewood
High School
Cleveland
Elementary
Gompers
Elementary
Henry
Elementary
Holmes
Elementary
MacArthur
Elementary Madison
Elementary
Riley
Elementary
Twain
Hoover Middle Elementary
School
Buena Vista
High School
Long Beach
City College
Bancroft
Middle
School
Veterans
Memorial
Stadium
Lakewood
Center
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach
Towne Center
Intensive
Learning
Center
Craig
Williams
Elementary
Mayfair High School
and Middle School
Lindstrom
Elementary
Colins
Elementary
Burcham
Elementary
Marshall
Middle School
Cypress
Bel lflower
Cerritos
Long Beach
Artesia
Long Beach
Long Beach
H awai ian
Gardens

LOS AN GE LES COU N TY

ORAN GE COU N TY
0 ¼ ½ ¾ 1
Mile
Base Map Features
Lakewood City Bou n dary
Cou nty Bou n dary
Freeways
E l ectr i ca l Tran sm i ss i on L i n es
R ivers an d Ch an n e l s
Water Bod ies
School s
605
Sou rces: C ity of Lakewood, 2023 ; Cou nty of Los An g e l es, 2023 .

Map Date: Au gust 8, 2023 .

Other Park and Recreation Facilities
Other Park Faci l ities
Oth er Go l f Cou r ses
— Oth er Tra i l s an d B i keways/Access Po i nts
Lakewood Park and Recreation Faci l i ties
Pass ive Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Comm u n ity P arks
P arkway an d N atu re Tra i l
Special U se Park
West San Gabr i e l N atu re Tra i l /Access Po i nts
Specified U se Recreation Faci l ity
œ Acti vity/Contro l B u i l d i n g
—
FIGURE 2-6. PARK AND FACILITY CLASSIFICATION MAP

PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK
2-24
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

RECREATION PROGRAMMING AND

SERVICES
As part of its commitment to enhancing
community well-being, Lakewood offers a diverse
range of recreation programming suitable for
individuals of all ages and interests. From aquatics
programs held in two public swimming pools
during the summer, to outdoor adventures
along the San Gabriel River’s nature trails, there’s
something for everyone. Year-round community
events and seasonal family programs foster
togetherness, while parks and community centers
provide rental spaces for special events and
business gatherings.

Recreation offerings like Tot Lot for toddlers,
self-directed afterschool activities and Adaptive
Recreation at Bloomfield Park cater to varied
needs and interests. Whether reserving a
community room or park facility for an event,
arranging a catered meeting at The Centre or
participating in sports activities, Lakewood
ensures ample opportunities for recreation and
community engagement.

For adults, a variety of fitness classes—including
tennis and sports instruction—are available, along
with dance classes and special interest workshops
in arts and crafts, public safety and music
instruction. Older adults can engage in Active+
programs, while adaptive programming ensures
inclusivity for all. Travel programs provide exciting
adventures, and family programs encourage
bonding through shared experiences.

Youth are offered fine arts instruction, camps,
and educational classes, alongside opportunities
for dance, fitness and sports, such as gymnastics
and tennis. Aquatics programs provide swimming
opportunities for all ages, while preschool
programs introduce young children to dance,
gymnastics, and sports instruction, fostering early
engagement in recreation activities.

The following bullet points on page 2-26 highlight
the full range of RCS’s core program areas,
including both city-run and contract classes.

For more information, see Appendix B: Existing
Conditions Summary.

Lakewood youth aquatics programs
2-25
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Monte Verde Park summer camp
2-26
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Programming: Recreation Activities and Classes
The City of Lakewood offers a wide range of
recreation activities and classes designed to
serve residents of all ages, interests, and abilities.

Activities take place at community centers, parks,
and recreation facilities throughout the city,
ensuring accessible and enriching experiences for
everyone.
• Active+. The Active+ program offers older
adults a variety of recreation and fitness
activities based at the Burns Community
Center. Programs are designed to support
healthy, active lifestyles and graceful aging.
• Contract Classes. A wide range of specialized
classes for all ages are offered seasonally and
led by contract instructors. With over 400
classes per season—including fitness, arts
and crafts and personal growth—sessions are
listed in the recreation catalog published in
January, May and September.
• Adaptive Recreation. The Adaptive Recreation
Program provides individuals with intellectual
and developmental disabilities inclusive
recreation opportunities. Hosted at Bloomfield
Park, the program offers special events, field
trips and life skills activities.
• Adult Sports. Organized sports leagues are
available for adults, with three seasons offered
each year. Leagues offered include men’s and
co-ed softball, and women’s volleytennis. Dropin pickleball is offered at Mayfair and Bolivar Parks, while drop-in volleyball and basketball
are available at the Hoover Middle School
gymnasium.
• Adult Travel Trips. Adult and family-friendly
travel trips to Southern California attractions
are offered each season. Trips include charter
bus transportation and pre-arranged
tickets, making travel easy and accessible for
participants.
• Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS). LYS offers
organized youth leagues for ages 4 to 17.

Sports offered include baseball, softball, t-ball,
football, volleyball, volleytennis, and basketball.

The leagues focus on sportsmanship,
participation, and volunteer-led coaching.
• Aquatics. Seasonal aquatics programs run
from Memorial Day through Labor Day,
offering recreation swimming, swim lessons,
competitive opportunities, and special events.

The popular Junior Lifeguard Program is
available at two pools during the summer.
• Park Programs. Eight park facilities, with daily
supervision by recreation staff, offer a variety
of active and passive recreation opportunities.

Parks feature activity rooms, picnic shelters,
ball fields and courts, with many amenities
available on a drop-in or reservation basis.
• Senior Programs. Based at the Weingart
Senior Center, Lakewood’s Senior Programs
offer socialization, fitness classes, dances,
billiards and other active and passive
recreation activities, alongside a variety of
support services.
2-27
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan • Special Olympics. Lakewood hosts a strong
Special Olympics program for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities
wishing to engage in competitive athletics.

Lakewood offers softball, soccer, bocce,
bowling, basketball, tennis and golf. All
coaches are certified by Special Olympics of
Southern California. This program is facilitated
at Bloomfield Park.
• Year-Round Camps. The city provides a
comprehensive array of recreation camps for
children, offering a diverse range of activities
and experiences designed to accommodate
various interests and needs. These camps
include programs in sports, the arts,
adventure, STEM, and traditional summer day
camps, as well as offerings during the spring
and winter school recesses.
• Teen Programs. The Lakewood Youth Center
offers activities such as teen dances, an open
game room, excursions and a variety of special
interest classes throughout the year. Programs
such as Teens in Lakewood Care (TLC) and
the Lakewood Teen Action Committee
(LTAC) foster community involvement and
volunteerism. Additionally, the Teen Resource
Center at Bloomfield Park offers a unique teen
atmosphere featuring computer stations,
game tables, and modern gaming systems.
• Tot Lots. The Tot Lot program is a parent/
guardian-led cooperative initiative for children
ages 2 to 5, held at Del Valle and Mayfair Parks
during the fall, winter, and spring. Sessions
are conducted during the week in the fenced
preschool play area of the park. Parents/
guardians are responsible for the operation
of each Tot Lot and participate in a rotating
schedule to supervise the play area and
oversee planned activities.

Teen programs
Adult sports leagues
Monte Verde Park summer camp
Weingart Senior Center
2-28
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Services
Lakewood is committed to providing a wide range
of services that support the well-being, safety
and quality of life for all residents. From afterschool recreation that offers safe and engaging environments for youth, to vital transportation
and human services that assist seniors, families
and individuals in need, these programs are
designed to be responsive, inclusive, and
community-focused. Through partnerships,
proactive initiatives and a strong spirit of service,
Lakewood works to ensure that every resident has
access to the support and resources they need to
thrive.
• After-School Park Supervision. Supervised
parks offer secure, clean, and stimulating
environments for youth during after-school
hours. Youth are permitted to borrow
sports equipment, such as basketballs, from
recreation staff and participate in social
activities, including playing table games such
as carom, with their peers.
• DASH Transit. DASH Transit provides
reservation-based transportation for
Lakewood residents who are seniors or
individuals with disabilities with limited access
to public or private transportation. The service
also supports transportation needs for city
special events and youth programs.
• Emergency Preparedness. In partnership
with Public Safety, RCS supports the city’s
emergency preparedness efforts. In the
event of a disaster, all employees—including
hourly staff—may be activated to assist the
community.
• Human Services. Human Services programs,
based out of the Burns Community Center
and Weingart Senior Center, offer counseling,
nutrition, emergency assistance, information,
and referral services for seniors, individuals,
and families in need.

Monte Verde Park summer camp
2-29
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Community Events
Lakewood is a city that comes alive through its
vibrant calendar of community events, celebrating
the spirit, culture and togetherness that define
residents. Throughout the year, Lakewood hosts
a variety of gatherings that honor local heroes,
showcase musical talents, embrace cultural
traditions and create opportunities for families
and neighbors to connect. From festive seasonal
celebrations to meaningful commemorations and
fun-filled fairs, these events bring energy and joy
to parks, civic spaces and hearts, strengthening
the bonds that make Lakewood such a special
place to call home.
• Arbor Week. Lakewood celebrates its “Tree
City USA” designation each March with
Arbor Week programs. Woody the Tree visits
Lakewood elementary schools, delivering
educational presentations to approximately
3,000 students in grades K-3.
• Special Events. Special events encompass
a variety of community-based celebrations
including, but not limited to, the Civic Center
Block Party, Fest-Of-All, Daddy/Daughter Date
Night, Halloween Carnivals, Memorial Day
Ceremony, Pan Am Fiesta and more.

Civic Center Block Party
Pan Am Fiesta
Lemonade Day
2-30
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Volunteerism
Volunteerism is a cornerstone of Lakewood’s
community spirit, where neighbors helping
neighbors has been a tradition since the city’s
founding. From lending a hand through organized
service projects to supporting local charities
or mentoring youth, residents of all ages play
a vital role in strengthening the bonds that
make Lakewood a special place to live. Whether
residents have a few hours to give or are looking
for a deeper way to connect, there are countless
opportunities to make a meaningful impact and
be part of the city’s ongoing story of caring and
community pride.
• Project Shepherd. A collaboration between
the City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club
of Lakewood, Project Shepherd supports
families in need through holiday food and
gift distribution, a back-to-school backpack
program, scholarships for recreation and yearround emergency food and utility assistance at Burns Community Center and Palms Park.
• Lakewood Teen Action Committee (LTAC).

LTAC offers teens opportunities to volunteer,
participate in community outreach and learn
about civic engagement and local government
services.
• Volunteer Day. Each April, volunteers come
together to assist eligible Lakewood residents
with yardwork and minor exterior home
maintenance. Teams made up of service
organizations, businesses, scout groups,
faith-based organizations and community
members of all ages fan out across the city to
provide support through yard cleanup and
small painting projects, helping to maintain
neighborhood pride and assist those in need.

Lakewood Volunteer Day 2025
Lakewood Volunteer Day 2025
2-31
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan AGE
RANGE
SAMPLING OF PROGRAMS AND CLASSES1

FITNESS SPORTS DANCE/
MUSIC

SPECIAL

INTEREST

EDUCATION

CLASSES AQUATICS

FINE ART

AND ARTS
& CRAFTS
PreSchool
Gymnastics,
Soccer, Ice
Skating, Tennis,
Multi-Sport,
Basketball
Hula,
Ballet, Tap,
Hip Hop
Musical Theater
Pre-K Readiness,
Reading, Math,
Spanish
Swimming
Lessons,
Wading Pools
Varies
Teen &
Youth
Smart
Fit, Girls
Trampoline,
Cardio
Gymnastics,
Tennis, Wrestling,
Karate, Soccer,
Football, Ice
Skating, MultiSport, Basketball,
Lakewood Youth
Sports, Sports
Camp
Ballet,
Hip Hop,
Dance,
Hula,
Drums,
Piano, Tap
Teen Life Skills,
Board Games,
Video Gaming,
Trivia Night,
Job Search,
Summer / spring
Camps, Youth
in Government,
Volunteer, Teen
Scene, Family
Camp, Date
Nights, Movie
Night, FUNtastic
Family Night,
Play at Palms
Reading,
Spanish, Math,
SAT Prep,
Homework
Help, Drivers
Ed, Bilingual
Spanish Camps,
College Fair,
STEM
Junior
Lifeguard,
Swimming
Lessons,
Recreation
Swim
Paint Night,
Creative Clay,
Ceramics, Art
Fun, Acting,
Musical
Theater
Adult
Ballet,
Capoeira,
Zumba,
Yoga, Gentle
Yoga, Pilates,
Tai Chi,
Belly Dance
Fitness,
Aerobics,
Walking
Clubs,
Strength
Training,
Chair
Exercises,
Fitness
Classes,
Martial Arts
Tennis, Kung
Fu, Ice Skating,
Pickleball,
Lakewood
Adult Sports,
Volleytennis
Country
Line
Dancing,
Belly
Dance,
Hula,
Ballroom
Dance
Family Camp,
Dog Training,
Computer,
CPR, Language,
Volunteer
Tech, Drivers
Course, Health
& Wellness,
Writing
Water
Aerobics,
Aqua Fitness,
Swimming
Lessons,
Recreation
Swim, Adult
Lap Swim, Lap
Swim 50+
Painting,
Decorating,
Crafts,
Sewing, Cross
Stich, crochet,
Knitting,
Cricut,
Pottery,
Candle
Making,
Quilters,
Bunco, Glass
Fusing
Seniors Basketball Free
Play, Pickleball
Dance,
Line Dance
Travel, Book
Club, Card
Games, Lifestyle,
Pool Room,
Social Services,
Cards, Wellness
Series, Volunteer
Health and
Wellness, Brain
Games, History,
Varies
TABLE 2-2. SAMPLING OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES, CLASSES, AND PROGRAMMING

1. This list of programs and classes is not exhaustive but offers a selection of the activities available. Many classes and programs can vary by season or by location.

PRESERVING

THE PAST,

FORGING THE
FUTURE
CHAPTER 3
3-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan As cities grow and evolve, their demographics
shift, influenced by changes in population size,
age distribution, and cultural diversity. These
transformations are not just reshaping urban
landscapes but also influencing how public spaces,
particularly parks and recreation facilities, are
used and valued. Historically, Lakewood parks have
played a significant role in shaping community
character, often reflecting the social and cultural
priorities of their time. Today, as Lakewood
grapples with the challenges of intensified
urbanization, the historical legacy of parks must
be balanced with a forward-thinking vision to
meet evolving needs.

LAKEWOOD’S

RECREATION LEGACY
Lakewood has a rich historical legacy when
it comes to parks and recreation. The city’s
commitment to providing quality recreation
spaces dates to its early years of development.

Lakewood was originally developed as a planned
community in the post-World War II era, and from
the beginning, emphasis was placed on creating
a community with ample green spaces and
recreation facilities.

The city’s founders envisioned a well-designed
urban environment that prioritized the well-being
and recreation needs of its residents. As Lakewood
grew, parks became integral to the city’s identity.

These early parks often served as gathering places
for community events and social activities. Over
the years, Lakewood has consistently invested
in its parks and recreation infrastructure. This
commitment is reflected in the continuous
improvement of existing parks, the refurbishment
of established community centers and recreation
facilities, and the continued delivery of diverse
programs and events for residents of all ages.

PRESERVING THE

PAST, FORGING THE
FUTURE
CHAPTER 3
3-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan A Lakewood playground in 1957 The Pan American Festival in 1957 Boys playing basketball in 1958 A play structure at Mae Boyar Park in 1989 3-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 3-1. LAKEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION HISTORICAL TIMELINE 1940
1950
1960
1970
Lakewood Park,
Recreation and
Parkway District
board members
The 1944 plan is
prepared by Ralph D.

Cornell, who began one
of the rst professional
landscape architecture
rms in Los Angeles
1944
1953
The playground next
to the Lakewood
Park sales o
ce
provides a safe place
for kids to play while
their parents speak
to the sales sta

Aerial photo of Mayfair
Park taken in 1969
Del Valle Park receives a unique
piece of playground equipment,
courtesy of the Marine Corps – a
Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight jet ghter
In May 1957,
approximately
1,500 boys

ockto Mayfair
Park to sign up
for baseball
Lakewood Water
and Power
Company
converts ve of
their water well
sites to Lakewood’s
rst Tot Lots.

Mayfair
Park
activity
building
Lakewood’s oldest
community event is
the annual Pan
American Festival,
honoring cultures
of Latin America
Mayfair Pool was a gift to the community
from the developers of Lakewood Park
City Council
conrms parks
are a high
priority
1951
1955
1958
1958
1957
1959
1969
1970
1960
FIGURE 3-1. LAKEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION HISTORICAL TIMELINE 3-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 3-1. LAKEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION HISTORICAL TIMELINE 1980
1990
2000
2020
Lakewood acquires the use of the power line
right-of-way on the east bank of the San
Gabriel River in 1968 to create River Park,
which was dedicated in 1975
Lakewood rededicates Palms Park and built
a community center and library
The Centre is Lakewood’s premier destination for all
types of celebrations, oering an assembly room
and multiple meeting rooms
The Weingart
Senior Center
opens to serve
Lakewood’s
older residents
Lakewood residents pass Measure L, a
local sales tax initiative to raise the
funds for backlog repairs and
renovations
Lakewood completes its
rst Parks, Recreation, and
Community Services Long-Range Plan to guide
future investments in city parks, facilities, and
services
Monte Verde
Park reopens in
2001 with the
new S. Mark
Taper
Foundation
Vista Lodge
Mayfair Park activity building is demolished and
the John Sanford Todd Community Center and
Swim Pavilion were built
The Nature
Trail begins
construction
in 2002, with
later phases
completed in
2014
1975
1979
1981
1985
1991
2002
2020
2025
2001
3-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan AN EVOLVING FIGURE 3-2. DEMOGRAPHIC STATS (2023)

COMMUNITY

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Lakewood possesses a diverse and vibrant
community profile, with diverse age ranges and
ethnic/racial backgrounds. Housing is mostly
single-family units - a holdover from Lakewood’s
early development in the 1950s - with only 17%
of housing being multi-family units built more
recently. As demographics and housing types
change across the city, there will be effects
on social dynamics, community services, and
parks and recreation planning. Understanding
and responding to the changing needs of the
population are essential for the city’s future.
28,019
Housing Units
80,154
Population

2.92 Persons per Households
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 and 2020.

FIGURE 3-3. POPULATION GROWTH 1960-2020
60,000
65,000
70,000
75,000
80,000
85,000
90,000
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
67,126
82,973
74,654
73,557
79,345
80,048
82,496
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, 2020. 3-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Photos showing the diversity of the Lakewood population at various community events. 3-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Population Density
On average, the city has a population density of
around 10,000 people per square mile. The areas
with the lowest population density include the
Lakewood Country Club area and the offices
and commercial businesses located south of
Carson Street, just north of Long Beach Airport.

Additionally, the Lakewood Center mall area
exhibits low population density due to the
presence of existing commercial businesses.

Conversely, the eastern portion of the city
contains the densest areas, with several
neighborhoods showing population densities
exceeding 15,000 persons per square mile. Higher
density areas may incur more use pressure on local
recreation facilities and park spaces, requiring
more maintenance and upkeep.

FIGURE 3-4. POPULATION PER SQUARE MILE
Source: MIG 2024, with data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2018. 3-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 3-5. RACE AND ETHNICITY PERCENTAGES (2022)
Race/Ethnicity Percentages (2020)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 and 2020.

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%
Hispanic or Latino White Asian alone Black Other
Lakewood Los Angeles
County California
48 30
36 48
31 28
26 40
35 16 18
14 15 13
15 8 8 8 8 6 5 5
7 3 4 4 5
41 39 38
2020
2010 2010
2020
2010
2020
FIGURE 3-6. RACE AND ETHNICITY CHANGE,
2010-2020
Race and Ethnicity
Between 2010 and 2020, the Hispanic/Latino
population increased by 6%, while the White
population saw a decrease of 10%. The Asian
population grew by 2% during the same period.

These shifts indicate that Lakewood is becoming
more diverse, with significant changes in the racial
and ethnic composition of the community.

As the community’s diversity evolves, the parks
and recreation system will need to adapt to a
more diverse population. The increase in Hispanic/
Latino and Asian populations suggests a growing
need for culturally relevant programming and
amenities that cater to these communities.

This might include multilingual signs, culturally
specific events and festivals, unique facilities, and
inclusive design elements. City staff will want to
ensure that parks and recreation facilities, as well
as programming reflect the evolving community’s
needs and preferences to foster inclusivity and
engagement across all demographic groups.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, 2022.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
5-year Estimates, 2022.
3-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Housing Unit Types
Most homes in Lakewood are single-family units,
which were predominantly built in the 1950s, when
Lakewood was incorporated. Out of a total of
28,000 housing units, 83% are single-family homes.

The remaining units primarily comprise multifamily residences situated at key intersections of major streets or near significant activity hubs.

Senior housing is located on South Street just
west of Downey Avenue, apartments line Hayter
Avenue just west of the Lakewood Center and
other multi-family dwellings are positioned at
various key intersections. To the east of the I-605
freeway, there is a neighborhood characterized
by duplexes, triples, rowhouses, townhouses
and smaller multi-family units, situated between
Del Amo Blvd., Roseton Ave., Centralia St. and
Norwalk Blvd. In densely populated areas featuring
multi-family housing, the development of parks
becomes crucial to providing essential communal
spaces.

FIGURE 3-7. HOUSING UNIT TYPES BY LOCATION
Source: MIG and UrbanFootprint, 2024
1950s housing by the Lakewood Park Corporation
3-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 3-8. VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Del Amo Blvd
South St
Carson St
Candlewood St Clark Ave
Lakewood Blvd
Woodru Ave
Bell
ower Blvd
Palo Verde Ave
Paramount Blvd
Pioneer Blvd
Downey Ave
Bloom
eld Ave
Cherry Ave
Norkwalk Blvd
Centralia St Centralia St
Carson St
Vulnerable Populations
I-605 Frwy
Least Vulnerable
Moderately Vulnerable
Most Vulnerable
Economic Opportunities | Education Resources | Social Resources Transportation Access | Healthy Environment and Neigborhoods Housing Burdens | Pollution Burdens | Health and Healthcare Vulnerability Determined by Community Health Indices
Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable populations refer to groups or
individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing
adverse outcomes or facing discrimination due to
various factors such as socioeconomic status, age,
race, ethnicity, disability, homelessness or being
members of marginalized communities. These
groups often have limited access to resources
or social support systems, making them more
susceptible to harm, exploitation, or neglect.

Examples include children, the elderly, individuals
with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and those that
are unhoused.

Understanding vulnerable populations in a city
is crucial when preparing a parks long-range
plan because it ensures that parks are inclusive,
accessible and responsive to the diverse needs
of all residents. By considering the challenges
faced by vulnerable groups such as low-income
individuals, people with disabilities and minority
communities, park planners can design parks
that promote health and well-being, foster social
cohesion, enhance safety, address environmental
justice concerns and encourage meaningful
community engagement, ultimately creating
vibrant and equitable public spaces for everyone
to enjoy.

Source: MIG 2024, with data from Healthy Places Index, CalEnviroScreen 4.0, Child Opportunity Index, TCAC/HCD Opportunity Area Mapping, and UrbanFootprint Population.

FIGURE 3-9. PERCENT BELOW POVERTY (2022) Poverty
Disability
Lakewood Los Angeles County California

13.7% 12.1%

6.0%
Lakewood Los Angeles County California

10.6% 11.0%

9.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey
5-year Estimates, 2022.
3-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Lakewood’s parks, facilities, events and
programs are intended to serve residents of all
ages, incomes, race/ethnicity, abilities, family
configurations, and varied interests. Demographic
changes such as Lakewood’s growing and aging
population, declines in youth and shifts in race/
ethnicity will affect recreation needs. By aligning
activities and amenities with these evolving
trends, communities can better meet the diverse
preferences and needs of all residents.

Population Growth
With a projected 2.6% population increase (from
80,162 to 82,227 persons)*
between 2024 and 2034,
Lakewood’s parks and recreation programs will
face moderate impacts, requiring adjustments
to accommodate additional users. The rise in
accessory dwelling units could further strain
park facilities and recreation services, as they
contribute to increased density and demand for
open spaces.

Aging Population
Between 2010 and 2020, Lakewood’s ages 55
and over increased by 9.7%, while those ages 18
to 54 saw a decline of 2.9%, and the population
aged 0 to 17 decreased by 6.8%. If the population
continues to shift in this direction, parks will need
to adapt by incorporating more accessible, older
adult and senior-friendly amenities and wellnessfocused programming for the growing 55 and over age group. With a moderate decline in the
18 to 54 age group, there could be shifts toward
* The 2034 projected population is calculated using annual growth rates based on the estimated 2045 population
(84,500 persons) as set in the SCAG RTP (2020).
more versatile spaces that accommodate a range
of activities. The decrease in the population aged
0 to 17 suggests a reassessment of youth-centric
programs and facilities, while focusing on features
that appeal to a diverse age range.

FIGURE 3-10. AGE RANGE CHANGE 2010-2020
Aging Populations and Declining Birth
Rates
Cities are seeing a rise in older populations
due to aging baby boomers, longer life
spans, and declining birth rates. Migration
plays a role, with younger people moving
out of CA and older adults staying or
relocating to urban and suburban areas
for better services. Families are having
fewer children due to high living costs and
housing affordability, economic pressures,
and shifting priorities.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey
5-year Estimates, 2022.
3-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan A new generation of Lakewood residents may have different recreation expectations and needs. 3-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

COMMUNITY INSIGHTS
As the city’s population diversifies and changes,
it is increasingly important to understand unique
and evolving community priorities. It is also
vital to use current data and public feedback
to inform expected future priorities, in light of
new recreation trends, public health needs, city
budgetary resources and climate shifts.

ENGAGEMENT FOR THIS PLAN
In the early stages of developing Lakewood’s
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Long-Range Plan, engagement activities were
conducted to gather community input on the
future of city parks. These activities resulted in
more than 1,800 interactions with community
members, providing a diverse range of comments
and feedback.

Interviews with 10 City Leaders were held in
September 2023, involving key individuals selected
for their deep knowledge and connections with
the City of Lakewood. City leaders included City
Council members; Recreation & Community
Service Commissioners; city management;
long-tenured, retired RCS staff; and others with
historical knowledge of the city. These interviews,
coordinated with city staff and mostly held
in person, provided valuable insights into the
community’s needs and aspirations.

A comprehensive overview of the objectives,
project timeline, and completed milestones
associated with the development of the Parks,
Recreation & Community Services LongRange Plan was presented to the Recreation & Community Services Commission—the
governing body composed of community
members appointed by the Lakewood City
Council— to provide support to staff in
administering the city’s recreation programs and
community services. Commissioners praised the
Needs Assessment for its depth, responsiveness to
community feedback and broad outreach efforts,
and emphasized the importance of addressing
aging facilities, expanding senior services,
offering iconic amenities and coordinating better
with schools. Key questions raised focused on
demographic shifts, facility investment strategies,
diversifying recreation opportunities and planning
for future needs such as accessory dwelling units
(ADUs), swimming pool upgrades and highdemand sports like pickleball.

The Park Development Committee was
consulted as part of the planning process. The
Standing Committee, made up of two council
members, provides oversight and guidance on
the planning, design and implementation of park
projects. The Committee encouraged expanding
partnerships, particularly with schools and
community organizations, updating park facilities
such as the Youth Center at Del Valle Park and
replacing wading pools, and actively pursuing
grant opportunities. They also emphasized the
importance of improving bike, pedestrian and
transit connectivity to parks, while supporting the
exploration of new recreation amenities.

Additionally, a series of Focus Group meetings
was conducted, involving at least 90 participants
representing nonprofit organizations, sports
organizations, service clubs, businesses and
residents. These meetings, held both digitally and
in person, gathered specific input on key topics
to inform park facilities and recreation program
needs assessment.
3-15
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan To further engage the community, Pop-Ups were
organized at five existing city events, encouraging
direct community involvement and feedback on
potential improvements to parks and recreation
facilities. More than 600 participants shared their
priorities using stickers on interactive boards and
spoke with project staff. In conjunction with the
Pop-Up events, a paper survey was distributed
specifically to teens to gather input on desired
programs and amenities for teen and youth
centers, resulting in 37 completed surveys.

Complementing these efforts, an online Parks
and Recreation Survey was conducted to solicit
broader community input on the status of parks
and recreation, existing needs and improvement
priorities. A total of 1,111 participants submitted an
online or paper survey.

Long-Range Plan pop-up event at Monte Verde Park
FIGURE 3-11. ENGAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
Community Members
Weighed in Including: Focus Group
Meeting Participants
1,848
City Leaders
Interviewed
10 90
Pop-Up Event
Interactions
600
Online & Paper
Survey Submissions
1,111
Teen Survey
Submissions
37 3-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

OUTREACH KEY THEMES
Key themes emerged from interviews with city
leaders, focus group meetings, pop-ups at city
events, and the recreation survey. For a summary
of individual engagement activities, see Appendix
C: Engagement Summary. Key themes from all the
engagement activities are as follows:

There is widespread appreciation for Lakewood’s
existing parks and programs, with high praise
for their maintenance and cleanliness. These
parks hold significant emotional value, especially
for long-term residents and children. The
diverse recreation programs and city events
are commended for their uniqueness. RCS
Department staff are recognized for their
responsiveness and effective fiscal management.

Established programs are rated as very good,
with many opportunities to do many recreation
activities and programming that the community
enjoys.

Nearly half of respondents reported visiting
parks weekly, and many walk to parks, which
underscores the importance of having easily
accessible parks within walking distance of
residents.

There is a strong desire for more recreation
facilities, including more soccer fields, indoor
basketball courts, pool upgrades for expanded
use, exercise areas and fitness courts, and more
soft-surface or unpaved trails for walking, jogging
or dog walking.

The community desires unique and diverse
facilities such as specialized play features and
playgrounds (e.g., nature play, water play,
destination play), skateparks, bike pump tracks
and dedicated pickleball courts. The community
is excited about park facility renovations and the
creation of modern, improved accessibility for
children with disabilities, particularly for teens.

Additionally, there is a desire to add splash pads
and water play areas for families and expand dogfriendly areas. Adding more natural and passive areas with native plantings, along with additional
community gardens was also identified. There
were numerous comments on adding more
drinking fountains with bottle fill stations.

The community wants enhanced or expanded park
buildings that include meeting spaces, indoor
gymnasiums for basketball and a community
theater or public gathering space. They also
emphasized the importance of having modern
facilities equipped with technology to support
various activities and events.

Collaborating with community groups and
businesses presents opportunities for growth.

There is also a call for increased support and
collaboration with local businesses for events
and resources. Residents feel that expanding
partnerships with local schools and organizations
is important.

Appreciation for Existing Parks and
Programs.

Importance of Close-to-Home Parks.

Desires for More Recreation Facilities.

Greater Variety of Recreation Facilities.

Recreation Building Enhancements.

Partnership Opportunities.
3-17
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Photos showing Long-Range Plan community engagement pop-up events. 3-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The community expressed a strong interest
in enhancing and expanding trails and paths,
including adding fitness paths and outdoor
workout equipment along trails. There is also
a desire for safer, cleaner, and more accessible
paths along the San Gabriel riverbed, and better
connections to parks and shopping centers,
particularly the Lakewood Mall and other
commercial shopping centers. Suggestions
include e-bike lanes, equestrian trails, lighted
crosswalks at busy intersections, and unpaved
or padded trails for walking, jogging, and nature
hikes. Additionally, the community wants the city
to landscape or otherwise beautify areas along
storm drain channels.

The community prioritizes the provision of more
diverse and affordable programming for all ages,
focusing on special events such as concerts and
cultural diversity activities, arts, crafts, fitness
and wellness classes. Desired family-focused
activities include entertainment, food events and
educational activities, with a strong emphasis on
STEAM (science, technology, engineer, arts, and
math) initiatives and family-friendly entertainment
like movie nights, magic shows, and live music.

For seniors, there is a desire for enhanced health
and fitness programs, arts and crafts classes
and travel excursion programs. Additional teen
programming and events are desired, such as
mentoring, educational programs, life skills
courses, food preparation and sampling, and
access to dance, movies, or performance spaces
including small amphitheaters or stages. Ensuring
ADA accessibility and supporting adaptive
recreation and Special Olympics are critical goals.

The community also advocates for more inclusive
programs, such as therapeutic facilities, adaptive
pickleball and mentoring programs, as well as
expanding teen programming to include more
culturally relevant events.

Maintaining clean and safe parks is of paramount
importance, and there is a desire to address issues
related to homeless populations in parks. There
is a strong call for new or remodeled restroom
facilities with enhanced security and lighting
in parks. Increased police presence and more
neighborhood watch groups were suggested to
improve safety. Continuing to provide routine
maintenance at parks and facilities was identified
as important.

Re-engaging the community after the pandemic
and improving communication with non-digital
users has been challenging. Residents noted a
desire for enhanced translation services, ADA
accommodations, and targeted diversity, equity
and inclusion efforts. Effective community
engagement through promotion and involving
non-profits and organizations is also highlighted.

Enhanced communication using various platforms
is desired to keep the community informed and
engaged, with social media being a preferred
method while maintaining flexibility for different
age groups.

Expanded Trails and Connectivity.

Diversified and Increased Programming.

Safety and Maintenance.

Community Engagement,
Communication, and Inclusiveness.
3-19
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Different generations of Lakewood residents weigh in on the future of their parks and recreation system.

CONNECTING

PEOPLE TO
PARKS
CHAPTER 4
4-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Access to parks and recreation spaces is essential
for the well-being of individuals and communities
alike. Ensuring that everyone has access to these
spaces promotes healthier lifestyles, supports
mental and emotional well-being, and encourages
a sense of community. Moreover, equitable
access to parks and recreation spaces is a critical
step toward creating sustainable, vibrant cities
where all residents can thrive, regardless of
socioeconomic status or location.

Overall, Lakewood boasts a robust and welldistributed park system that is exceptionally well-maintained, thoughtfully programmed,
and deeply valued by its residents. Building on
this strong foundation, the City continues to
adapt to the needs of a growing and diversifying
population, shifting community priorities,
emerging recreation trends, and opportunities to
enhance access and experiences across the park
system.

Informed by the community engagement findings
(presented in Chapter 3 and Appendix D: Equity,
Access and Needs Assessment), this chapter
summarizes key needs and opportunities related
to:
• Increasing access to parks and facilities;
• Providing high-quality parks and recreation
spaces;
• Improving parks and trails;
• Diversifying recreation programs, events and
community services; and
• Maintaining and stewarding parks, facilities,
and trails.

CONNECTING PEOPLE

TO PARKS
CHAPTER 4
4-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARKS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Parkland distribution, barriers to access, and
land ownership patterns all shape how Lakewood
residents experience the city’s parks and
recreation facilities. Impressively, approximately
70% of residents live within a 10-minute walk
(one-half mile) of a park—meeting the national
access standard promoted by the Trust for Public
Land (TPL) and the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA). This reflects the foresight of
past planning efforts that prioritized
neighborhood-based parks as part of Lakewood’s
development pattern. To extend this legacy, the
city is also exploring ways to reach the remaining
30% of residents who live beyond walking distance
to a park. These “underserved” areas—identified
on the Park Access Map (Figure 4-1)—highlight
opportunities for future investment through
new parks where feasible, enhanced access
routes, or creative partnerships such as joint-use
agreements with schools and other public facilities
to expand equitable park access citywide.

PARK AND FACILITY ACCESS
Safe and comfortable routes to and within parks is vital.

Percentage of city
residents living
within a 10-minute
walk of a park
70%
——————————————————— —
—
—
— —
——
—
—
B i scai l u z
Pa rk
Mayfai r
Pa rk
Bloomfield
Park
Monte
Verde Park
Bol i va r Pa rk
Mae Boya r
Pa rk
Rynerson
Park
San Ma rtin
Pa rk
Ch erry
Cove Pa rk
Del
Va l l e Pa rk
Can d l everde
Pa rk
West San Gabriel
R iver Parkway
N ature Tra i l
Lakewood
Equestrian
Cen ter
Lakewood
You th Cen ter
Palms Park
Lakewood
Commun i ty
Ga rden s
Th e Cen tre
Burn s
Comm u n i ty
Cen ter
Mayfa ir Poo l &
Joh n San ford Todd
Comm u n i ty Cen ter
Wei n gar t
Sen ior
Cen ter
M cCorm i ck Poo l
S . Mark Taper
Vi sta Lodge
Pa l m s
Comm u n i ty Cen ter
Home Run
Dog Park
Teen Resource
Cen ter
B e l l flower B l vd
N orwa l k B l vd
Ward l ow Rd
San Anton i o Dr
Car son St
Artes i a F rwy
D e l Am o B l vd
Artes i a F rwy
N orwa l k B l vd
L akewood B l vd
P aram ou nt B l vd
Stu deb aker Rd
Artes i a B l vd
C l ark Av
P aram ou nt B l vd
Centra l i a St
Down ey Av
Los Coyotes D i agn a l
Gr i d l ey Rd
B e l l flower B l vd
Stu deb aker Rd
1 95Th St
1 83Rd St P i on eer B l vd
Can d l ewood St
L akewood B l vd
B l oom fie l d Av
Ward l ow Rd
Ch erry Av
P a l o Verde Av
Woodru ff Av
San Gabr i e l R i ver F rwy
Car son St
Artes i a B l vd
De l Am o B l vd
South St
Centra l i a St
South St
South St
Ch erry Av
De l Am o B l vd
Al l i n gton St
H edd a St
Ash worth St
Woodru ff Av
H arvey Wy
Arbor Rd
H arvey Wy
Car son St
L akewood B l vd
C l ark Av
Con ant St
Ward l ow Rd Bal l Rd
Ch erry Av
Cover St
Grid l ey Park
Liberty
Park
Pan
American
Park
H eartwe l l Park
Cherry
Avenu e
Park
El Dorado East
Regional Park
H eartwe l l Go lf Cou rse
Daven port
Park
Artesia
Park
Westgate
Park
Don Knabe
Commun ity
Regional Park
Lakewood
Cou nty C lu b
B irdcage Park
San Gabriel
R i ver Tra i l
Jacob Park
Cerritos
H eritage Park
Constitution
Park
Ramona
Park
Lakewood
Ten n is
Center
Skyl inks at
Long Beach
Skyl inks at
Long Beach
Coyote Creek
Sa n Gabr i e l R i ver
H eartwe l l
Lake
Ward l ow
Park
Ros i e th e
R i veter
Park
B ou lton
Lake
Artesia
High School
Aloha
Elementary
Carver
Elementary
Melbourne
Elementary
Palms
Elementary
Furgeson
Elementary
Willow
Elementary
Tetzlaff
Middle
School
Haskell
Middle
School
Bragg
Elementary
Nixon
Elementary
Stephen
Foster
Elementary
McBride
High School
Helen Keller
Middle
School
Lakewood
High School
Cleveland
Elementary
Gompers
Elementary
Henry
Elementary
Holmes
Elementary
MacArthur
Elementary Madison
Elementary
Riley
Elementary
Twain
Hoover Middle Elementary
School
Buena Vista
High School
Long Beach
City College
Bancroft
Middle
School
Veterans
Memorial
Stadium
Lakewood
Center
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach
Towne Center
Intensive
Learning
Center
Craig
Williams
Elementary
Mayfair High School
and Middle School
Lindstrom
Elementary
Colins
Elementary
Burcham
Elementary
Marshall
Middle School
Cypress
Bel lflower
Cerritos
Long Beach
Artesia
Long Beach
Long Beach
H awai ian
Gardens

LOS AN GE LES COU N TY

ORAN GE COU N TY
Grid l ey Park
Liberty
Park
Pan
American
Park
H eartwe l l Park
Cherry
Avenu e
Park
El Dorado East
Regional Park
H eartwe l l Go lf Cou rse
Daven port
Park
Artesia
Park
Westgate
Park
Don Knabe
Commun ity
Regional Park
Lakewood
Cou nty C lu b
B irdcage Park
San Gabriel
R i ver Tra i l
Jacob Park
Cerritos
H eritage Park
Constitution
Park
Ramona
Park
Lakewood
Ten n is
Center
Skyl inks at
Long Beach
Skyl inks at
Long Beach
Coyote Creek
Sa n Gabr i e l R i ver
H eartwe l l
Lake
Ward l ow
Park
Ros i e th e
R i veter
Park
B ou lton
Lake
0 ¼ ½ ¾ 1
Mile
Base Map Features
Lakewood City Bou n dary
Cou nty Bou n dary
Freeways
E l ectr i ca l Tran sm i ss i on L i n es
R ivers an d Ch an n e l s
Water Bod ies
605
Sou rces: C ity of Lakewood, 2027 .

Other Park and Recreation Facilities
Other Park Faci l ities
Oth er Go l f Cou r ses
— Oth er Tra i l s/Access Po i nts
Lakewood Park and Recreation Faci l i ties
Pass ive Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Comm u n ity P arks
P arkway an d N atu re Tra i l
Special U se Park
West San Gabr i e l N atu re Tra i l /Access Po i nts
Specified U se Recreation Faci l ity
—
Park Access
Park Access : 1 0-M i n ute Wa l k 0 - 1 0
Res identi a l Areas Outs ide 1 0-M i n ute Park Wa l k FIGURE 4-1. PARK ACCESS MAP (10-MINUTE WALK)

PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK
4-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

POPULATION VULNERABILITY
Population vulnerability factors – ranging from
economic opportunities; education and social
resources; transportation access; the presence
of a healthy environment and neighborhoods;
housing and pollution burdens; health and
healthcare access; population density; and
more – also contribute to the urgency for
park and recreation spaces within Lakewood’s
neighborhoods. Vulnerable populations often
have greater park needs due to limited access
to recreation spaces, lower mobility, and higher
health disparities, making nearby parks essential
for physical and mental well-being.

FIGURE 4-2. POPULATION VULNERABILITY AND PARK ACCESS
Active lifestyles support health and wellness.

Source: MIG 2024, with data from Healthy Places Index, CalEnviroScreen 4.0, Child Opportunity Index, TCAC/HCD Opportunity Area Mapping, and UrbanFootprint Population.

Del Amo Blvd
South St
Carson St
Candlewood St Clark Ave
Lakewood Blvd
Woodru Ave
Bell
ower Blvd
Palo Verde Ave
Paramount Blvd
Pioneer Blvd
Downey Ave
Bloom
eld Ave
Cherry Ave
Norkwalk Blvd
Centralia St Centralia St
Carson St
Vulnerable Populations
I-605 Frwy
Least Vulnerable
Moderately Vulnerable
Most Vulnerable
Economic Opportunities | Education Resources | Social Resources Transportation Access | Healthy Environment and Neigborhoods Housing Burdens | Pollution Burdens | Health and Healthcare Vulnerability Determined by Community Health Indices
Park Access
Parks within 10-Min. Walk
Parks
4-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Grooving at the 2023 Concerts in the Park event.
4-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACCESS TO SPORTS FIELDS AND COURTS
Sports fields such as baseball/softball diamonds
and rectangular fields for football and soccer are
well-distributed and available in most Community
Parks and Neighborhood Parks (see Figure 4-3).

Sports courts are generally distributed
throughout Lakewood. Most Community Parks
and Neighborhood Parks feature multi-use courts,
typically including basketball courts, along with a
mix of volleytennis and pickleball courts.

Because most Community Parks and
Neighborhood Parks offer sports fields, sports
diamonds, and sports courts, there is need for
additional sport facilities in neighborhoods that
lack these park types.

ACCESS TO MAJOR RECREATION

FACILITIES
Major Recreation Facilities include sports fields
and courts, community centers, and swimming
pools. Major Recreation Facilities are larger
footprint spaces that tend to serve larger
community groups and support organized
recreation programs. They also require staffing
and typically involve more city investment,
resources, operations, and management.

Community Centers
Lakewood has eight community centers that
are fairly well-distributed throughout the city;
however, specialty centers such as the Weingart
Senior Center and the Lakewood Youth Center
may be difficult for distant residents to reach.

Swimming Pools
Lakewood’s two swimming pools are located
in the central and western parts of the city.

Neighborhoods east of the San Gabriel River,
south of Del Amo Blvd., and east of Woodruff Ave.
must travel further to reach a City swimming pool.

Lakewood youth cool off at McCormick Pool at Bolivar Park. 4-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 4-3. SPORTS FIELDS AND COURTS ACCESS (10-MIN WALK) Del Amo Blvd
South St
Carson St
Candlewood St Clark Ave
Lakewood Blvd
Woodru Ave
Bell
ower Blvd
Palo Verde Ave
Paramount Blvd
Pioneer Blvd
Downey Ave
Bloom
eld Ave
Cherry Ave
Norkwalk Blvd
Centralia St Centralia St
Carson St
Ball Field (Diamonds) Access
I-605 Frwy
Park with Ball Fields
10-minute Walk Area
Soccer/Football Field (Rectangles) Access
Del Amo Blvd
South St
Carson St
Candlewood St Clark Ave
Lakewood Blvd
Woodru Ave
Bell
ower Blvd
Palo Verde Ave
Paramount Blvd
Pioneer Blvd
Downey Ave
Bloom
eld Ave
Cherry Ave
Norkwalk Blvd
Centralia St Centralia St
Carson St
I-605 Frwy
Parls wotj Soccer/Football Fields
10-minute Walk Area
Del Amo Blvd
South St
Carson St
Candlewood St Clark Ave
Lakewood Blvd
Woodru Ave
Bell
ower Blvd
Palo Verde Ave
Paramount Blvd
Pioneer Blvd
Downey Ave
Bloom
eld Ave
Cherry Ave
Norkwalk Blvd
Centralia St Centralia St
Carson St
Court Facility Access
I-605 Frwy
Futsal Court
Tennis Court
Multi-Use Court: Basketball/Volleytennis
Multi-Use Court: Basketball/Volleytennis/Pickleball
10-minute Walk Area
Lo
re
Source: MIG 2024
4-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

SUFFICIENT PARK ACREAGE
Cities should strive to provide sufficient parkland
to meet the needs of current residents while
also planning for the evolving needs of future
residents. One common method for assessing
parkland sufficiency is through a Parkland Level
of Service (LOS) standard, which measures
the amount of parkland provided relative to
population size—typically expressed as acres
per 1,000 residents. This benchmark helps
communities evaluate whether their current
supply of parkland meets current and forecasted
future demand and informs future park planning
efforts.

As of 2024, Lakewood provides 207.6 acres of
parkland for its population of 80,162, resulting in a
LOS of 2.6 acres per 1,000 residents.

QUALITY PARK AND FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
FIGURE 4-4. LAKEWOOD PARKLAND LOS COMPARISON
Median Parkland Level of Service
for CA cities of similar size:

3.3 acres per 1,000 residents
Parkland Level of Service
for City of Lakewood:

2.6 acres per 1,000 residents
4-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The current Bolivar Park Playground opened in 2016.

Based on the Equity, Access and Needs
Assessment conducted as part of this planning
process, key findings are noted below (see
Appendix D for details).
• Lakewood’s current LOS of 2.6 acres per 1,000
residents falls below the median of similarly
sized California cities (3.3 acres), according to
NRPA’s Park Metrics.
• Half of the city’s total park acreage is provided
by its Community Parks.
• To maintain its current LOS as the population
grows, Lakewood would need to add
approximately 5.4 acres of parkland over the
next ten years.
• Without additional parkland, the city’s LOS is
projected to decline slightly to 2.5 acres per
1,000 residents by 2034.

While Lakewood may be considered “deficient” in
park acreage by LOS standards, it’s important to
recognize the city’s built-out nature and limited
availability of undeveloped land. The challenge
of acquiring new parkland is compounded by
high land and development costs, making largescale expansion unlikely. However, this reality also presents an opportunity to focus on enhancing
and reimagining existing parks to better serve a
growing and diversifying population.

Moving forward, efforts to improve park access
and quality could prioritize creative strategies
such as upgrading existing facilities, making
more efficient use of underutilized spaces, and
exploring joint-use agreements with schools
or other institutions. If opportunities for land
acquisition arise, adding smaller Neighborhood
Parks or Passive Parks can help improve local
access, while strategic investments in larger
Community Parks will be important to meet
broader recreation needs.
4-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan To meet the evolving demands of Lakewood’s
growing population, the city must strive to
provide sufficient recreation facilities that cater
to a diverse range of activities. As of 2024, the
City of Lakewood offers more than 100 recreation
facilities and play spaces (such as baseball
fields and tennis courts), with an additional 900
amenities (such as benches, grills, and picnic
tables). This large inventory of recreation assets
requires diligent maintenance, management, and
resource planning for long-term upkeep.

CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING

RECREATION FACILITIES
Based on a condition assessment conducted in
late 2023, the majority of park and recreation
assets are rated as excellent, good, or fair.

However, assets flagged as poor or non-functional
should be prioritized for repair or replacement.

Addressing these issues promptly will ensure the
comfort and safety of users.

SUFFICIENT RECREATION FACILITIES
A growing population can lead to overcrowding
and overuse of recreation facilities, while also
contributing to the underuse or deterioration
of facilities that have become outdated or no
longer meet the interests of current residents.

As a landlocked city that is mostly built-out,
Lakewood has intensively developed its current
park space, but it is limited in its ability to provide additional recreation facilities, diverse facilities,
large-footprint facilities, and single-use facilities.

Instead, the city has creatively employed multiuse courts and fields to accommodate demand for varied sports. In order to continue serving the
current and growing population, the city will need
to regularly assess demand for facility types and
pivot-as-needed to meet that demand. For further
details, see Appendix D: Equity, Access and Needs
Assessment.

CHALLENGING FEATURES AND UNIQUE

FACILITIES
As Lakewood looks to the future of their park and
recreation system, more non-conventional sports
and recreation options are needed to attract new
users, engage people with parks and appeal to
specific groups that are commonly overlooked
in recreation facility programming. For example,
teens and active users may be drawn to challenge
features such as bike pump tracks, climbing
walls, ziplines and obstacle courses. Another
target group might be older adults, for whom
acupressure pathways, fitness stations, or sensory
gardens hold appeal for less-intense ways to
recreate in parks.

RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS
Staff assessing court conditions at Bloomfield Park
4-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

OPTIMIZED USE OF EXISTING PARKS AND RECREATION SPACE
An alternative approach to increasing parkland and recreation facilities is to optimize the use of current sites through extended hours, evening lighting, improved designs, small-footprint recreation additions and other creative actions. Such actions will have associated capital or operational costs but are expected to be less costly than the acquisition or development of new parks or facilities.

Examples of Park Optimization
Reconfigure Field Layouts. Convert single-use
fields into multi-purpose spaces by adjusting field
sizes and orientations to accommodate different
sports (e.g., rotating soccer fields to accommodate
the overlay of the outfield of smaller diamond
fields), thereby maximizing usage and allowing
for a greater variety of activities without needing
additional space.

Enhance Accessibility. Improve pathways,
entrances, and parking to ensure parks are
accessible to larger groups of people.

Upgrade Amenities. Update or add amenities
such as seating, shade structures, water fountains,
restrooms, and picnic areas, to accommodate
more park users and visitors.

Improve Lighting and Safety. Install or upgrade
lighting along pathways and in key areas to extend
park usability into the evening to extend park use.

Multi-use Spaces. Redesign existing spaces
to accommodate multiple activities, such as
converting open fields into flexible-use areas for
sports, community events, or casual gatherings.

Signage and Wayfinding. Introduce clear signage
for navigation, park rules, and information about
available amenities.
4-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARK SAFETY AND COMFORT
Safety and comfort at parks are paramount to
creating spaces that feel inclusive and welcoming
to all. Parks are used by people in different ways
and should encourage compatible, diverse
activities. However, like all public spaces, it can
be a challenge to balance the varied needs of
park users and maintain a high level of safety and
comfort for all.

Concerns around safety may center on personal
safety and the deterrence of criminal activity or
unwanted behavior. Safety can also relate to the
condition of park spaces, facilities and amenities.

It is vital that parks are maintained to avoid broken
or damaged equipment, uneven or cracked court
flooring, hazardous landscaping or overgrowth
and other elements of potential safety risks due to
natural or expected deterioration.

Supporting visitor comfort is closely related to
safety. This extends to ensuring that all people
– regardless of age, ability or ethnicity – feel
welcome in park and recreation spaces, such as
through bilingual signs, diverse programmatic
offerings, ADA-compliant structures and pathways
and specialized play structures that are accessible
to all.

Safety measures at parks and playgrounds for even the youngest users. 4-15
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

CLIMATE RESILIENT PARKS
As the climate evolves the city will need to adapt
its park design, development, and maintenance
practices. In the case of Southern California,
increasing temperatures, lengthened periods
of drought, frequency of intense heat and other
changes result in different needs for park design
and management. In the future, parks will need
more shade, water fountains, shaded playgrounds,
strategic planting of shade trees and cooling
facilities such as spray grounds. As heat affects
recreation patterns—with people exercising in
the early mornings, evenings, and seasonally when
temperatures are cooler, changes in park design
and maintenance may be needed. Park design
may incorporate more field or pathway lighting,
drought-tolerant and native landscaping, shade
trees, and rest points. Management of parks
should consider resource allocation for irrigation,
maintenance, staff comfort and long-term
environmental planning.

Comments from engagement activities and
trends analysis related to climate resiliency
include:
• Shade and Comfort. There is a strong desire
for increased shade in playgrounds and tot
lot areas, with specific requests for shade
structures at playgrounds and seating areas.
• Air Conditioning. Upgrading older facility
buildings to include air conditioning and
providing indoor spaces for protection from
the heat would also enhance visitor comfort.
• Water Activities. Suggestions were made to
replace older wading pools with new splash
pads and add children’s water play features
that include shade.
• Native Plants and Wildlife Habitat. Residents
desire more native plants and natural areas
within developed parks, such as landscaping
that provides habitats for birds and butterflies.
• Climate Resiliency. Parks are evolving into
essential components of climate adaptation
strategies, integrating features such as
stormwater retention, expanded urban tree
canopies and shaded areas.

Milkweed plants along the Nature Trail offers habitat for native California Monarch butterflies.
4-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ROUTES TO PARKS
The planning process included an evaluation of
travel routes to parks to address opportunities
to enhance park connectivity and access via
bicycle, walking, and public and DASH transit. The
provision of well-designed sidewalks, pathways,
bike lanes, and public transportation options often
requires coordination with other departments
to address infrastructure and potential barriers
outside of parks. These barriers may include
the lack of sidewalks, busy roads without
crosswalks, areas with frequent vehicle collisions,
or physical obstacles such as freeways, rivers, or
drainage corridors that make it more difficult
to reach parks. However, the need to improve
infrastructure is recognized as a key opportunity
to enhance park access and connectivity.

Bicycle Access to City Parks
Most parks in Lakewood have limited or moderate
bike connectivity, with only a few parks offering
good bike access via bike paths, lanes, or routes.

To support bike and pedestrian access, ideally
Community Parks and Major Recreation Facilities
will be accessible by Class I bike paths or Class II
bike lanes (as defined in the sidebar below). Ideally,
Neighborhood Parks and Passive Parks will be
accessible by sidewalks to support pedestrian
access, with bike access provided through local
streets.

PARK AND TRAIL CONNECTIVITY
An attendee bikes to Del Valle Park for a Summer Concert in the Park event.

Bicycle Class Types
Class I (Bike Paths). Dedicated bike paths that
are completely separated from vehicle traffic,
providing a safe, off-road space for cyclists.

Class II (Bike Lanes). On-street bike lanes marked
by painted lines and symbols, running parallel to
vehicle traffic but separated by a visible boundary.

Class III (Bike Routes). Shared roadways marked
with signs or painted sharrows, where cyclists
share the lane with vehicles via limited dedicated
space.
4-17
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Trail Access to City Parks
Lakewood is served by three transit agencies:

Long Beach Transit, Metro, and Orange County
Transportation Authority. Besides buses, the city’s
DASH transit service provides free transportation
for Lakewood residents aged 60 and older who
do not have access to their own transportation,
as well as for disabled residents of any age. DASH
transit is not integrated into the transit access
analysis to city parks and facilities.

The analysis conducted as part of this Plan
indicates that most Community Parks and Major
Recreation Facilities are easily accessible via transit lines. One exception is the Weingart Senior Center,
whose nearest bus stop is a moderate walk, which
can pose challenges for seniors with mobility
issues. In this context, DASH serves as a valuable
option to bridge this transit gap.

Pedestrian and Street Safety
Pedestrian safety is essential when walking to
parks, as it ensures that community members can
access these spaces comfortably and without fear
of accidents. Safe pedestrian routes encourage
more people, including children, seniors, and
individuals with mobility challenges, to walk to
parks, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Well-designed sidewalks, crosswalks, and trafficcalming measures such as speed bumps and signage help protect pedestrians from potential
hazards.

A pedestrian safety analysis, conducted as part of
this planning process, coupled with community
input, highlighted a need for increased pedestrian
safety measures at larger parks which tend to be
located on or near major roadways and therefore
experience more automobile collisions, speeding,
and vehicular traffic.

Neighborhood Traffic Calming Report
The City of Lakewood has taken a proactive approach to addressing traffic safety through a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Report. These efforts analyze community concerns, collision data, and street conditions to identify locations where traffic calming measures can enhance neighborhood livability and pedestrian safety. Key corridors such as Clark Avenue, Del Amo Boulevard, Palo Verde Avenue, and Studebaker Road emerged as priority areas. Recommended strategies include highvisibility signage, pedestrian signal upgrades, speed feedback signs, and design interventions like lane reductions, additional parking, and traffic circles. Improvements also focus on enhancing safety at uncontrolled crosswalks throughout the city. Together, these efforts support broader goals of creating safer, more walkable neighborhoods and improving access to parks, schools, and community destinations.
4-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

TRAIL CONNECTIONS
According to the National Recreation and
Park Association’s (NRPA) 2024 Parks Metrics,
cities with a population similar to Lakewood’s
typically provide a median of 18 miles of trails
and greenways. However, Lakewood has only 1.7
miles of trails, all of which consist of the West
San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail (Table 4-1).

Sidewalks around parks, which some people use
for fitness walking, are not technically counted as
trails. Compared to similarly sized communities,
Lakewood’s trail mileage ranks in the lowest
quartile, falling approximately 15 miles short of the
median target.

The West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail
features a scenic, meandering path made of
decomposed granite, offering a more natural trail
experience. In contrast, the rest of Lakewood’s
trail network primarily consists of concrete
sidewalks along park perimeters. Most parks
include both perimeter sidewalks and internal
walkways for walking and circulation. The Nature
Trail is Lakewood’s most popular recreation facility,
frequently cited by residents for its immersive
natural experience.

The City of Long Beach, as of 2025, is also working
to extend the Nature Trail through their city and
closer to the Pacific Ocean. Public engagement
findings highlighted the need for safer
connections and improved access to the Nature
Trail, such as the creation of a pedestrian bridge
over the riverbed connecting Rynerson Park to
the Nature Trail. A request for a pedestrian gate at
Los Coyotes Diagonal reflects a desire for better
access to the trail system. Some respondents,
particularly from the western parts of the city,
noted the lack of nearby nature trails, emphasizing
the need for more accessible nature walks in
residential areas.

The Nature Trail runs alongside a portion of the San Gabriel River. 4-19
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

FACILITY NAME MILEAGE TYPE LOCATION TYPE
Biscailuz Park 0.3 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
Bloomfield Park 0.5 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
Bolivar Park 0.5 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
Boyar Park 0.5 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
Del Valle Park 0.6 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
Mayfair Park 0.5 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
San Gabriel River
Nature Trail 1.7 Decomposed granite
walking trail Meandering trail through park
Palms Park 0.7 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
Rynerson Park 1.0 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
San Martin Park 0.5 Concrete sidewalk Park perimeter
TOTAL 6.8 N/A
TABLE 4-1. TRAIL AND PATHWAY TYPES AND MILEAGE
4-20
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Lakewood offers a broad range of recreation
programs, classes, and events across 15 different
program areas. As the city’s population grows and
demographics shift, demand for these services is
expected to change. Key findings from community
engagement and program data needs analysis
include:
• General Programming. There’s a strong
demand for expanded evening and weekend
programs, with a focus on more options for
working adults, children, teens and families.

Requests include more inclusive and accessible
programs for individuals with disabilities and
lower-cost classes to improve affordability.
• Senior Programming. Seniors have expressed
interest in more affordable trips, fitness
classes, arts/crafts and social activities. There’s
also a need for expanded mental health
wellness programs and senior-friendly exercise
options, including tai chi and pickleball.
• Teen and Family Programming. Teens
want more recreation and educational
opportunities, including food-related
programs, rock climbing and fitness activities.

Families also desire more flexible, drop-in
events and entertainment options like movie
nights and live performances.
• Adaptive and Therapeutic Recreation.

There’s a demand for more programs tailored
to individuals with special needs, including
adaptive aquatics, art classes and therapeutic
recreation. Additionally, community events
focused on inclusion are desired.
• Sports and Aquatics. Lakewood’s sports
and aquatics programs are highly popular,
particularly baseball, basketball, and recreation
swim. There’s a significant demand for
expanded pool usage and additional program
space to reduce waitlists, especially in aquatics.
• Special Events. Major events like the Pan
Am Fiesta and Civic Center Block Party are
large, successful gatherings that continue to
attract sizable crowds, emphasizing the need
to maintain culturally diverse programs that
reflect the evolving population.

In summary, Lakewood residents are seeking
a wider variety of programs, with an emphasis
on inclusivity, accessibility, and expansion of
sports and aquatics offerings. The city’s special
events and family programming also remain vital
components of community engagement.

NEEDS FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS AND

COMMUNITY EVENTS
4-21
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan People enjoying the Lakewood Civic Center Block Party

LOOKING
AHEAD
CHAPTER 5
5-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan As Lakewood continues to evolve, its parks,
facilities, and recreation programs and events
must adapt to meet the changing needs of the
community. This chapter presents the vision
for the future of the city’s parks and recreation
system, guiding the Department of Recreation &
Community Services in enhancing and expanding
its offerings. It outlines key recommendations
that reflect the city’s commitment to safety,
accessibility, diversity, connectivity, and
environmental resilience.

This chapter identifies citywide goals and key
strategies to guide future investments and
improvements in Lakewood’s parks and recreation
system. It establishes a strategic framework to
enhance amenities, infrastructure, and long-term
stewardship, ensuring the city’s parks remain a
valuable asset for generations to come.

In preparing citywide park and recreation goals, it
was important to reflect the city’s vision, mission,
and values to ensure alignment with larger city
initiatives and community character.

LOOKING AHEAD
CHAPTER 5
The City’s 70th City Anniversary luncheon at the Weingart Senior Center. 5-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

CITY VISION
To be a welcoming and thriving
community where everyone can live,
work and play in a safe and healthy
environment.

CITY MISSION
To enhance the quality of life of the
Lakewood community by providing
efficient public services that are
responsive and fiscally prudent and with
a commitment to legendary customer
service.

CITY VALUES
• Legendary Customer Service
• Honest, Ethical and Trustworthy
• Fiscally Responsible and Financially
Prudent
• Responsive and Accountable
• Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive
• Teamwork and Collaboration
Pan Am Fiesta
5-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

CITYWIDE GOALS AND KEY STRATEGIES
The community’s aspirations and needs for Lakewood’s parks, parkways, recreation facilities, and programs are the guiding forces for the Plan. This document identifies eight goals for the park and recreation system, along with the strategies that will guide city staff in implementing projects, programs, and services to achieve the community’s vision. These strategies provide overarching directions for park system management. Specific site recommendations to improve city parks and facilities are presented separately.
4 6
2 8

IMPROVED

PARK & FACILITY
ACCESS

IMPROVED

CONNECTIVITY

RESILIENT &

SUSTAINABLE

GREENSPACE

PARTNERSHIPS

THAT ENHANCE

COMMUNITY
IMPACT
3 5
1 7
SAFE, WELLMAINTAINED PARKS
& FACILITIES

UNIQUE, DIVERSE,

PARKS &

FACILITIES

INCLUSIVE
& VIBRANT

PROGRAMS &
EVENTS

FORWARD THINKING

MANAGEMENT
& STRATEGIC

INVESTMENT
5-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Prioritizing safe and fun spaces for youth
GOAL 1. SAFE, WELL-MAINTAINED PARKS AND FACILITIES
Prioritize safe, well-maintained facilities through design, asset management, efficient resource use, tiered maintenance, and coordination with public safety providers.

1.1 Prioritize Deferred Maintenance for Safety
and Usability.

Focus on addressing deferred maintenance needs
to ensure the safety and usability of recreation
facilities.

1.2 Replace Old and Worn Facilities.

Renovate or replace old and worn outdoor
recreation facilities and amenities at the end
of their lifecycles. Use data on facility age and
condition to schedule and set aside funding for
ongoing repair and replacement. [See also 7.1
Implement a Comprehensive Asset Management
System.]

1.3 Apply CPTED Principles When Renovating or
Developing Parks.

Address park safety by integrating Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) principles to guide the placement of
facilities, visibility and site lines into the park, and other safety practices. Before replacing facilities
at the end of their lifecycles with a similar element,
determine whether a different alignment,
location, access or facility style would enhance
park visibility or safety.

1.4 Enhance Park Safety by Addressing Ongoing
Nuisances.

Collaborate with the Department of Public Safety
to increase Public Safety Officers (PSOs) and
law enforcement presence in parks to address
nuisance behaviors in parks, such as smoking,
drug use, off-leash dogs and loud music, as well
as more serious concerns such as vandalism and
personal safety crimes. Consider contracting with
an independent services contractor that provides
assistance, support and resource referrals when
dealing with people in parks who are loitering or
are homeless.
5-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 1. SAFE, WELL-MAINTAINED PARKS AND FACILITIES (CONT.)

1.5 Ensure Adequate Staffing for Park
Maintenance and Management.

Maintain sufficient staffing levels to oversee
routine and preventative park maintenance
effectively. As population and housing growth
increases park visitation and usage, particularly at
heavily utilized sites, the city will need to increase
its maintenance efforts. This may involve hiring
additional staff, increasing maintenance funding,
implementing efficiency-focused initiatives,
and reallocating resources to address evolving
demands.

1.6 Identify Service Tiers for Maintenance.

To ensure a consistent, system-wide approach
to park maintenance, establish defined service
levels and maintenance standards for various park
elements (e.g., athletic turf, exterior facilities).

A three-tiered maintenance system should be
implemented:
• Level 1: High-profile areas with the most
frequent maintenance.
• Level 2: Moderately used areas with standard
maintenance frequency.
• Level 3: Low-use or budget-limited areas with
minimal maintenance.

Adjust maintenance standards seasonally and
align with staffing, tools and cost calculations
to ensure operational efficiency and uniformity
across similar park assets. Apply demand-based
maintenance in areas where maintenance
conditions minimally impact user experience.

Protecting the Lakewood community
5-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 2. IMPROVED PARK AND FACILITY ACCESS
Distribute parks, remove barriers, and improve park access to and within parks to meet or exceed the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

2.1 Gradually Increase Park and Facility Acreage
to Support a Growing Population.

Strive to increase park acreage through innovative
means to sustain the current park level of service
(2.6 acres per 1,000 residents) as the community
grows. This may include acquiring new parkland,
establishing joint-use partnerships, requiring
developers to provide greenspace or recreation
facilities and other strategic approaches to
increase park and facility acreage across the city
and in target locations.

2.2 Target Underserved Areas for Additional
Recreation Opportunities.

Focus on enhancing recreation in underserved
parts of the city by prioritizing new parkland,
facilities, and partnerships when opportunities
arise. As of 2025, approximately nine areas in
Lakewood are beyond 0.5 miles from a city park
and are considered underserved. Prioritize
solutions and investments to introduce more
parks space and recreation opportunities,
ensuring equitable access to amenities across
all neighborhoods. [See also 4.1 Connectivity to
Parks.]

2.3 Enhance Park and Facility Accessibility.

Strengthen community access to parks and
remove barriers within parks and facilities to
enhance accessibility and meet the needs of
all users. Upgrade pathways, entrances, and
parking areas by adding ramps and accessible
parking spaces. Provide universally accessible
restrooms and inclusive play areas. Ensure
compliance with the standards of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), or exceed standards to
create all-inclusive, universal spaces that welcome
individuals of all abilities, and better support
access to families with small children, parents with
strollers and others.

2.4 Create Inclusive Facilities for Diverse
Abilities.

When adding or replacing park facilities, ensure
that designs and recreation programs reflect
the needs of individuals with physical disabilities,
autism, neurodiversity, ADHD, sensory processing
disorders, mental health needs (e.g., anxiety,
depression) and an aging population. This includes
accessible pathways, sensory-friendly spaces and
inclusive play areas with adaptive equipment.

Focus on creating safe, quiet zones, multi-sensory
activity areas and clear signage with braille and
visual icons. Additionally, continue to expand
adaptive sports facilities and train park staff
regarding inclusive practices to support Lakewood
residents and visitors.
5-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 3. UNIQUE, DIVERSE PARKS AND FACILITIES
Diversify parks and facilities to reflect and support Lakewood’s diversity, history, culture, health, and wellbeing.

3.1 Incorporate New and Diverse Opportunities
into Lakewood Parks.

Introduce amenities, facilities and art that
celebrate Lakewood’s history, diversify
recreation uses, and align with its future vision.

These enhancements could include public art
installations, historical themes and references,
emerging sports facilities, flexible-use social
spaces, innovative play areas, and engaging
challenge features that cater to diverse
community interests.

3.2 Diversify Facilities Through Asset
Replacement.

When replacing facilities, consider community
needs and desires for new or different types
of facilities. Avoid like-for-like replacements
(similar styles and footprints) if new trends can be
incorporated, to maximize future facility use and
provide unique recreation options.

3.3 Enhance Visitor Comfort and Park Use.

Upgrade and expand basic park amenities to
improve the overall visitor experience. Focus on
adding comfortable seating, shade structures,
water refill stations, well-maintained restrooms,
clear signage, and secure aesthetic bike racks to
make parks welcoming, convenient and accessible
for all users, including families, seniors, and
individuals with disabilities.

3.4 Support Health and Fitness in Parks.

Promote public health by adding and improving
facilities such as pickleball courts, outdoor fitness
equipment, sports courts and walking/jogging
trails. Design these spaces to support active
lifestyles for all ages, with attention to providing
sufficient shade, resting areas and hydration
stations near fitness amenities.

3.5 Renovate and Modernize Major Facilities.

Strategically invest in the modernization and
renovation of selected recreation buildings and
major facilities that require operations, including
pools, wading pools, community centers and
control buildings, specifically where these
support strategic and desired new uses. These
upgrades should incorporate modern amenities,
energy-efficient designs and accessibility
improvements while ensuring that larger-scale
renovations are balanced with smaller capital
improvement projects and regular maintenance
to maintain long-term functionality. Prioritize
the renovation of buildings and major facilities
based a set of criteria, including but not limited
to condition and safety, usage and demand,
accessibility compliance, energy efficiency,
programmatic needs, cost effectiveness and
available funding. Evaluate the future of wading
pools while considering alternatives such as
splash pads, balancing historical significance with
maintenance, safety, and operational concerns.
5-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 4. IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY
Enhance trails, bike lanes, park access, and DASH services to connect parks across the city and make it easier for people to reach parks.

4.1 Enhance Connectivity to Parks.

Strengthen connections to parks by providing an
integrated network of trails, safe intersections,
pedestrian improvements, and bike lanes. In
underserved areas, add new or improve access
routes to nearby existing parks to better support
access within walking distance. Collaborate with
other city departments and transit agencies to
enhance transit options, pedestrian pathways,
bicycle infrastructure, and overall street safety.

4.2 Expand and Improve DASH Accessibility.

Ensure the DASH Transit reservation system is
accessible to a wide variety of seniors and disabled
residents. Consider factors such as digital literacy,
broadband access, language diversity, participant
ability, and overall inclusivity. The DASH system
may also be expanded, as funding allows, to reach
currently underserved areas of the city, to improve
park access for all residents.

4.3 Enhance Wayfinding and Signage for Park
Access.

Provide clear and effective wayfinding to improve
park accessibility and enhance trail use. Continue
to provide clear signage and maps throughout
the city to direct residents and visitors to parks
and community facilities. Incorporate digital
tools such as interactive maps or apps to help
users discover park locations, routes, and nearby
amenities. These efforts will not only make parks
more accessible but also encourage exploration
and increased park use.

Exercise stations at Rynerson Park San Gabriel River Nature Trail 5-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 5. INCLUSIVE AND VIBRANT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Strengthen City programs and events to meet community needs, while carefully prioritizing resource allocation for lasting impact.

5.1 Sustain or Increase Facilities that Support
High-Demand Programs.

Continue to track program participation and
waitlists to prioritize enhancements to revenuegenerating facilities and highly programmed facilities, such as swimming pools and an indoor
gymnasium and/or indoor fitness space. Consider
facility expansion and partnerships to reduce
waitlists for popular programs such as aquatics and
gymnastics.

5.2 Enhance Recreation Programs to Serve All
Ages.

Expand recreation offerings to better meet
community needs, with a focus on underserved
age groups. Potential initiatives include STEAM
classes for teens, technology education for
seniors, sports opportunities for adults, and
intergenerational programs that encourage
family participation. Regularly assess community
interests to ensure programs remain inclusive,
relevant and engaging for all residents. Specifically
consider the following:
• Senior Programs and Activities. Expand
senior-centered programs, including art and
craft classes, adaptive fitness, dance and multigenerational activities. Prioritize additional events in east Lakewood, where opportunities
are limited, and schedule more daytime
activities to support safer travel for seniors.
• Travel and Excursions. Enhance travel and
excursion opportunities for residents, offering
day trips and social outings that promote
engagement, exploration and community
connection.
• Programs for Working Adults. Provide
more programs for working adults, including
weekend and after-work fitness, exercise,
socialization, enrichment and skill-building
activities to cater to busy schedules.
• Family Programs. Provide more programs
for families, such as parent-and-me classes,
activities for children with disabilities
and family-oriented events to encourage
togetherness and community connection.

Civic Center Block Party
5-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

5.3 Expand Wellness and Fitness Programs for
Holistic Health.

Enhance recreation programming by integrating
traditional fitness and exercise classes, such as
yoga, aerobics, and strength training, alongside
holistic wellness initiatives. Offer programs that
support social, cultural, and intellectual wellbeing, including mindfulness activities, arts and culture events, and nutrition-focused workshops.

Partner with local health organizations to provide
integrated services such as health screenings,
mental health resources and wellness education
to create a more comprehensive approach to
community health. Specifically consider the
following:
• Fitness Classes. Recruit local fitness
organizations and private or contracted
instructors to host classes in designated park
areas. Consider methods to keep classes
affordable through subsidies, low or free space
rentals and partnerships.
• Nutrition and Cooking Classes. Expand
nutrition education by offering hands-on
cooking classes. Utilize existing community
center kitchens or establish a dedicated
teaching kitchen at a central location to
enhance learning opportunities, promote
healthy eating and provide accessible culinary
programs for residents of all ages.
• Wellness Programs for Seniors. Incorporate
wellness programs for seniors focused on grief,
loneliness, and coping to support emotional
well-being and connection.

Monte Verde Park summer camp
Lakewood Meals on Wheels volunteers
GOAL 5. INCLUSIVE AND VIBRANT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS (CONT.) 5-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 5. INCLUSIVE AND VIBRANT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS (CONT.)

5.4 Diversify Recreation Programs to Leverage
Existing and New Facilities.

Expand the variety of programming offered in
existing parks, but also as new and different
types of facilities are added to the park system.

Specifically consider the following:
• Gardening Programs and Environmental
Education. Leverage existing park sites to
connect residents to nature and to promote
community involvement in sustainable
practices. For example, increase education
programs in gardening and landscaping.
• Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Enrichment. Offer
more arts, crafts, and cultural enrichment
classes to boost skills and foster social
engagement. These may include ceramics,
game clubs, language courses, and more.

5.5 Enhance Inclusive and Accessible Recreation
Programs.

Expand adaptive and therapeutic recreation
opportunities to serve individuals of all abilities,
including those with physical disabilities,
neurodiversity, and sensory processing
differences. Ensure parks and facilities incorporate
universal design principles, ADA accessibility,
and all-inclusive play features such as wheelchairaccessible equipment and sensory-friendly environments. Strengthen programming with
skill-building, socialization, cultural engagement
and wellness activities tailored to diverse
needs. Improve citywide events by integrating
accommodations like sensory-friendly hours, quiet
zones, assistive technologies and private viewing
areas to foster full community participation.

5.6 Continue to Expand and Diversify CityHosted Events and Celebrations.

Continue to enhance the city’s calendar of events
by introducing new community-driven, culturally
relevant, and seasonal activities that appeal to
residents. Maintain and strengthen historically
significant and popular city events that resonate
with the community. Leverage parks and public
spaces to host events that foster community
connections and celebrate Lakewood’s history and
identity. Partner with local businesses, nonprofits
and schools to expand resources and ensure
successful execution.

5.7 Implement Mobile and Pop-Up Recreation
Programs.

Expand mobile recreation initiatives to provide
recreation activities at events and in underserved
neighborhoods that lack park access. Mobile
recreation vans, pop-up sports clinics and
temporary play installations can provide highquality recreation experiences directly to the community. Coordinate these efforts with local
organizations and schools to maximize reach and
participation.

Children enjoy Earth Walk 2024.
5-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

5.8 Monitor Data to Discontinue Underattended Programs.

Use ActiveNet —the City’s online class and activity
registration program— to determine where
programs should be reduced or evaluated to
understand barriers to participation. Continue to
monitor the following:
• Classes with a low “go versus cancelled ratio”
(GCR), such as fine arts instruction, educational
classes, workshops, classes, fitness, and arts
and crafts.
• Activities with negative participation trends or
low capacities (less than 25%), such as tennis,
fitness, and educational classes.
• Middle-of-the-week programs, which have
lower average enrollments and capacities.
• Early afternoon programs, a timeframe that
may be better served by self-directed and
drop-in opportunities.

5.9 Track and Use Data to Project Program
Needs.

Regularly gather community feedback to adapt
programs to emerging needs. Add program
location, format, length and time of day analyses
to program evaluations to understand localized
trends. Expand the use of ActiveNet for both
contracted and non-contract classes to inform
future programming decisions. Augment data
collection methods to consider the use of cell
phone data or other facility/event participation
counts to anticipate programming and
maintenance needs for events and activities
not tracked through ActiveNet. Analyze trends
to determine which activities drive the highest
engagement and align with community needs.

Use this data to strategically increase inclusivity,
improve resource allocation, maximize revenue
potential and design programs that have broad
appeal.

Lakewood Summer Concerts in the Park
GOAL 5. INCLUSIVE AND VIBRANT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS (CONT.) 5-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 5. INCLUSIVE AND VIBRANT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS (CONT.)

5.10 Create Business Plans.

Develop program category business plans
every two years to refine cost recovery goals,
performance measures, marketing strategies, and
program objectives. These plans should include
specific action items for achieving financial
sustainability, setting clear metrics for success
and identifying target audiences. Additionally,
include an evaluation of current programs,
with recommendations for adjustments or new
initiatives based on community feedback and
market trends. Regularly assess the effectiveness
of these plans to ensure continuous improvement
and alignment with the city’s overall recreation
and community service goals.

5.11 Update the Fee Philosophy and Cost
Recovery Goals.

Establish cost recovery goals by program
categories, to determine fees for services
and manage the Department of Recreation &
Community Services program portfolio annually.

As part of this process, look for opportunities
to increase program revenues and/or decrease
subsidies while ensuring programs are affordable
for residents. Revisit facility pricing and determine
what portion of costs should be paid by Class
I-IV groups for exclusive facility use so that—at a
minimum—the City is collecting more revenues
to offset added facility maintenance time.

Reevaluate and potentially increase fees for nonresidents for programs and facility rentals.

The Centre
5-15
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 6.RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE GREENSPACE
Adapt to current and future climate conditions to enhance visitor comfort and promote ecosystem health across all parks and facilities.

6.1 Enhance Environmental Sustainability in
Lakewood Parks.

Continue to increase environmental sustainability
through strategic initiatives such as native
plantings, efficient irrigation technologies and
stormwater retention systems. Implement
measures to address future droughts and
intense storms by incorporating water-saving
technologies and designing landscapes that can
withstand heavy rainfall and fluctuating water
availability. These practices reduce water usage,
enhance biodiversity, improve resilience to
extreme weather events, and contribute to the
ecological health of park spaces, while aligning
with broader environmental goals.

6.2 Maintain High-Quality Landscaping and
Turf with Cost-Effective Strategies.

Provide high-quality maintenance for park
landscaping and turf areas while prioritizing
cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency and
sustainability. Implement resilient practices
such as efficient irrigation systems, seasonal
maintenance scheduling, and native or droughtresistant plantings to reduce long-term costs, conserve resources, and enhance environmental
sustainability. Maintain quality turf in parks for
high-activity sports fields, multi-purpose greens
and aesthetic appeal in high-visibility zones,
ensuring it is used strategically based on its
intended purpose, local climate, maintenance
resources, and water availability. Regularly
assess and adjust staffing, tools and technology
to optimize maintenance efforts and ensure
consistent, sustainable landscaping and turf
quality across all park sites.

6.3 Balance Water Usage and Landscape
Design.

Create a balanced approach to water usage
by tailoring landscaping to park functions.

Incorporate low-water and low-maintenance
plantings in areas like natural pathways and
decorative zones, while reserving higher water
use for spaces such as turf fields and high-traffic
areas. Striking this balance ensures environmental
sustainability while meeting the recreation needs
of the community.

6.4 Expand Shade Canopy in Parks.

Increase shaded areas in parks through a
combination of natural tree planting and artificial
shade structures. Focus on providing shade
at high-traffic areas, including playgrounds,
fitness zones, seating areas and trails. Adequate
shade enhances visitor comfort, mitigates heatrelated health risks and improves accessibility for vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children
and individuals with health conditions.

6.5 Manage Wildlife and Nature in Parks.

Implement targeted strategies to protect and
manage wildlife and natural areas along the San
Gabriel River Nature Trail and other relevant parks.

This includes utilizing low-impact night lighting
and installing educational signage. Such initiatives
can support biodiversity while fostering public
awareness and stewardship of local ecosystems.
5-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 7. FORWARD-THINKING MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENT Develop a foundation for long-term planning and strategic operations in funding, communications, volunteer engagement, administration, and other key areas to sustain high-quality park and recreation offerings for the future.

7.1 Implement a Comprehensive Asset
Management System.

Develop and maintain an ongoing asset
management plan that tracks, updates and
communicates the condition of park assets to
relevant staff efficiently. While asset management
can be resource-intensive, using advanced
digital tools and software can streamline this
process. Expand the promotion of the Lakewood
Connect system within park spaces to encourage
public reporting of issues, repairs, and concerns,
fostering a community-driven approach to park
maintenance and improvement.

7.2 Ensure an Accessible and User-Friendly
Reservation System.

Implement a reservation system that is
convenient, widely accessible and reliable for all
users. The system should be intuitive, mobilefriendly, and provide real-time updates to avoid conflicts or confusion. Automating scheduling will
also reduce the administrative burden on staff,
enabling better resource allocation. Consider
integrating this system with communication
tools to notify users of reservation confirmations,
reminders, and park updates.

7.3 Centralize Work Order System.

To improve efficiency and consistency within
the Department of Recreation & Community
Services maintenance and operations, it is
recommended to implement a centralized
work order system. This system should support
preventative, recurring, repair/rehabilitation and
capital improvement maintenance while tracking
actual hours and costs. Work orders should be
scheduled at manageable intervals (e.g., bi-weekly
or monthly for preventative tasks). A centralized
system will enhance asset management,
streamline documentation, and improve longterm planning.

7.4 Clarify Roles and Resource Allocation.

To enhance maintenance and operations
efficiency, it is essential to document the roles
of the Department of Recreation & Community
Services, Public Works, and contracted services
in leading and supporting various functions.

Once established, budgets and staffing (fulltime, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer) should be assessed to sustain current service levels.

This framework enables informed adjustments
based on community needs, organizational goals
and resource availability while ensuring a clear
understanding of service level impacts due to
budget changes, staffing constraints or shifts in
responsibilities.
5-17
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

7.5 Evaluate Contracted Services.

Utilize a contracted services matrix to assess
maintenance activities before outsourcing. This
data-driven approach ensures informed decisionmaking by evaluating key criteria and assigning scores. Services scoring above a numerical
threshold should be considered for contracting.

Once vetted, the Department of Recreation
& Community Services should determine the
appropriate type and duration of the agreement
to align with operational needs and service
expectations.

7.6 Expand the Volunteer Program.

Continue to build upon the structured volunteer
program to engage the community in park
maintenance, beautification, and monitoring
efforts, while also incorporating opportunities
for sports coaching, refereeing and youth
involvement. Partner with local organizations,
service clubs, schools, and recreation sports
leagues to recruit volunteers, including students
and teens, to gain leadership experience and
contribute to the community. Provide training
in park maintenance, sports coaching, and
refereeing to ensure high-quality service and
enhance skill development. Offer incentives,
such as certificates or recognition events, to
motivate and reward volunteers, and highlight
their achievements to foster community pride and
encourage ongoing participation.

7.7 Pursue Grants and Alternative Funding
Sources.

Aggressively pursue grants, sponsorships and
other alternative funding sources to support
park and trail maintenance, upgrades, and
programming. Develop a dedicated team or
staff member to identify grant opportunities
and collaborate with regional and state agencies,
nonprofits and private entities. Prioritize funding
that aligns with the city’s vision for improving
park access, safety and amenities, especially for
disadvantaged communities.

7.8 Develop a Prioritization Framework for
Investment Decisions.

Create and implement a prioritization tool to
guide investment decisions for Lakewood parks.

This framework should balance community needs,
asset condition, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring
resources are allocated effectively. Include criteria
such as safety, equity, community input, and
alignment with long-term city goals. Regularly
update the tool to reflect evolving priorities and
maintain transparency in decision-making.

Lakewood Volunteer Day 2025
GOAL 7. FORWARD-THINKING MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENT (CONT.) 5-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan GOAL 8. PARTNERSHIPS THAT ENHANCE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Build relationships with other public and private entities within the City of Lakewood for expanded recreation opportunities and funding support.

8.1 Expand Recreation Opportunities Through
Partnerships.

Forge partnerships with schools and other public
institutions to increase recreation acreage and
opportunities. Utilize open spaces at schools
or other public facilities to provide additional
amenities for the community. Collaborate with
school districts serving Lakewood which are
experiencing declining enrollments, and explore
the potential for repurposing closed school
sites as temporary solutions for recreation
space in underserved areas. Any consideration
of repurposing these sites for long-term use
will be preceded by a financial feasibility study
to evaluate the costs and benefits of acquiring,
demolishing or renovating buildings. In the
interim, prioritize programming outdoor spaces
to meet immediate community needs. Long-term,
explore partnerships and joint-use agreements to
increase indoor recreation facilities such as gyms
and indoor basketball courts, supporting yearround activities and diverse community needs.

8.2 Partner with Private Developers to Expand
Park Acreage.

Encourage private sector collaboration in
housing and commercial developments to
incorporate parkland or recreation facilities into
their development plans. Such partnerships
can address park gap areas while enhancing
community amenities.

8.3 Build Jurisdictional Partnerships to Expand
Trails.

Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to
develop interconnected trails and bikeways.

These partnerships can also facilitate shared
maintenance and management responsibilities,
creating a seamless regional network for
recreation and mobility.

8.4 Leverage Partnerships for Programming
and Services.

Collaborate with nonprofits, community
organizations and private businesses to enhance
recreation programming, environmental
education and wellness activities. These
partnerships can bring additional funding,
resources, and services to underserved areas,
diversifying offerings citywide.

Pool at Mayfair Park
5-19
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Home Run Dog Park

TAILORING

PARKS FOR

TOMORROW
CHAPTER 6
6-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Over the next decade, the City of Lakewood will
implement strategic improvements to its parks
and recreation system, ensuring continued access
to high-quality facilities, programs, and open
spaces. This plan identifies key recommendations
to enhance recreation buildings, upgrade aquatic
facilities, establish clear guidelines for park
design and programming, and expand recreation
opportunities citywide. Additionally, it provides
site-specific recommendations to improve
existing parks and ensure long-term sustainability.

A well-maintained and thoughtfully designed
park system requires ongoing investment. As
facilities age, the city must plan for reinvestment,
replacement, and modernization to meet evolving
community needs. This includes maintaining
a high standard of care across all parks while
adapting maintenance strategies as new
amenities are introduced.

While this chapter identifies recommendations,
the prioritization and implementation of
improvements will remain flexible, allowing the
city to respond to changing community needs,
emerging opportunities, and available funding.

However, it is important to acknowledge that
some recommendations may not be feasible
due to constraints such as limited funding or
the lack of available land, whether at existing
parks or for new park development. As such,
managing community expectations is essential
to ensure that the Plan remains grounded in what
is realistically achievable, while still striving to
enhance recreation opportunities for all residents
through thoughtful and strategic investments.

TAILORING PARKS

FOR TOMORROW
CHAPTER 6
Herbalife, LA Galaxy, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation
celebrate the unveiling of a new community mini-pitch at Palms Park.
6-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan To support these efforts, this chapter outlines
clear recommendations for recreation
buildings, aquatic facilities, park design and
development, additional recreation facilities,
and each existing city-owned park. While
these recommendations align with the City
of Lakewood’s Capital Improvement Program
Budget for Fiscal Years 2023–24 to 2029–30, the
2023 Facility Condition Assessment, established
Measure L improvements, and the assessment of
existing pool facilities, they also go beyond these
documents to address broader community needs
and long-term recreation goals as identified
by public input and the needs assessment.

Improvements identified in this chapter that
are determined to be high priorities can be
incorporated into future updates to the Capital
Improvement Program or considered during
future budget planning cycles. While the city plays
a central role in providing parks and recreation
services, it is not the sole provider. Additional
recreation opportunities are made possible
through partnerships with non-city entities
such as school districts, nonprofit organizations,
and private providers—broadening the range
of services and experiences available to the
community.

Community members and local leaders gather for the ribbon cutting of the new playground at Biscailuz Park. 6-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

RECREATION BUILDING

RECOMMENDATIONS
Lakewood’s recreation buildings—including
community centers, activity buildings, and
control buildings—support a variety of park uses.

Currently, the city has a mix of buildings that are
essential hubs for community programs or provide
passive space for community meetings, offices,
restrooms, storage, etc. Few support indoor
active recreation opportunities. Approximately
half are at least 65 years old. As these facilities
age, the city must assess their condition and
determine whether to maintain, renovate, rebuild,
or remove them based on lifespan, evolving
needs and available funding. (Note: Pool building
recommendations are discussed with the Aquatic
Facilities Recommendations in the next section of
this chapter.)
Decisions on aging buildings will be guided by
structural integrity, renovation costs to bring
older buildings up to code, maintenance costs,
program demands and funding. Strategic
investments will ensure these spaces continue
to support diverse activities and services.

Community centers provide multi-generational
programming and event space. Activity buildings
offer modern community spaces and offices, and
control buildings house recreation offices, small
community rooms and storage.

In some cases, demolition may be the most costeffective option, especially if maintenance and renovation costs outweigh the benefits. The city
may consolidate building functions in larger parks
to reduce operational costs while maintaining
services. In neighborhood parks with limited
programming, small unstaffed structures—
such as restrooms or storage—may enhance
usability without requiring dedicated staff. A
strategic approach to facility planning will ensure
Lakewood’s recreation buildings continue to serve
the community efficiently and sustainably. The
following recommendations provide planninglevel guidance on future building improvements based on identified community needs.

TYPES OF RECREATION BUILDING

IMPROVEMENTS
Building Evaluation. A Facility Condition
Assessment was completed in 2018 identifying
$31 million in facility renewal and maintenance
needs over a 10-year period. However, to inform
any building renovation, rebuilding, or demolition
it is recommended that the city conduct an
updated full architectural assessment (structural,
mechanical, electrical, plumbing). This assessment
update should determine the need for upgrades
and cost effectiveness (return on investment)
before decision-making.

1. Maintain. Maintaining a building involves
regular janitorial care, upkeep and repairs to
ensure a facility remains functional, safe, and
aesthetically appealing. This includes routine
tasks like cleaning, painting, HVAC service, and
addressing minor repairs to prevent further
deterioration. The goal of maintenance is to
extend the lifespan of a building and preserve
its ability to serve its intended purpose without
major structural changes or renovations. While
all park buildings require maintenance, the
following buildings need this level of routine
and preventative care only, and not more
extensive renovations: Burns Community
Center, S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge, and Boyar
Activity Building.
6-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

2. Renovate. Renovating a building refers to
upgrading or improving specific elements
of an existing structure without completely
replacing it. Renovation can include updates
to outdated systems, such as electrical or
plumbing, modernizing spaces to enhance
functionality and meet current building codes,
and changing the uses of specific rooms or
areas to better meet community needs. It
may also involve aesthetic improvements,
such as flooring or finishes, while retaining
the building’s original structure. Renovation
allows for efficient use of resources while
extending the building’s useful life. Palms
Community Center and Weingart Senior
Center are recommended for renovation and
are scheduled to begin in 2025.

3. Rebuild. Reconstructing a building entails
demolishing the original structure and
building a new one in its place. This option
is typically considered when a building has
reached the end of its useful life, has significant
structural issues or is not cost effective to
renovate to meet the needs of the community.

Rebuilding offers the opportunity to design
a facility that aligns with current and future
demands, incorporates modern building
standards and enhances sustainability and
energy efficiency. It also provides the chance
to address evolving programmatic needs and
improve overall functionality. The following
buildings require further evaluation and facility
planning to determine whether rebuilding is
more cost-effective than renovation to provide
the recreation opportunities desired: the
Lakewood Youth Center, the Bolivar Control
Building, and the McCormick Pool Bath House.

4. Demolish (Repurpose Space). Demolishing a
building involves the complete removal of an
existing structure when it is no longer needed
or viable for renovation or reconstruction. This
decision is typically made when a building is
beyond repair or no longer serves its intended
function. Demolition allows for the creation of
new spaces or facilities that better meet the
community’s needs, offering an opportunity
to reimagine the site and improve overall park
or facility functionality. It may also provide
flexibility to reconfigure the site for different
uses, enhancing the overall efficiency and value
of the space.

The old concessionaire building at Del Valle Park is
recommended for demolition.
6-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

AQUATIC FACILITIES

RECOMMENDATIONS

SWIMMING POOLS
Lakewood has two public swimming pools:

McCormick Pool at Bolivar Park and Mayfair
Pool at Mayfair Park. Both facilities have faced
ongoing operational and maintenance challenges,
including aging equipment and infrastructure.

Additionally, the McCormick Pool building is
outdated and in need of modernization to improve
functionality and accessibility.

Currently, both pools serve residents in the central
and western portions of the city, leaving the
eastern portion without a public swimming facility.

This Plan prioritizes maintaining and improving
these aquatics facilities (pools, buildings, and
related infrastructure and equipment) to meet
the continued demand for aquatic recreation,
as identified through community engagement
and technical analysis as part of the Needs
Assessment. Recommendations include:

Pool and Building Evaluation. A 2023 Needs
Assessment for Mayfair Pool identified over $1
million in required improvements, some of which
have already been completed. A 2024 Needs
Assessment for McCormick Pool revealed the
need for significant renovations, estimated at $4.5
million for code compliance and over $10.9 million
for pool replacement. Further evaluation of each
pool’s structural integrity, mechanical systems,
and compliance with safety and accessibility
standards is recommended. Based on the
findings, three options for future improvements
are proposed:

McCormick Pool at Bolivar Park
Mayfair Pool at Mayfair Park
6-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

1. Renovation. If the pool is in reasonable
condition, proceed with upgrading the pool
infrastructure. This includes resurfacing the
pool shell, enhancing the filtration system at
McCormick Pool, improving the chlorination
systems, and upgrading the deck with slipresistant surfaces. Additionally, update lane markers, depth indicators, and consider adding
heating elements for extended seasonal use.

Both the McCormick Pool Bath House and
Mayfair Swim Pavilion should be modernized
to improve accessibility, functionality, and the
overall user experience, ensuring the facilities
meet current standards and community
needs.

2. Rebuild. If long-term operational and cost
considerations warrant, consider rebuilding
or replacing the pool to bring it up to modern
standards, even if it is not beyond repair. This
approach would address ongoing maintenance
challenges and improve safety, accessibility,
and sustainability, ensuring the facility
continues to serve as a key community asset.

This could apply to both Mayfair Pool and
McCormick Pool, with necessary upgrades to
the pool buildings to enhance functionality
and user experience. At a minimum, one pool
should be rebuilt to meet community needs.

Youth swim lessons at Mayfair Pool at Mayfair Park
6-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

WADING POOLS RECOMMENDATIONS
Older wading pools in Lakewood, built decades
ago, offer both advantages and drawbacks in the
context of modern park and recreation planning.

On the positive side, these pools hold nostalgic
value for long-time residents, serving as cherished
community gathering spots that have provided
generations of families with affordable and
accessible water play. Their shallow depth makes
them ideal for young children, promoting early
water interaction in a controlled environment.

Additionally, because they were constructed in
an era with fewer regulatory constraints, these
pools often occupy prime locations within parks,
offering convenient access and integration with
surrounding amenities. When wading pools are in
operation, city staff are present on site to monitor
use and safety.

However, these aging facilities also present
challenges. Many of them have outdated
materials and filtration systems, leading to higher
maintenance costs. High operational costs are also
due to the staffing needs associated with standing
water. Accessibility standards have evolved, and
older pools may not meet current Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The wading
pool at Palms Park is the only ADA accessible
pool. Shifting recreation trends see declining use
of wading pools due to high costs and staffing
needs. However, other water play structures
such as splash pads and interactive fountains
are appearing as replacement cooling options in
cities facing increasing summer temperatures. As
Lakewood evaluates the future of its wading pools,
balancing the historic and sentimental value of
these pools with the need for modern, sustainable
aquatic play options will be a key consideration.

Recommendations include:

Wading Pool Evaluation. Evaluate the condition
of the City’s six wading pools to identify any
infrastructure issues that may require repairs,
upgrades, or eventual replacement. Based on
this assessment, the city can explore a range of
options—including maintaining and enhancing
all existing wading pools, selectively reducing
the number, or phasing out some facilities over
time. These options aim to balance community
access, operational efficiency, and long-term
sustainability. Consider the following options:

1. Maintain and Improve Existing Wading Pools.

Retain the current number of wading pools
across the City, with targeted improvements
based on condition assessments. Prioritize
enhancements that address safety, ADA
accessibility, and water conservation. Focus
improvements on pools located in areas with
limited access to other aquatic facilities, high
population density, or overlapping youth
programming. This option allows the city to
preserve its existing footprint of wading pool
access while modernizing facilities to meet
contemporary standards.

2. Significantly Reduce Wading Pools. Assuming
the two swimming pools located in the central
and western portions of the city remain,
maintain and/or enhance one wading pool in
the eastern portion of the city due to the lack
of swimming pools in this area. Depending on
pool condition findings, consider prioritizing
the ADA accessible wading pool in Palms Park.

Eliminate or phase out at the end of their
lifecycles the remaining five wading pools.

Consider replacing two to three with other
water play options.
6-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

3. Strategically Fade Out Wading Pools.

Depending on the results of the condition
assessment, keep three wading pools,
prioritizing areas that are dispersed, do not
have nearby access to swimming pools, are
ADA accessible, have good multi-modal access
(via transit, walking, biking and driving), are
located at sites that offer other types of youth
programming, and are located in Community
Parks. Eliminate or phase out at the end of their
lifecycles the remaining three wading pools.

Either apply the cost savings to investing in the
city’s swimming pools, or consider replacing
one to two with other water play options.

4. Alternative Water Play Options. Consider the
following water play options in lieu of wading
pools:
» Splash Pads. A popular and lowmaintenance alternative, splash pads feature interactive water jets, fountains, and spray
features that provide safe, engaging play
for children of all ages. Spray pads, while
popular, face challenges such as high-water
usage, especially if they lack a recirculating
system. Maintenance can be costly due to
the need for regular cleaning and upkeep of
spray nozzles and filtration systems.
» Interactive Water Play Areas. Interactive
Water Play Areas can feature themed
elements like tipping buckets, small slides
and water cannons, offering a dynamic and
engaging experience. These areas allow
children to explore and interact with water
in creative and imaginative ways, providing
both fun and physical activity.
» Shallow Water Play Pools. A redesigned
wading pool with zero-depth entry,
improved filtration, and modern play
elements can provide a safer and more
engaging aquatic experience while
maintaining a pool-like setting.
» Hybrid Splash and Shallow Pool
Combination. A design that integrates a
splash pad with a small shallow pool allows
for diverse water play experiences while
optimizing water use and safety.
» Nature-Inspired Water Play Areas. Features
such as hand pumps, sand areas, rock-like
formations and stream-like play zones can
create a more naturalistic, sensory water
play experience while blending with park
environments.
» Multi-Use Water Features. A space that can
function as both a splash pad or sprinkler
play area in the summer and a dry play plaza
in cooler months, maximizing year-round
usability.

Example: Always Dream Play Area water play area
(Fremont, California)
6-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

GUIDELINES FOR

PARK DESIGN AND

DEVELOPMENT
This section outlines key guidelines for enhancing
Lakewood’s parks through design, development,
and renovation. While some items focus on
improving existing facilities, others involve
acquiring new park space or expanding recreation
uses. These guidelines serve as a framework
to ensure that Lakewood’s parks remain safe,
accessible, and engaging for residents of all ages.

Certain recommendations, particularly those
related to programming, align with broader
system wide strategies. Park improvements
should be implemented in locations that provide
necessary support amenities—such as restrooms,
parking, and seating—and consider factors
like noise mitigation, accessibility, and overall
community benefit.

The following categories organize key
recommendations for Lakewood’s park system,
covering safety, park design and landscaping,
playgrounds, sports and fitness facilities, comfort
amenities, and increased park space and trails.

Example: Earvin Magic Johnson Park (Los Angeles, California) 6-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARK SAFETY
• Park Design: Incorporate Crime Prevention
through Environmental Design (CPTED)
strategies and enhance park safety through
design principles related to facility siting,
access (or access control), visibility, natural
surveillance, territorial reinforcement, activity
support, and maintenance.
• Encouraged Activities: Encourage drop-in or
programmed activities in Lakewood parks that
provide a human presence from early morning
to evening to foster safety and community
engagement, while balancing impacts to
surrounding residential properties.
• Diverse Park Activities: Develop diverse
park activities beyond organized sports and
playgrounds, including fitness programs,
cultural events, and community gatherings.
• Community Involvement in Design: Involve
community members in the design and
redesign of Lakewood park spaces to reflect
their needs and enhance safety.
• Existing Park Signage: Improve and simplify
signage throughout Lakewood parks to
enhance navigation, promote safety, and
provide clear, helpful information. Incorporate
maps and descriptive text to assist visitors in
finding amenities and feeling more secure in
their surroundings.
• Encourage Natural Surveillance: Promote
formal and informal surveillance in Lakewood
parks by designing spaces that can be easily
observed by other park users to reduce
vandalism and inappropriate behavior.
• Enhanced Park Lighting: Improve park
lighting to enhance perceptions of safety,
ensuring well-lit areas encourage legitimate
nighttime use and better visibility. However,
it is important to balance lighting with safety
by ensuring that lighting does not encourage
late-night gatherings or activities that could
compromise security. In some cases, it may
not be advisable to have visitors later at night
or when the park is closed, as unregulated
late-night use could lead to safety concerns or
disturbances.
• Clear Sightlines: Improve safety within parks
and facilities with clear sightlines that allow
visitors to observe the activity around them.
• Regular Park Maintenance: Regularly
maintain Lakewood parks to prevent vandalism
and ensure a clean, safe environment that
discourages negative behaviors.
• Park Hardscape: Repair or replace park
walkways, patio slabs, picnic area driveways,
and trash enclosure slabs as needed to ensure
safety and functionality.
• Park Fencing: Repair and maintain park
fencing as needed to ensure safety and
functionality.
• Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement:

Coordinate with the Lakewood Station to
address traffic safety concerns and discuss
potential mitigation solutions for improving
safety near parks. Additionally, explore the
feasibility of implementing horse-mounted
Sheriff patrols along the Nature Trail and the
San Gabriel River to enhance visibility, safety,
and community presence in these areas.
6-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Stoneview Nature Center (Culver City, California)

PARK CONNECTIVITY
• Pedestrian Safety Enhancements: Enhance
pedestrian safety across all parks by
collaborating with relevant City departments
to explore and implement improvements
that align with the Lakewood Local Roadway
Safety Plan, focusing on increased safety,
accessibility, and connectivity for all users.

This collaboration should focus on enhancing
pedestrian safety, accessibility, and
connectivity, ensuring that improvements
are consistent with the plan’s objectives and
designed to meet the needs of all users.
• Bicycle Facility Improvements: Improve
biking access to parks and recreation
facilities by expanding bicycle racks and
other amenities, such as bike repair stations
at key Community Parks with higher bicycle
traffic. Coordinate with the General Plan
Update to ensure any future bike lanes,
including dedicated bike lanes, navigate to
existing Community Parks and recreation
facilities to improve connectivity. Additionally,
consider expanding overall bicycle facilities
to encourage cycling as a convenient and
sustainable mode of transportation for park
visitors.
• Transit Access: Enhance transit access to
parks by improving pedestrian connectivity,
sidewalks, and walkways between bus stops
and park entrances where feasible. In areas
where convenient transit access does not
currently exist, explore opportunities to
enhance connections or collaborate with
transit agencies to improve service. These
efforts should prioritize safe, accessible
routes that encourage the use of public
transportation to reach park and recreation
facilities.

Example: Bike lanes (Irvine, California)
6-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARK DESIGN / LANDSCAPING
• Celebrate Diversity and Identity through Art:

Integrate more art and interpretive features
that celebrate Lakewood’s diverse community,
cultures, history, and heritage to enhance the
cultural richness of the parks.
• Sustainable Landscaping: Convert select
non-recreation portions of grass spaces into
low-maintenance native plant garden beds to
reduce water usage, provide visual appeal to
underused sections, and support biodiversity
and wildlife. Native and waterwise landscaping
should not replace or decrease existing
recreation lawn spaces, but only augment
passive spaces, peripheral areas, medians, etc.
• Wildlife and Nature Management: Implement
more management for wildlife and nature in
City parks to enhance natural habitats and
protect ecosystems.
• Expert Consultation for Bird Protection:

Consult with a wildlife expert/ornithologist
to reduce landscaping impact to nesting/
migrating birds in City parks and along the San
Gabriel River Nature Trail.
• Tree Health and Care: Consult with the city
arborist to review the long-term health of
trees, including current stressors. Continue
to reference the Lakewood Tree Master Plan
(2022) and master tree list for any new tree
plantings.

DOGS
• Strengthened Regulations: Establish stronger
regulations against littering, dog waste,
and improper activities to maintain park
cleanliness and safety.
• Support Existing Dog-Friendly Areas:

Continue to allow leashed dogs at Rynerson
Park and along the Nature Trail, and maintain
off-leash access at Home Run Dog Park.

Provide additional signage, waste stations, and
enforcement at these designated locations to
encourage responsible use.
• Promote Education and Awareness: Launch
an outreach campaign to educate park users
about the city’s specific dog policies, including
the areas where leashed dogs are allowed, such
as at Rynerson, and where off-leash access is
permitted, such as at Home Run Dog Park. The
campaign should also encourage responsible
pet ownership and proper dog behavior in
public spaces.
• Evaluate Demand and Feasibility: Periodically
assess community demand for additional
dog-friendly spaces and explore the feasibility
of creating new leash-only zones, including
designated park walkways or grassy areas for
walking dogs on leashes.

Example: Johnny Carson Park Native Landscaping
(Burbank, California)
6-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATION

AMENITIES
• Wheelchair-Accessible Playground Flooring:

Replace sand with rubberized safety surfacing
(flooring) in playgrounds to ensure wheelchair
access and enhance safety for all children.

Repair playground surfaces as needed.
• Playground Equipment Maintenance:

Replace broken or non-functional playground
equipment as needed, prioritizing the
safety of users by addressing any items that
pose potential hazards. Ensure that all play
structures meet current safety standards
and are suitable for the intended age groups,
enhancing the overall play experience while
preventing injury risks.
• Sensory Learning Features: Incorporate
sensory learning opportunities into
playgrounds and parks to engage children in
meaningful, interactive experiences.
• Shade Provision: Provide ample shade for
playground structures and seating areas
to protect visitors from the sun and create
comfortable spaces for relaxation.
• Challenging and Unique Play Elements:

Introduce more challenging and unique play
elements, such as climbing walls, rope courses,
or innovative swings, to promote physical
activity, problem-solving, and creative play for
children of all abilities.
• Inclusive Play for Special Needs and
Neurodivergent Children and Youth: Design
playgrounds with specialized equipment and
spaces that cater to children and youth with
special needs or neurodivergent conditions,
ensuring sensory-friendly spaces, quiet areas,
and accessible play structures for a wide range
of abilities and preferences, including the
addition of communication boards to support
non-verbal children and youth in expressing
their needs and preferences.
• Low-Cost Alternative Recreation Amenities:

Consider adding low-cost amenities that
encourage physical activity, social interaction,
and community engagement to enhance park
accessibility and provide affordable recreation
opportunities. Options such as ping pong
tables, large chess or checker boards, bocce
ball courts, and outdoor fitness stations can
offer enjoyable and inclusive experiences for
park visitors that are cost-effective to install
and maintain, making them accessible to all
while fostering a sense of community and
active recreation.

Example: Playhouse Village Park (Pasadena, California)
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

COMFORT AMENITIES
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Install
electric vehicle charging stations at park
parking lots (off-street parking) to promote
sustainable transportation options for visitors.
• Considerate Park Lighting: Ensure park
lighting includes the minimum number of
fixtures and lighting levels necessary for safety
while minimizing light pollution to maintain
the wellness of neighboring people and
animals.

SPORTS/EXERCISE FACILITIES
• Casual Drop-In Exercise Facilities: Offer
more casual drop-in exercise facilities, such as
outdoor gyms or fitness stations, to encourage
physical activity for all ages and fitness levels.
• Challenge Elements for Youth and Teens:

Integrate more challenge elements in existing
parks, targeting youth and teens. These could
include climbing walls, ziplines, obstacle
courses, and other adventurous features to
foster physical activity and engagement.

INCREASED PARK SPACE AND TRAILS
• Feasibility of Fitness or Nature Trails:

Continue to explore the feasibility of
developing fitness or nature trails within
utility corridors, drainage corridors, existing
residential areas, and commercial areas
to promote active lifestyles and enhance
connectivity.
• Public-Private Partnerships for Recreation
Spaces: Especially in underserved areas,
evaluate opportunities to partner with other
public agencies or private sector development
and private businesses/property owners to
create recreation spaces and opportunities.
• Utilize Underdeveloped Spaces for Dog Runs:

Identify underdeveloped spaces, such as utility
corridors for potential dog runs. Acquire and
maintain one space (targeting the eastern
and western portion of the city) at a basic level
(dirt or low-maintenance groundcover, waste
stations, fencing) to minimize costs while
providing valuable recreation opportunities for
pet owners.

Example: Hing Hay Park (Seattle, Washington) Example: Bell Street Park (Seattle, Washington) 6-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ADDITIONAL

RECREATION

FACILITIES
To enhance recreation opportunities across
Lakewood’s park system, the following list
identifies potential new facilities that could be
integrated into existing parks. Some of these
facilities may already be addressed in facility
recommendations, while others are additional
ideas that have not yet been assigned specific
sites. This list serves as a guide for considering
potential enhancements that align with
community needs and emerging recreation
trends.

These facilities should be located in parks that
provide appropriate support amenities such
as parking, restrooms, seating, and shade, as
well as measures to mitigate noise and other
potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

Each addition should complement the park’s
existing uses and improve overall accessibility,
functionality, and user experience.

While there may be potential to add new
recreation facilities in existing parks, notably, new
facilities may come at the expense of existing
facilities. As existing facilities become worn out
or outdated, the city should decide to repair,
renovate, or replace them. Any new facility
will incur capital build costs as well as lifetime
maintenance costs.
• Skate Park and Pump Track: Install a new,
small skate park and/or pump track in a
Community Park or Special Use Park to provide
a space for skateboarding, biking, and other
recreation activities for youth and young
adults.
• Individual or Small-Group Exercise Space:

Develop a designated space for individual
or small-group exercise, such as yoga, tai
chi, meditation, etc. Integrate landscaping,
seating, signage, and shading to create an
inviting and functional area.
• Multi-Use Gymnasium: Consider adding a
multi-use gymnasium as part of an existing
building or in conjunction with a future
recreation center. The facility should be
designed for maximum functionality,
accommodating youth and adult sports,
fitness classes, and a variety of indoor
activities, including volleyball and basketball.
• Additional Multi-Use Courts: Develop
additional multi-use courts to meet the
growing demand for a variety of court sports,
including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, gaga
ball, and handball. Expanding the number of
courts will provide more opportunities for
residents to engage in diverse recreation
activities without overloading existing
facilities.
• Additional Rectangular Fields: Install
additional rectangular fields to meet the high
demand for football and soccer, ensuring
sufficient space for these popular team sports.
• Table Tennis/Ping Pong: Install table tennis/
ping pong to offer a fun, low-cost recreation
activity for all ages.
• Enhanced Picnic Areas: Install larger
barbeque grills at existing group picnic sites to
accommodate larger groups and enhance the
outdoor cooking experience.
6-17
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan • Educational/Interpretive Space: Install
an educational/interpretive space to
provide learning opportunities and increase
engagement with the natural environment.
• Fully Accessible Inclusive Playground: Install
a fully accessible, inclusive playground that
goes beyond traditional ADA standards.

This site should address the needs of
neurodivergent individuals, incorporating
sensory-friendly elements, calming spaces,
and equipment that supports cognitive and
emotional development.
• Community Gardens: Establish more
community gardens to promote sustainability,
local food production, and community
interaction, providing residents with a space to
grow plants and engage with nature.
• Dog Park or Dog Run: Add an additional
dedicated dog park or dog run to provide a
safe and enjoyable space for pets and their
owners. Include features such as waste
stations, water fountains, and secure fencing
to promote responsible pet ownership and
enhance the park experience.

Example: Table tennis and foosball tables at Hidden Creek Park West (Hillsboro, Oregon)
Example: Anna and Abby’s Yard (Forest Grove, Oregon)
Example: Earvin Magic Johnson Park (Los Angeles, CA)
6-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

SITE-SPECIFIC

RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR EXISTING PARKS
Over the next 10 years, the City of Lakewood will
enhance its park system through improvements,
enhancements, and restorations of existing
sites. Ensuring high-quality maintenance across
all parks and facilities will be essential, and the
required level of maintenance may evolve as sites
are developed or improved. Additionally, the City
must plan for the replacement or reinvestment in
park amenities and facilities as they reach the end
of their lifecycles.

The Park Master Plan outlines these
recommendations to support a high-quality parks
and recreation system for all residents. Appendix
E: Capital and Programmatic Project List provides
an overview of capital projects and maintenance
needs. It also categorizes recommended capital
projects to help identify potential funding sources
for implementation.

Lakewood community members at Volunteer Day 2025
6-19
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

RECOMMENDED SITE INTERVENTIONS
There are many opportunities to improve,
enhance, and develop City parks, parkways,
and recreation facilities to achieve Lakewood’s
goals for the park and recreation system. As a
companion document to systemwide goals and
strategies, the information below presents specific
recommendations for existing parks, organized
alphabetically by classification.

For each site, recommendations are characterized
as either:
• Capital Projects: Recommended projects
related to park improvements, renovations,
or facility replacements; land acquisition/
expansion and development; equipment or
amenity additions or replacements; and/or
park or facility master planning, contracted
assessments, or construction.
• Operations/Programs: Recommended
services related to routine or preventative
maintenance, recreation programming
and events, collaboration with other City
departments, or facility operations that are
specific to that site.

These categories recognize that funding sources
may be different for projects versus programs
and services. The recommendations presented
here may include more projects than the City can
fund and implement over the next 10 years. These
recommendations would require a modification
and reprioritization of the 2024 Council-adopted
7-year Capital Improvement Plan.

Recommendations for existing City parks and
parkways are based on data from the 2023
Parks Condition Assessment, the 2024 Needs
Assessment including public engagement
findings, and portions of the City’s 2024 Capital
Improvement Plan. Recommendations are
consistent with the intended uses for each site
based on their park classifications.

A Rotary Club volunteer at Volunteer Day 2025
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 1 1
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3 CANDLEVERDE PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Native Plantings at Dorris Ranch (Springfield, OR) Candleverde Park will be a tranquil, passive green space that enhances Lakewood’s open space network, providing a serene retreat for relaxation, reflection, and neighborhood connection.

CANDLEVERDE PARK
Park Classification: Passive Park
Park Size: 2.3 acres
Example: Creative Seat Wall Design at Yanaguana Garden
Play Area (San Antonio, TX)

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Incorporate Native Plantings and Pollinator Gardens.

Establish small, landscaped areas with native, droughttolerant plants that support local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Include interpretive signage to educate visitors about the ecological benefits and seasonal bloom cycles.

2. Add seating. Add benches, seat walls, or other group seating options to encourage passive enjoyment of the
space.

3. Install an Acupressure Pathway. Create a sensory
wellness pathway using smooth river stones, textured
pavers, and other natural materials designed to stimulate pressure points in the feet. Ensure the pathway is
accessible and includes instructional signage about the health benefits of acupressure walking. Consider placing the pathway near shaded seating for relaxation and
reflection.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 1 CHERRY COVE PARK
6-23
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Group Picnic Shelter at Hidden Creek Park West (Hillsboro OR)
Cherry Cove Park will be a quiet neighborhood retreat, offering a small playground and passive green space where families and residents can relax, connect, and enjoy the outdoors, while also serving a dual function as a storm drainage area.

CHERRY COVE PARK
Park Classification: Passive Park
Park Size: 3.0 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Replace the Playground. Install a new, modern
playground with age-appropriate play structures for
children 2-5 and 5-12 years old, incorporating inclusive elements such as sensory play panels, accessible swings, and rubberized safety surfacing. Add shade structures to enhance comfort and extend usability.

2. Establish a Small Community Garden. Designate a
community garden with raised garden beds, accessible
pathways, and irrigation to support local gardening efforts.

The garden should be located in higher areas of the site, away from the drainage basin, to ensure accessibility
and reduce flood risk. Provide seating and signage to
encourage community involvement and educational
opportunities.

3. Establish a Pollinator or Nature Interpretive Garden.

Enhance a portion of the water detention basin with native plantings that attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Incorporate rain garden and bioswale
plantings that are resilient to occasional flooding,
allowing the area to manage stormwater effectively
while maintaining a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Additionally, add appropriate vegetation
along the drainage perimeter, complementing the existing trees and enhancing the site’s ecological diversity. Where appropriate, integrate educational signage to inform
visitors about local ecosystems, native plant species, and the vital role pollinators play in sustaining biodiversity.

These enhancements can support environmental
awareness while improving the basin’s ecological function and stormwater management.

4. Develop a Community Gathering Space or Shaded
Seating Area. Install a shade shelter or small group picnic shelter, picnic tables, and benches to create a welcoming space for social gatherings, small events, and passive
recreation. Locate the facilities within the higher perimeter of the detention basin.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 1 2
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BISCAILUZ PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Infield Improvements at Towncenter Community
Park (Santee, CA)
Biscailuz Park will be a dynamic and inclusive neighborhood space, featuring modern recreation facilities, safe and accessible play areas, and inviting gathering spaces that foster connection, active lifestyles, and a secure environment for all visitors.

BISCAILUZ PARK + CONTROL BUILDING
Park Classification: Neighborhood Park
Park Size: 3.9 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Evaluate the Biscailuz Control Building. Renovate the existing recreation building with interior and exterior upgrades, including roof repairs, energy-efficient
mechanical systems, ADA-compliant entrances and
restrooms, new flooring, and modernized lighting.

Assess programming needs to determine potential
space reconfigurations or expansions, incorporating
technology upgrades such as Wi-Fi connectivity,
audiovisual enhancements, and improved communication
infrastructure.

2. Replace the Picnic Shelter. Assess the usability of the existing picnic shelter and consider replacing the structure with improved seating. Consider measures to prevent
loitering including signage, lighting, and staff presence.

3. Renovate the Basketball Courts (currently rated in
poor condition). Resurface and restripe courts to improve playability, repair cracks and uneven surfaces, replace outdated or nonfunctioning hoops and backboards, and
upgrade court lighting. Consider adding seating areas and/ or shade structures.

4. Renovate the Backstops (currently rated in poor
condition). Replace rusted fencing and supports, reinforce structure with durable materials, improve safety padding behind home plate, and add protective netting or similar material to minimize stray balls along Park Drive. Consider re-grading the infield area and improving turf conditions.

5. Make Safety Improvements. Expand security measures
by installing surveillance cameras in high-risk areas. Install regulatory signage (park rules and regulations) at site entrances to notify visitors of expected and prohibited park uses.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

6. Provide Safety Services. Coordinate with neighborhood watch groups, contracted providers for homeless services, and local law enforcement to increase patrols at Biscailuz Park to deter illicit behaviors.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 1 2
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6 BLOOMFIELD PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Bloomfield Park will be a vibrant community hub, offering enhanced amenities, upgraded facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities that cater to teens and residents while providing a safe and engaging environment for all. As the home base for Special Olympics programs and activities, the park will foster inclusivity, accessibility, and a strong sense of community for athletes and visitors alike.

BLOOMFIELD PARK + BLOOMFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER
Park Classification: Neighborhood Park
Park Size: 14.9 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Maintain Bloomfield Park Community Center &
Teen Resource Center. Modernize interior spaces with
updated flooring, furniture, and flexible multi-use areas to accommodate diverse programming. Upgrade technology
infrastructure with high-speed Wi-Fi, smartboards, and
computer and/or gaming stations to support educational
and recreational activities. As needed, improve lighting, roofing, ventilation, and energy efficiency through
updated mechanical systems and LED fixtures. Consider
reorganizing teen spaces and Special Olympic areas to
better meet interests and engagement.

2. Wading Pool. See Wading Pool Recommendations. (pg.
6-8)

3. Add New Pickleball Courts. Construct dedicated,
regulation-sized pickleball courts. Install LED lighting for limited evening play and incorporate sound-dampening
materials such as acoustic fencing to minimize impact
on nearby residential areas while maintaining security
visibility from the parking lot or Pioneer Boulevard. Ensure ADA accessibility with proper pathways and seating
areas. Provide shaded spectator seating, player seating, hydration stations, and similar amenities to enhance the user experience.

4. Renovate the Playground (currently rated in poor
condition). Replace outdated play structure for 5-12-yearolds with modern, inclusive, thematic play equipment.

Install a shock-absorbing, ADA-compliant safety surface such as rubberized flooring or engineered wood fiber. Add unique play features with climbing structures, slides and swings, interactive play features, thematic or imaginative play areas. Integrate accessible, universal play features to support side-by-side play of abled and disabled visitors.

Add shade structures and seating. Improve accessibility with ramps, transfer platforms, and sensory-friendly
elements.

5. Renovate the Basketball Courts (currently rated in
poor condition). Resurface and restripe the courts
to improve traction and durability. Repair cracks and
uneven areas to enhance player safety. Replace worn-out hoops, backboards, and nets with professional-grade
equipment. Upgrade court lighting to energy-efficient
LEDs for extended use, and consider adding seating, shade structures, and hydration stations. Improve site drainage to prevent water pooling and long-term surface damage.

6. Repurpose the Handball Courts (currently rated in poor condition). Demolish the handball court and replace it
with a challenge feature, such as a climbing wall or outdoor fitness equipment to serve teens, young adults, and
others.

7. Replace Trash Receptacles. Replace old and worn trash receptacles in targeted locations, especially when located near other use areas (picnic tables, ballfield dugouts, playground, etc.). Remove (or consolidate) additional trash receptacles, such as those on the outside perimeter of the parking lot.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan BLOOMFIELD PARK (CONT.)
Park Classification: Neighborhood Park
Park Size: 14.9 acres

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

1. Increase Teen Programs. Provide after-school programs for teens and young adults, such as teen mixers, STEAM
classes, skill-building courses, and activities for teens with disabilities and neurodivergence. Focused outreach could target high vulnerability “gap” areas that lack nearby parks.

2. Improve Pedestrian Safety. Consult with other City
departments to explore and implement pedestrian
improvements that align with the recommendations
and strategies outlined in the Lakewood Local Roadway
Safety Plan. This collaboration should focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity, ensuring that improvements are consistent with the plan’s
objectives and designed to meet the needs of all users.

3. Increase Maintenance. Allocate additional maintenance resources (staffing, funding, time) to maintain this park after renovations.

4. Consider Programs on the Lawn. Evaluate the suitability of offering outdoor programs on the north lawn to
increase park visitation.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Programming on the lawn could draw more visitors to Bloomfield. Pictured: Family Movie Night at Mayfair Park. 6-30
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 1 2
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6 SAN MARTIN PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Shaded Play and Seating at Playhouse Village Park (Pasadena, CA)
Example: Water Play at Beacon Mountain Playground
(Seattle, WA)
SAN MARTIN PARK + CONTROL BUILDING
Park Classification: Neighborhood Park
Park Size: 10.0 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Evaluate the San Martin Control Building. Evaluate two approaches:
a. Renovate the existing building by upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, improving security features
(modern locks, cameras, enhanced lighting),
increasing storage capacity, and ensuring full ADA
accessibility. Update interior spaces to optimize
operational efficiency for staff and recreational users. b. If ongoing staffing needs are not essential, consider replacing the building with a smaller, lowermaintenance facility focused on storage and essential amenities.

2. Wading Pool. See Wading Pool Recommendations. (pg.
6-8)

3. Add Shaded Seating at Pumpkin Playground. Install
shade structures over seating areas to provide protection from the sun for park visitors.

4. Renovate the Basketball Courts. Resurface and restripe the courts to improve traction and durability. Repair cracks and uneven areas to enhance player safety. Replace wornout hoops, backboards, and nets with professional-grade equipment. Upgrade court lighting to energy-efficient
LEDs for extended use, and consider adding seating, shade structures, and hydration stations. Improve site drainage to prevent water pooling and long-term surface damage.

5. Remove the Handball Courts. Replace or repurpose the handball courts with another feature.

6. Renovate the Backstop. Replace or repair the backstop to ensure safety and proper functionality for baseball and softball games.

San Martin Park will be a vibrant neighborhood park that honors its historical theme as “Pumpkin Park,” with playful pumpkin carriage elements, while offering a welcoming space for recreation, diverse sports fields and courts, and community connection. The park will continue to evolve with improvements that enhance its facilities, promote safety, and provide more shaded, comfortable spaces for visitors. 6-32
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 1 2
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BOYAR PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Alternative Water Play Option (Longmont, CO)
Example: Shaded Play at Earvin Magic Johnson Park (Los
Angeles, CA)
Boyar Park will be a dynamic neighborhood park that offers diverse sports fields and courts, providing spaces for active play and community engagement. With a focus on enhancing comfort and accessibility, the park will offer shaded play areas, improved pedestrian connections to the San Gabriel River Nature Trail, and seamless access between Boyar Park North and South. Future improvements will elevate the park’s role as a recreational hub, featuring interactive water play areas and upgraded facilities, all while fostering a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and abilities.

BOYAR PARK + ACTIVITY BUILDING
Park Classification: Neighborhood Park
Park Size: 13.1 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Maintain Boyar Activity Building. The Boyar Activity Building should also remain a key facility for community programming. Ongoing maintenance and potential
upgrades should prioritize preserving its modern features, enhancing functionality, and adapting spaces to meet
evolving community needs.

2. Increase Shade at the Playground and Seating Areas.

Install large shade structures over key play areas to reduce sun exposure, and add shade sails or tree plantings around seating areas to provide a cooler, more comfortable
environment for caregivers and children.

3. Wading Pool. See Wading Pool Recommendations. (pg.
6-8)

4. Enhance Pedestrian Connections to the San Gabriel
River Nature Trail. Improve access points with clearly
marked trailheads and wayfinding signage.

5. Enhance Accessibility and Wayfinding Between Boyar
Park North and South. Add clear wayfinding signage
at key entry points and along pathways to guide visitors between the two park areas.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

JOSE DEL VALLE PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Alternative Water Play Option at Las Positas Child Development Center (Livermore, CA)
Del Valle Park will be a dynamic, inclusive community hub that celebrates its historical theme as Airplane Park, featuring a themed playground and the Lakewood Veterans Memorial Plaza. The park will offer enhanced spaces for active play, a revitalized Youth Center supporting multi-generational programming, space for City events, and improved accessibility and safety, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents to gather, play, and engage in meaningful activities.

JOSE DEL VALLE PARK + YOUTH CENTER + CONTROL BUILDING
Park Classification: Community Park
Park Size: 15.5 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Rebuild and Replace Del Valle Recreation Buildings.

Reconstruct the existing Youth Center and adjoining
shuffleboard court to create a multi-generational
community center that meets diverse recreational
needs. The new center should include an outdoor space
designed for live City events, such as Concerts in the Park, providing a vibrant venue for community gatherings and
entertainment. This redevelopment could also include a
gymnasium. Additionally, demolish the current Control
Building and the old concession/storage building,
relocating their functions into the newly reconstructed Youth Center. This will optimize space for recreation
programming, improve accessibility, and enhance
operational efficiency.

2. Wading Pool. See Wading Pool Recommendations. (pg.
6-8)

3. Renovate the Playground. Upgrade the tot lot (age 2-5) playground to address safety concerns and enhance play
value, including resurfacing play areas, replacing outdated equipment, and adding shade structures to improve
comfort and usability.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

4. Consider Concessions Operating Models. Identify
options for youth groups or hired youth to operate a new snack shop, with oversight from City staff.

5. Add Community Center Programming. Re-establish
programming for a new multi-generational community
hub that fosters creativity, lifelong learning, and social connections. Offer diverse programs for children,
teens, adults, families, and seniors, including handson workshops, skill-building classes, and recreational activities. Create flexible spaces for gatherings, events, and structured programs, while exploring revenue
opportunities through rentals, class fees, and sponsorships to support long-term sustainability.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

SIMON BOLIVAR PARK
2 4
1 3
4 Note: Not all recommendations are pinned on the map. Pins show conceptual locations only; actual locations will require vetting and analysis. 6-37
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Bolivar Park will be a vibrant community space offering modern amenities and a safe, welcoming environment for all users, designed to accommodate high weekend visitation. The park will provide diverse recreational opportunities, including McCormick Pool for aquatic activities, upgraded sports fields, and enhanced safety features to ensure smooth operations and accessibility for everyone, even during peak use.

SIMON BOLIVAR PARK + MCCORMICK POOL + CONTROL BUILDING
Park Classification: Community Park
Park Size: 10.0 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Rebuild Recreation Building. Consider reconstructing the McCormick Pool Bath House and Bolivar Park Control
Building into a single, integrated facility that serves both functional and community-oriented purposes. This
new facility could include spaces for hosting parties and family events, enhancing the park’s role as a community gathering place. By combining these functions, the facility would streamline operations and improve the overall
visitor experience at Bolivar Park. Another option is to renovate both buildings.

2. Swimming Pool. See Swimming Pool Recommendations.
(pg. 6-6)

3. Evaluate Pool View Areas. In conjunction with the pool assessment, evaluate the pool viewing area to determine whether temporary or permanent improvements are
warranted. For either pool rebuild or renovation, install a permanent shade structure with seating and tables to
provide a comfortable viewing area. Ensure the space is ADA-compliant, with accessible pathways, seating, and a clear sightline to the pool.

4. Renovate the Diamond Backstops (currently rated in
poor condition). Replace rusted fencing and support
structures, reinforce stability with durable materials, and repaint or powder-coat surfaces for longevity. Upgrade
protective padding behind home plate, improve field
drainage around backstops, and ensure proper sightlines for players and spectators.

5. Install Safety Lighting. Install energy-efficient LED lighting along pathways, parking areas, and key gathering spaces to improve visibility at night. Consider security cameras in high-traffic areas to deter illicit activities and improve park safety.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

6. Expand Pool Operations. Based on renovation or
rebuilding of the swimming pool, consider these pool
operations:
a. Extend the Swimming Operations. Consider adding
pool covers for energy efficiency and extended seasons. b. Earlier Operations. Adjust pool hours to open at 6
a.m. during peak summer months, providing an early
morning swim option for those who prefer a quieter,
cooler time to swim.
c. Expand Swimming Fitness Programs. Offer
structured lap swimming sessions with designated
lanes, water aerobics classes for all fitness levels, and specialized swim classes for teens, adults, and older
adults, focusing on stroke technique, endurance, and
aquatic fitness.
d. Host Adult-only Swim Hours. Designate specific
hours in the evening or on weekends where only
adults (18+) can swim, providing a quieter and more
relaxing experience for those who prefer an adult-only
environment.

7. Increase Safety. Add expanded safety officer presence or patrols, particularly during peak hours, to ensure the safety of park activities. This should include patrols along side streets adjacent to the school and residential areas to enhance overall security during late hours.

8. Improve Pedestrian Safety. Consult with other City
departments to explore and implement pedestrian
improvements that align with the recommendations
and strategies outlined in the Lakewood Local Roadway
Safety Plan. This collaboration should focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity, ensuring that improvements are consistent with the plan’s
objectives and designed to meet the needs of all users. 6-38
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

MAYFAIR PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Mayfair Park will be a vibrant community hub where residents of all ages come together to play, swim, and stay active. The park will feature Mayfair Pool as a dynamic aquatics hub, Lisa Fernandez Field as a baseball/softball center, and inviting spaces for fitness and wellness, with opportunities for shared amenities and programming in collaboration with the nearby Burns Community Center. With engaging youth play areas, picnic spaces, and a welcoming environment, Mayfair Park will foster recreation, relaxation, and community connection.

MAYFAIR PARK + MAYFAIR POOL + ACTIVITY BUILDING
Park Classification: Community Park
Park Size: 17.1 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Swimming Pool. See Swimming Pool Recommendations.
(pg. 6-6)

2. Wading Pool. See Wading Pool Recommendations. (pg.
6-8)

3. Maintain Mayfair Park Swim Pavillion. Regular
maintenance of the building should be conducted to
ensure continued safety and functionality.

4. Maintain Mayfair Activity (John S. Todd Community
Center) Building. As a newer facility, the Mayfair
Activity Building should continue to serve as a hub for community programming. Future updates should focus
on maintaining modern amenities, ensuring accessibility, and optimizing space utilization to support a variety of recreational activities.

5. Improve the Field Bleachers. Enhance the bleachers by reinforcing structural integrity through welding repairs and applying a fresh coat of paint to improve durability and appearance.

6. Develop a Fitness Trail. Design and install a looped fitness trail with a variety of exercise stations placed at intervals, catering to different fitness levels. Use durable materials for the trail surface and ensure accessibility for all users.

Provide clear signage for fitness stations and trail distance markers.

7. Renovate the Picnic Shelter. Refurbish the shelter by repairing or replacing damaged roofing, enhancing
structural stability, and improving aesthetic appeal. Add comfortable seating, ensure the space is ADA-compliant, and provide electrical outlets for events. Consider adding shade structures around the shelter for greater comfort.

8. Renovate the Playground. Replace outdated or damaged play structures with modern, safe equipment, such as
climbing walls, slides, and swings, catering to children aged 2-12 years old. Incorporate ADA-accessible features and add soft, resilient surfacing to improve safety. Consider adding a sensory play zone to cater to diverse abilities.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

9. Extend Swimming Season. Expand the swimming season
by opening the pool earlier in the summer months and
exploring the possibility of offering year-round swimming opportunities.

10. Expand Swimming Fitness Programs. Offer structured
lap swimming sessions with designated lanes, water
aerobics classes for all fitness levels, and specialized swim classes for teens, adults, and older adults, focusing on stroke technique, endurance, and aquatic fitness.

11. Host Adult-Only Swim Hours. Designate specific hours in the evening or on weekends where only adults (18+) can swim, providing a quieter and more relaxing experience for those who prefer an adult-only environment.

12. Provide Collaborative Programming with Burns
Community Center. Mayfair Park and Burns Community
Center will collaborate to offer joint fitness programs, seasonal sports leagues, and aquatics classes, maximizing the use of both facilities. Shared community events
and workshops will enhance engagement and provide
diverse recreational opportunities, fostering a stronger connection and promoting wellness for all residents.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PALMS PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PALMS PARK
Park Classification: Community Park
Park Size: 21.2 acres
Example: Safe Crosswalks at Bell Street Park (Seattle, WA) Example: Hardscaping and Landscaping at Washington
Park Arboretum Pacific Connections Garden (Seattle, WA) Palms Park is a vibrant, inclusive community hub that fosters engagement and well-being for all. The updated Community Center features a dedicated teen room and supports gymnastics programs, providing spaces for youth and families to connect and grow. With a focus on usability, safety, and sustainability, Palm Park offers a welcoming environment for recreation, socializing, and community-building. The park also ensures ample outdoor space designed for community events and activities, serving as a cornerstone for the community’s enjoyment and growth.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Renovate Palms Community Center. Improve the
Palms Park Community Center by providing updates to
its exterior siding, façade, electrical system, mechanical systems, and roof. Enhance the facility with a 1,200-squarefoot expansion to accommodate a new teen room, an accessible restroom, and additional storage. Other
planned improvements include upgraded flooring, new
restroom fixtures, replacement doors, windows, and
ceilings, as well as painting, finishes, and trim throughout.

2. Wading Pool. See Wading Pool Recommendations. (pg.
6-8)

3. Improve Landscaping and Infrastructure. Upgrade park lighting, irrigation systems, hardscape, and landscaping to enhance the park’s aesthetic and functionality.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

4. Coordinate Crosswalk Improvements. Continue to
collaborate with relevant city departments to explore
and implement safety enhancements along the streets
adjacent to the park and adjoining schools.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

RYNERSON PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Rynerson Park serves as a community destination, blending recreation, relaxation, and environmental stewardship. Its well-maintained trails and bridges provide seamless connectivity, inviting visitors to explore both active and passive spaces. Shaded seating and thoughtfully designed gathering areas create welcoming spots for rest and social interaction. Enhanced athletic facilities support both casual play and organized sports, while the Dog Park hub, Home Run Dog Park, offers a dedicated space for dogs and their owners. The park will also focus on creating safer neighborhood connections, ensuring easy access for residents and enhancing the overall park experience for the community.

RYNERSON PARK + HOME RUN DOG PARK
Park Classification: Community Park
Park Size: 38.9 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Refurbish Rynerson Park Bridge. Complete the
refabrication of bridge steel girder and rail supports, replace natural wood decking with composite materials
on multiple bridges, and adjust adjacent landscaping and irrigation to prevent future structural damage.

2. Add Benches and Shade Along the Paved Trail.

Incorporate additional benches and shade structures, such as pergolas or trees, at regular intervals along the paved trail to provide rest areas and protection from the sun, enhancing comfort for users.

3. Add a Soft-Surfaced Trail with Mile Markers. Develop a soft-surfaced trail, suitable for walking, running, and jogging, that includes mile markers to track distance,
offering a more natural experience for park users and
promoting fitness activities.

4. Renovate Baseball Fields, Buildings, and Backstops.

Renovate and upgrade select baseball fields, including
resurfacing the diamond, repairing or replacing buildings, and improving backstops to enhance safety and usability for both recreational and organized sports use. These
improvements should be coordinated with the Lakewood
Little League to ensure the facilities are upgraded in line with current standards for both community use and
organized play.

5. Install Wildflower Garden. Create a wildflower garden to attract pollinators, improve biodiversity, and provide a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape feature for park
visitors.

6. Renovate the Dog Park. Upgrade passive gathering
amenities such as benches, tables, and play structures
in the dog park to provide more comfortable seating
options and recreational features for visitors and their pets. Continue to improve and maintain the grass areas
within Home Run Dog Park to ensure a pleasant and
functional environment. In addition, consider adding
agility course amenities to provide engaging and active play opportunities for dogs.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

7. Support Pedestrian Safety Improvements.

Consult with other City departments to explore and
implement pedestrian improvements that align with
the recommendations and strategies outlined in the
Lakewood Local Roadway Safety Plan. This collaboration
should focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity, ensuring that improvements are
consistent with the plan’s objectives and designed to meet the needs of all users.
6-44
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

MONTE VERDE PARK
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Monte Verde Park is a nature-focused retreat, offering scenic trails, native landscaping, and a lodge-style gathering space. As a gateway to the San Gabriel River Parkway, it provides a peaceful setting for outdoor exploration, environmental education, and community events. With its large trees, dry creek, and amphitheater, the park fosters a deep connection to nature while serving as a hub for recreation and learning.

MONTE VERDE PARK + S. MARK TAPER VISTA LODGE
Park Classification: Special Use Park
Park Size: 3.2 acres
Example: Nature-based Play at Nadaka Park (Gresham, OR)

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Maintain S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge. Ensure the
facility’s continued safety, functionality, and welcoming atmosphere by conducting regular inspections,
performing preventive maintenance, and making
necessary repairs to address age-related deterioration.

2. Improve Wayfinding for Monte Verde Park. Update
and install clear, consistent wayfinding signage to guide pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to Monte Verde Park.

Ensure signage is strategically placed at key intersections along Palo Verde Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard to
enhance visibility and improve access to the park.

3. Renovate Educational Signage. Update and enhance
educational signage with clear, engaging, and durable
displays that highlight local ecology, watershed, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

4. Add a Nature-Based Playground. Install a small natureinspired playground that integrates natural materials like wood, stone, and rope elements to blend with the
park’s landscape. The design will encourage imaginative play, sensory exploration, and physical activity while
complementing Monte Verde Park’s natural setting.

Interpretive elements can highlight local ecology, fostering environmental awareness among young visitors. Another
play option is to add a treehouse play element to enhance the park’s recreational offerings and provide a unique, imaginative play experience for children and families. A treehouse-themed play structure can encourage outdoor
exploration, fostering creativity and physical activity.

Incorporating natural materials and design elements that blend with the park’s surroundings will create an appealing destination.

5. Enhance Restroom Accessibility. Improve restroom
facilities by increasing accessibility, ensuring they are ADAcompliant and easily reachable and accommodating for all park and San Gabriel River Nature Trail visitors.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

6. Expand Public Access. Introduce designated public
open days to allow broader community access to this
reservation-only site, providing opportunities for visitors to experience and appreciate the park’s natural setting.

7. Maximize Site Revenue. Explore and implement higher
revenue-generating uses for the site, such as filming
permits and hosting corporate events, to support park
sustainability and enhancement.
6-46
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LAKEWOOD COMMUNITY GARDENS
1 2
5 4
1 6-47
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Lakewood Community Gardens is a vibrant hub for local food production, sustainability, and community gathering, where individuals come together to cultivate fresh, healthy food, engage in environmental stewardship, and learn about sustainable practices. It fosters a sense of well-being by promoting mental relaxation, offering educational opportunities, and enhancing the community’s connection to nature.

LAKEWOOD COMMUNITY GARDENS
Park Classification: Special Use Park
Park Size: 3.0 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Establish a Composting Station. Consider designating a managed composting area with clearly labeled bins
for green yard waste and organic materials. Provide
educational signage on proper composting techniques
and environmental benefits, including separating organic material from other garbage.

2. Add a Communal Gather Spot. In coordination with
Southern California Edison (SCE), designate a small
central gathering area within the garden that includes
comfortable, durable seating and information-sharing
boards, allowing visitors to connect, share gardening
tips, and stay informed about community events and
sustainability initiatives.

3. Add Interactive Signage and QR Codes. Use digital
technology like QR codes on garden signs to provide
real-time information on plant care, garden events, or
sustainability tips.

4. Replace the Fencing. Replace chain-link fencing with durable, visually appealing fencing to enhance the garden’s aesthetics and create a more inviting environment.

5. Install Art and Murals. Add creative elements such as sculptures, murals, or community art projects to enhance the garden’s visual appeal and create a sense of pride and ownership among gardeners.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

6. Optimize the Community Garden Plot Usage. In
collaboration with the Lakewood Community Garden
Steering Committee, regularly assess plot activity and
identify underutilized spaces. Work together to implement a system for rotating inactive plots to improve equitable access, reduce waitlist times, and encourage broader
community participation. Establish clear and transparent guidelines for plot maintenance, usage timelines, and
reassignment procedures to ensure the garden remains
active, inclusive, and well-maintained.

7. Host a Volunteer Clean-Up Day. In collaboration with the Lakewood Community Garden Steering Committee,
organize volunteer cleanup days to engage residents
in maintaining and beautifying the space. Volunteers
can assist with tasks such as amending garden plots,
weeding, mulching, repairing garden infrastructure, and enhancing physical features like paths and seating areas, while contributing to the community and promoting
environmental stewardship. Continue hosting these
cleanup efforts as part of Lakewood Volunteer Day to
broaden participation and highlight the garden’s role in fostering civic pride and sustainability.
6-48
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LAKEWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
6-49
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The Lakewood Equestrian Center also contains a horse
trail that runs northward alongside Rynerson Park and the concretized San Gabriel River channel.

The Lakewood Equestrian Center is a destination for riders of all ages, offering top-quality horse boarding, training, and riding lessons in a welcoming environment. Families and young riders can enjoy hands-on youth programs and the beloved petting zoo. Committed to equestrian excellence, the center fosters a deep connection between people and horses while preserving the joy of riding.

LAKEWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Park Classification: Special Use Park
Park Size: 19.8 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Make Safety Improvements. Continue implementing
a comprehensive maintenance program for equestrian
facilities, including timely repairs to horse stalls, barns, and arenas to ensure rider and visitor safety. Align these efforts with the city’s lease agreement with Pilmore Equestrian LLC, which includes significant investments in structural upgrades and safety improvements to support long-term
sustainability of the Lakewood Equestrian Center.

2. Periodically Re-evaluate Potential Site Uses. Given this site’s importance and value in providing recreation space for the community, the city should continue to monitor
use in conjunction with facility lifecycles, costs, and site maintenance needs to periodically consider additional
or alternative uses. Revisit and refine the site master plan every five years. As part of this process, consider using a smaller footprint for the facility that retains the petting zoo and pony ride operations, excluding the Southern
California Edison (SCE) licensed land, which accounts for approximately half of the Lakewood Equestrian Center
property. Due to SCE’s restrictive five-year land licensing provisions, which allow for the revocation of land use at any time during the period, long-term planning and capital
improvements on this land are highly uncertain and risky.

Focusing on a more stable area of the property will ensure safer, more sustainable development and operations.
6-50
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

SAN GABRIEL RIVER NATURE PARK
2 3
4 2
2 6-51
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The San Gabriel River Nature Trail offers a peaceful, scenic pathway that connects the community to nature, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and wildlife observation. Designed to enhance the area’s natural beauty, the trail fosters physical activity and promotes sustainability, offering a tranquil retreat for visitors of all ages to enjoy and explore.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER NATURE TRAIL
Park Classification: Parkway and Nature Trail
Park Size: 26.4 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Add Shaded Benches. Increase the number of shaded
benches along the trail to provide rest areas for visitors and enhance comfort during outdoor activities.

2. Add Interpretive Features or Signage. Add interpretive information to foster environmental awareness and enrich the visitor experience. Consider the following:
a. Add educational and interpretive signage
highlighting the natural flora and fauna of the area.
b. Place a tree map at each end of the trail, showcasing the location and names of various tree species.
c. Install informative signage about local bird
species to encourage birdwatching and support the
community of bird enthusiasts in the area.

3. Install a Pedestrian Access Gate. Install a pedestrian access gate and trailhead at the terminus of Los Coyotes Diagonal to provide easier neighborhood access to the
trail, improving connectivity for local residents.

4. Extend the Trail into Long Beach. Collaborate with
the City of Long Beach to explore opportunities for
extending the trail southward along the San Gabriel River, enhancing recreational access for both communities.

This collaboration should include coordinating signage to guide users to safe crossing points across Carson Street.

5. Maintain a Bird and Butterfly Habitat. Plant, preserve and enhance bird and butterfly habitats along the trail to support local wildlife and encourage biodiversity.

6. Install Signage on Dog Policies and Provide Waste
Disposal. Add signage detailing dog regulations including on-leash and waste pick-up requirements. This is aimed
at protecting wildlife, particularly birds, and ensuring the space is enjoyable and safe for all users.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

7. Regulate Noise and Light Levels. Establish regulations for noise and light levels along the trail to protect the natural habitat of animals and minimize disturbances to nearby
residents.

8. Partner with Environmental Organizations. Collaborate with relevant environmental organizations to foster
volunteerism and ensure effective management and
conservation of the trail and surrounding ecosystem.

9. Review Landscaping Management Practices. Evaluate
and adopt specialized landscaping management practices
that align with the trail’s natural setting, distinguishing it from standard City park maintenance approaches.

Example: Interpretive Sign at Washington Park Arboretum Pacific Connections Garden (Seattle, WA)
6-52
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan CIVIC CENTER + THE CENTRE
1 2
6-53
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The Lakewood Civic Center, anchored by The Centre, serves as a dynamic hub for civic engagement and community events, offering premier meeting services and exceptional settings for receptions, banquets, meetings, and conferences, all supported by professional catering. The Civic Center also includes a vibrant town square, providing a public space for gatherings, cultural events, and community interaction, reinforcing Lakewood’s identity as a city that blends tradition with modern progress.

CIVIC CENTER + THE CENTRE
Park Classification: Standalone Recreation Facilities
Park Size: 5.4 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Maintain The Centre. As a recently renovated facility, The Centre should continue to serve as a dynamic hub
for community programs, events, and banquets, offering
versatile rental spaces with catering services for a variety of gatherings. Future enhancements should focus on
maintaining its modern amenities and exterior façade,
ensuring accessibility, and optimizing spaces to support a diverse range of recreational and social activities.

2. Develop an Outdoor Community Amphitheater and
Event Space. Create a vibrant gathering space on the
vacant lot within the Lakewood Civic Center adjacent to the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library. The public gathering space should feature integrated seating, landscaping, public art, and a designated entertainment area for performances
and events. It should serve as a community hub for public events, concerts, and cultural programming while also
being available for private rentals, including weddings and celebrations.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

3. Develop Programming/Staffing for Community
Amphitheater and Event Space. Establish a management
and programming plan for the planned outdoor
community amphitheater and event space to ensure its
successful activation and maintenance. Develop a seasonal calendar of city-sponsored events such as concerts,
cultural performances, movie nights, and community
celebrations to create regular opportunities for public engagement. Establish rental policies, fee schedules,
and usage guidelines for private events like weddings
and gatherings. Implement a reservation and permitting
system to manage bookings efficiently and ensure
fair community access. Assign staff or contract event
coordinators to oversee scheduling, setup, event logistics, and ongoing maintenance to protect the space’s condition and ensure a high-quality visitor experience. Incorporate partnerships with local arts organizations, schools, and community groups to expand programming diversity
and foster a strong sense of ownership and pride among
residents.
6-54
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

BURNS COMMUNITY CENTER
1 6-55
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Early Education Programs for EduCare California (San Jose, CA)
Note: Not all recommendations are pinned on the map. Pins show conceptual locations only; actual locations will require vetting and analysis.

Example: FItness opportunities at Ord and Yale Street Park (Los Angeles, CA)
The community center is a welcoming and versatile space that serves as a hub for active adults while supporting a variety of programs. As a provider of essential services, the facility fosters intergenerational connections and enhances community well-being. With a focus on active adult programming, it offers opportunities for lifelong learning, fitness, and social engagement while remaining adaptable to meet the evolving needs of the broader community.

BURNS COMMUNITY CENTER
Park Classification: Standalone Recreation Facilities
Park Size: 2.2 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Maintain Burns Community Center. Maintain the facility through regular inspections, preventative maintenance,
and necessary repairs to ensure a safe, functional, and welcoming environment. Routine assessments should
focus on safety systems and overall accessibility to
support long-term usability. In addition, assessment and renovations may be required to the HVAC system.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

2. Maintain and Sustain Core Programming. Continue to
provide high-demand senior programs, such as fitness
classes, social groups, educational workshops, and senior lunch services. Ensure these programs remain accessible, with a focus on quality and community engagement.

Monitor participation to adjust class sizes or add new
sessions as needed to accommodate growing demand.

3. Expand Wellness and Fitness Opportunities. Introduce innovative fitness options tailored for active adults (50+), including classes like dance-based cardio (e.g., Zumba
Gold), low-impact aerobics, cycling, and “SilverSneakers” style workouts. Integrate holistic wellness programs such as yoga, tai chi, and pilates to promote flexibility, balance, and mental wellness. Additionally, implement fitness
tracking or challenge programs using wearable devices
to encourage friendly competition and help participants track their fitness goals. Collaborate with local trainers or health experts to offer specialized workshops on injury prevention, strength training for older adults, and healthy aging. Integrate these offerings with Mayfair Park’s existing or potential new facilities to maximize accessibility and programming options, allowing for outdoor fitness and
recreational opportunities as well.
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Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

WEINGART SENIOR CENTER
1 6-57
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Example: Sharing Digital Literacy Skills (Regional Planning, Southern NV)
Example: ADA accessible pathways at Microsoft Campus
(Redmond, WA)
The Weingart Senior Center is a vibrant and accessible hub where seniors enjoy an active, healthy, and engaged lifestyle. Offering services such as case management, fitness facilities, low-cost lunches, and social programs, the center provides a supportive environment for seniors to connect with others and access the resources they need. Entertainment and recreational activities, along with a variety of social activities, foster a strong sense of community, while a range of social services help meet the diverse needs of senior residents.

WEINGART SENIOR CENTER
Park Classification: Standalone Recreation Facilities
Park Size: 1.4 acres

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. Renovate Weingart Senior Center. Reinvest and renew
aging infrastructure, including upgrades to mechanical
systems, ADA-compliant restrooms, accessible parking
and pathways, interior improvements such as flooring,
paint, lighting, doors, window treatments, as well as
the installation of hearing loops, updated signage, and modifications to private offices and interior spaces.

OPERATIONS / PROGRAMS

2. Improve Connectivity and Wayfinding. Review strategies to improve connectivity between the Weingart Senior
Center and the nearest Metro bus stop on Candlewood
Street, located approximately 850 feet (280 meters) away.

This distance may pose challenges for seniors with mobility issues, so consider pedestrian improvements, including
enhanced ADA accessibility and improved wayfinding, to
make the route safer and more navigable.

3. Enhance Programs. Offer a comprehensive range of
technology education classes for seniors, including basic digital literacy and advanced skills training. Provide access to digital tablets, computers, and internet services at the Weingart Senior Center, ensuring that seniors have
the tools they need to engage with modern technology.

Expand and enhance senior programs by incorporating
wellness initiatives focused on emotional well-being,
offering a variety of activities such as arts, fitness, and multi-generational events, and increasing travel
opportunities through day trips and social outings.

TAKING
ACTION
CHAPTER 7
7-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan The City of Lakewood has built a strong legacy
of sound fiscal management, emphasizing
accountability, efficiency, and careful stewardship
of public resources. This tradition is a key reason
the city has been able to provide well-maintained
parks, quality recreation facilities, and safe
public spaces that serve a diverse and growing
community. However, continuing to meet these
expectations—particularly in a built-out city with
finite resources—requires a realistic, strategic
approach.

While this Plan outlines many ideas to enhance
and expand Lakewood’s parks and recreation
offerings, it’s important to recognize that not all
recommendations will be feasible to implement.

Limited available land and funding constraints
mean that the city must make difficult choices
about which investments to prioritize. As a result,
some community expectations may need to be
tempered, with a focus on doing the most good
with the resources available.

This chapter provides tools to help the city
navigate these challenges and make informed,
balanced decisions. These include:
• The Project Prioritization Tool provides a
method for ranking potential projects—such
as land acquisition, facility improvements,
or new developments—based on need,
feasibility, cost, and alignment with city goals.

This tool helps ensure that limited funds are
directed to the most impactful projects as part
of the 7-year Capital Improvement Plan.
• A Funding Strategy Overview describes
existing and potential funding sources,
including grants, tax revenues, and capital
reserves. It also reflects Lakewood’s “savethen-spend” fiscal philosophy, which positions the city to act when opportunities arise.
• A Partnership Framework offers guidance
for forming and managing partnerships with
public agencies, nonprofits, and others to
expand services and share responsibilities.

This helps leverage outside resources while
maintaining service quality.

TAKING ACTION
CHAPTER 7
7-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan • Land Acquisition Strategies look at how the
city might pursue park expansion despite
limited undeveloped land, through strategies
like easements, site reuse, or joint-use
agreements.
• A Facility Cost Menu lists order-ofmagnitude cost estimates for common park improvements, helping the city assess which
projects can move forward and when, based on
available funding.

Together, these tools support a realistic, long-term
strategy to maintain and enhance Lakewood’s
parks and recreation system. While not every idea
in this Plan may be achievable, the tools provided
here help the city focus its investments where
they will have the greatest impact—ensuring that
Lakewood continues to offer safe, accessible, and
enjoyable public spaces for years to come.

CAPITAL AND

PROGRAMMATIC

PROJECT LIST
The previous chapter outlined recommendations
for developing and enhancing Lakewood’s
park system based on community input and
needs assessments. Appendix E: Capital
and Programmatic Project List summarizes
those recommendations, and includes both
capital improvement projects and operational
enhancements.

Acknowledging that recommendations may
outpace city resources, a series of tools and
strategies are presented in this chapter to help the
city prioritize and partner for best results.

The future of Lakewood is influenced by today’s actions. 7-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARK PROJECT

PRIORITIZATION TOOL
The City of Lakewood is committed to providing
safe, high-quality parks and recreation facilities
that meet the evolving needs of the community.

To plan and manage capital investments, the
City uses a 7-year Capital Improvement Program
(CIP), which serves as the primary mechanism for
identifying, evaluating, and funding infrastructure
and facility projects. The CIP is reviewed and
updated annually through a structured process
that considers City Council direction, regulatory
and legal obligations, community needs,
requirements tied to dedicated funding sources,
public safety, preservation of City assets, and
established public works practices.

This Plan complements the City’s CIP process
by introducing a Park Project Prioritization
Tool to help evaluate and elevate parks and
recreation projects not currently included in the
7-year CIP. The tool enables City staff to assess
proposed projects—such as land acquisition,
new development, or rehabilitation of existing
amenities—based on a consistent set of criteria
aligned with the City’s mission, vision, values,
and community needs. Projects that receive
higher scores are intended to be prioritized when
new funding becomes available. Lower-scoring
projects are identified as opportunity projects,
which may advance as funding allows—such as
when priority projects are completed or when
grant opportunities emerge. This prioritization
process ensures transparency and consistency in
future CIP updates and annual budget planning.

This three-step prioritization tool clarifies how to
rank projects.

Step 1: Alignment with the Lakewood Parks,
Recreation & Community Services Long-Range
Plan. The project must support plan goals, or the
project does not advance further. Projects that
adhere to multiple goals score higher.

Step 2: Special Catalysts. Specific catalysts can
boost the project’s priority, including safety
or environmental mandates; unique funding
opportunities; or if the project is aligned with
the goals of another city planning document or
assessment (e.g., Facility Condition Assessment,
Local Road Safety Plan, Pavement Management
Plan, or General Plan).

Step 3: Prioritization Criteria. A series of criteria
based on realities and needs that evaluate a
project to ensure alignment with community
priorities and the feasibility of implementation.

Projects with high prioritization scores may move
forward pending available grants or other funding.
7-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan STEP 1: ALIGNMENT WITH THE LAKEWOOD PARKS,

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES LONG-RANGE PLAN

APPLICABLE

POINTS SCORE
The project increases parkland acreage or facility counts within the City of Lakewood. 1 point
The project improves access to an existing park or recreation facility, where there is currently limited or challenging access. 1 point The project increases parkland or adds recreation facilities in a gap area (underserved area). 1 point
The project supports optimization of existing parks and recreation spaces for extended use, increased capacity or diversified activities. 1 point The project supports safe, well-maintained parks and facilities for improved visitor comfort. 1 point
The project addresses climate resiliency or supports local ecology. 1 point STOP – If no points are accrued above, the project may be disregarded.

STEP 2: SPECIAL CATALYSTS APPLICABLE

POINTS SCORE
The project addresses a legal mandate, such as new laws, ADA requirements, water use restrictions, etc.

Automatic
priority
The project is fully funded by Quimby/park impact fees and is intended to serve new residential growth.

Automatic
priority
The project is fully funded via external dollars through grants, donations, partnerships, other agency funds, etc., and is aligned with the goals of this Plan.

Automatic
priority
The project aligns with the goals of another city planning document or assessment (e.g., Facility Condition Assessment, Local Road Safety Plan, Pavement Management Plan, or General Plan).

Automatic
Priority

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-1. PARK PROJECT PRIORITIZATION TOOL
7-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan STEP 3: PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA APPLICABLE

POINTS SCORE

HEALTH, SAFETY, CONDITION, AND USE
The project alleviates a minor (1), moderate (2) or serious (3) health or safety concern. 1-3 points
The project restores use to a nonfunctional facility or a currently unused facility/space. 2 points
The project replaces a facility at, or near, the end of its lifecycle. 1 point The project mitigates pollution or environmental hazards. 2 points The project supports a highly used site or facility. 1 point

ENHANCED ACCESS
The project is within, or directly serves, an area with identifiable vulnerable populations per data sources. 1 point
The project supports inclusion efforts per the Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Community Dialogue Action Plan. 1 point The project improves connectivity or access to an existing site. 1 point

CLIMATE RESILIENCY / ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The project addresses climate resiliency, such as through green infrastructure or urban cooling. 1 point
The project protects or enhances a natural resource. 1 point

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The project supports another city project or initiative. 2 points The project has stated neighborhood, stakeholder, and/or business interest and support. 1 point
The project is popular/has substantial citywide interest. 2 points

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-1. PARK PROJECT PRIORITIZATION TOOL (CONT.)
7-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan STEP 3: PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA (CONTINUED) APPLICABLE

POINTS SCORE

RECREATION AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY
The project offers a new recreation, cultural or educational opportunity that is not currently offered by the city. 3 points
The project offers an expanded recreation, cultural, or educational opportunity that is currently insufficient for the community. 2 points The project serves a variety of user ages, cultures and abilities. 1 point The project protects or enhances an identified cultural or historic landmark. 2 points

URGENCY AND EASE OF IMPLEMENTATION
The project acquires land while the opportunity exists to do so. 2 points The project can be done quickly and efficiently. It is “shovel ready” (i.e., advanced planning, feasibility studies and permitting have been completed).
2 points
The project uses existing resources (e.g., acquired land, facilities, equipment). 2 points

CAPITAL, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS COST OFFSETS
The project is partially funded through outside (non-city) funding, such as grants, donations, partnerships, other agency funds, etc. 2 points The project will generate revenue to offset operation costs. 3 points There is outside funding available to cover ongoing maintenance costs. 2 points The project involves repair or rehabilitation that decreases long-term costs or increases maintenance and operational efficiencies. 1 point The project delivers high value for the cost of resources needed, relative to other projects. 1 point
The project uses or leverages existing resources (e.g., staffing, funding), and/or unlocks other capital. 2 points
TOTAL SCORE 50 POINTS

POSSIBLE
TABLE 7-1. PARK PROJECT PRIORITIZATION TOOL (CONT.)
7-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

INVESTMENT IN PARKS

AND RECREATION
Like many California cities, the City of Lakewood
faces ongoing fiscal challenges in balancing
present-day expenses with long-term capital
needs. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,
inflation, rising costs of goods and services, and
persistent state budget deficits have tested
the City’s financial resilience. Despite these
pressures, Lakewood’s conservative “savethen-spend” capital financing strategy—paired with voter-supported revenue measures like
Measure L—has enabled the City to remain fiscally
stable and proactive in planning for community
improvements. This financial approach underpins
the City’s commitment to high-quality parks and
recreation services and facilities, supported by
both its annual operating budget and a multi-year
Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

CITYWIDE ADOPTED OPERATING
BUDGET
In Fiscal Year 2023–24, the City of Lakewood
adopted a total budget with estimated uses
of funds totaling $88.7 million.*
Of this, the
Department of Recreation & Community
Services (RCS) accounted for $16 million, with
approximately 90% of that funding sourced from
the City’s General Fund—demonstrating strong
local support and prioritization of recreation
programs, facilities, and services (see Figure 7-1).

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
(RCS) OPERATING BUDGET
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the Department of
Recreation & Community Services (RCS) had a
proposed operating budget approximately $2.5
million to administration; $4.5 million to human,
parks, sports, and social programs; $6.5 million
parks, facilities, turf, and medians maintenance;
$700k for Centre facility operations; and $800k for
DASH transit.** These distributions indicate strong
emphasis on staffing, community programs, and
park and facility maintenance (see Figure 7-1.)
*City of Lakewood FY2023-24 Adopted Budget
**City of Lakewood FY2022-24 Proposed Budget
7-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan FIGURE 7-1. FY2023-24 REVISED BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS
s
24%
21%
18%
14%
9%
7%
4%
3%

CITY DEPARTMENTS

RECREATION & COMMUNITY

SERVICES (RCS)

16.6%

30.4% 43.0%

4.5% 5.5%
Recreation & Community Services (RCS)
Public Safety
Public Works
Water Resources
Finance and Administrative Services
Community Development
Administration
Communications
RCS Administration
Human, Parks, Sports, & Social Programs
Parks, Facilities, Turf, & Medians Maintenance
Centre Facility Operations
DASH Transit
7-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan CIP Funding Sources
FUND SOURCE Bal 6/30/23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2031-2040 TOTALS 1 General Fund 85,713 4,557,366 $ 4,643,079
2 CDBG 589,822 230,935 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 $ 1,270,757 3 Measure L City 10,963,602 3,100,000 3,500,000 3,605,000 3,713,150 3,824,545 3,939,281 4,057,459 47,909,647 $ 84,612,683 4 Measure A 1,028,281 275,000 280,500 286,110 291,832 297,669 303,622 309,695 $ 3,072,709 5 Measure M 5,181,591 1,647,993 1,589,515 1,621,305 1,653,731 1,686,806 1,720,542 1,754,953 $ 16,856,437 5 Measure R 4,215,626 1,454,111 1,402,513 1,430,563 1,459,175 1,488,358 1,518,125 1,548,488 $ 14,516,959 Measure W 275,206 531,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 $ 5,426,206 Prop C 710,000 5,230,000 $ 5,940,000
6 RMRA (SB1) 5,520,767 2,034,896 2,106,686 2,148,820 2,191,796 2,235,632 2,280,345 2,325,952 $ 20,844,893 Sewer $ -
5 TDA 0 94,624 82,311 83,957 85,636 87,349 89,096 90,878 $ 613,852 7 Water 1,913,775 4,801,434 4,300,207 $ 11,015,416
8 Other - CFP 1,999,460 4,900,000 4,672,279 $ 11,571,739 Prop 68 226,876 $ 226,876
9 Other - CT Grant 911,920 30,000,000 $ 30,911,920
10 Other - Covid-SB2 827,646 $ 827,646
11 Other - HSIP/STPL 871,122 2,243,900 $ 3,115,022
12 Measure R Grant 1,082,145 $ 1,082,145
Unfunded $ -
Total Funding $ 35,693,552 $ 26,581,259 $ 24,009,011 $ 10,020,756 $ 10,240,321 $ 10,465,359 $ 10,696,011 $ 10,932,424 $ 77,909,647 $ 216,548,339 FOOTNOTES: 1. ARPA Transfers. 2. CDBG for Weingart FY23-24 carryover $589,822 plus FY24-25 allocation $155,935. 3. Escalated at 3% after FY24-25. 4. LA County Regional Parks and Open Space District 2/9/22 estimate then escalated at 2% annually. 5. LA Metro estimate 3/1/23 then escalated at 2% annually. 6. CA City Finance estimate 1/23 then escalated at 2% annually. 7. Safe Clean Water Act estimated CIP annual contribution. 8. Community Funded Projects (CFP) by Legislative Act - Barragan $1,122,279 for Weingart, Gonzalez $2M for Weingart, Rendon $2.7M for Weingart, Rendon $1,999,460 for Palms, Garcia $850,000 for Palms, Rendon LEC Reallocation $2,900,000 for Palms. 9. Onetime Caltrans Grant for water quality carryover FY23-24. Future grant $30M undetermined. 10. Onetime grants, SB2 = $278,432 for PW Counter, CDBG-CV = $549,214 for Weingart. 11. Onetime State/Fed grants. 12.

LA County Transportation Improvement Funds grant.
6 CIP Funding Sources
FUND SOURCE Bal 6/30/23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 2031-2040 TOTALS 1 General Fund 85,713 4,557,366 $ 4,643,079
2 CDBG 589,822 230,935 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 $ 1,270,757 3 Measure L City 10,963,602 3,100,000 3,500,000 3,605,000 3,713,150 3,824,545 3,939,281 4,057,459 47,909,647 $ 84,612,683 4 Measure A 1,028,281 275,000 280,500 286,110 291,832 297,669 303,622 309,695 $ 3,072,709 5 Measure M 5,181,591 1,647,993 1,589,515 1,621,305 1,653,731 1,686,806 1,720,542 1,754,953 $ 16,856,437 5 Measure R 4,215,626 1,454,111 1,402,513 1,430,563 1,459,175 1,488,358 1,518,125 1,548,488 $ 14,516,959 Measure W 275,206 531,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 770,000 $ 5,426,206 Prop C 710,000 5,230,000 $ 5,940,000
6 RMRA (SB1) 5,520,767 2,034,896 2,106,686 2,148,820 2,191,796 2,235,632 2,280,345 2,325,952 $ 20,844,893 Sewer $ -
5 TDA 0 94,624 82,311 83,957 85,636 87,349 89,096 90,878 $ 613,852 7 Water 1,913,775 4,801,434 4,300,207 $ 11,015,416
8 Other - CFP 1,999,460 4,900,000 4,672,279 $ 11,571,739 Prop 68 226,876 $ 226,876
9 Other - CT Grant 911,920 30,000,000 $ 30,911,920
10 Other - Covid-SB2 827,646 $ 827,646
11 Other - HSIP/STPL 871,122 2,243,900 $ 3,115,022
12 Measure R Grant 1,082,145 $ 1,082,145
Unfunded $ -
Total Funding $ 35,693,552 $ 26,581,259 $ 24,009,011 $ 10,020,756 $ 10,240,321 $ 10,465,359 $ 10,696,011 $ 10,932,424 $ 77,909,647 $ 216,548,339 FOOTNOTES: 1. ARPA Transfers. 2. CDBG for Weingart FY23-24 carryover $589,822 plus FY24-25 allocation $155,935. 3. Escalated at 3% after FY24-25. 4. LA County Regional Parks and Open Space District 2/9/22 estimate then escalated at 2% annually. 5. LA Metro estimate 3/1/23 then escalated at 2% annually. 6. CA City Finance estimate 1/23 then escalated at 2% annually. 7. Safe Clean Water Act estimated CIP annual contribution. 8. Community Funded Projects (CFP) by Legislative Act - Barragan $1,122,279 for Weingart, Gonzalez $2M for Weingart, Rendon $2.7M for Weingart, Rendon $1,999,460 for Palms, Garcia $850,000 for Palms, Rendon LEC Reallocation $2,900,000 for Palms. 9. Onetime Caltrans Grant for water quality carryover FY23-24. Future grant $30M undetermined. 10. Onetime grants, SB2 = $278,432 for PW Counter, CDBG-CV = $549,214 for Weingart. 11. Onetime State/Fed grants. 12.

LA County Transportation Improvement Funds grant.

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TABLE 7-2. CIP FUNDING SOURCES (FY 23/24 TO FY 29/30)

CITYWIDE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT

PROGRAM BUDGET
Complementing the annual operating budget is
Lakewood’s 7-Year Capital Improvement Program
(CIP), which outlines long-term infrastructure
investments for FY 2023–24 through FY 2029–30.

The CIP identifies approximately $138.6 million
in total investments, including $36.7 million in
projected funding from Measure L and over $1.1
million in currently unallocated Measure A funds.

The plan also notes $22.5 million in underfunded
or unfunded projects, which are pending the
identification of additional sources such as grants
or other external funding. Beyond the seven-year
horizon, an additional $77.9 million in projected
capital needs is anticipated between 2031 and
2040.

The 7-Year CIP captures a mix of annual, inprogress, committed, and planned projects— totaling 62 in all. These projects span multiple city
service areas, with a significant concentration in
Recreation & Community Services (RCS) facility
and park improvements.
7-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

RCS CAPITAL PROJECTS
Lakewood’s CIP for recreation and community
services outlines a broad scope of capital projects
focused on maintaining and enhancing recreation
buildings and park spaces. Over $24 million is
allocated to improvements to community centers
and support facilities, including major renovations
to the Palms Park Community Center and the
Weingart Senior Center, as well as targeted
upgrades such as lighting, ceilings, and carpet
at The Centre; kitchen improvements at Burns
Community Center; and refurbishments at Monte
Verde Park and Nixon Yard.

Park-related investments include both recurring
and large-scale projects. Recurring projects such
as fencing, hardscape repairs, and playground
replacements ensure upkeep and safety. Larger
initiatives include infrastructure improvements
at Bolivar, Del Valle, and Palms Parks; the
development of the Civic Center corner lot; and
playground replacements at Biscailuz, Bloomfield,
Boyar, and Cherry Cove Parks. Together, these
capital investments demonstrate Lakewood’s
ongoing commitment to high-quality recreational
facilities through strategic planning, prudent
financial management, and long-range vision.

EXPENDITURE FUNDING

RECREATION BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Building Repairs and Improvements $1,252,279
Nixon Yard Renovation/Relocation $7,500,000
Palms Park Community Center Improvements $8,875,000
Pool Equipment Replacements $1,013,089
Weingart Senior Center Improvements $5,530,000

PARK PROJECTS
Annual Fencing, Hardscape, and Playground Improvements $875,000 Park Improvements, Repair and Replacement $1,434,982
Bolivar Park Infrastructure Improvements $4,000,000
Civic Center Corner Lot Development $6,000,000
Del Valle Park Infrastructure Improvements $5,000,000
Palms Park Infrastructure Improvements $1,250,000
Playground Replacement - Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Boyar $1,520,010 TABLE 7-3. RCS CIP BUDGET FUNDING EXPENDITURES BY PROJECT TYPE (FY 23/24 TO FY 29/30) 7-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan 2016 renovations of Bolivar Park Playground
7-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

APPROPRIATIONS
Funding for the Department of Recreation &
Community Services is mostly obtained from the
city’s General Fund, however there are a handful
of other budgetary streams that contribute to
operations and capital expenses. This section
provides an overview of funding sources.*
General Fund
The City of Lakewood General Fund is the general
operating fund of the city, accounting for all
financial resources except those required to be
tracked in separate funds. It receives revenues
from property tax, sales tax, utility user’s tax, other taxes, licenses and permits, fines and forfeitures,
use of money and property, other agencies, and
current service charges. The FY2023-24 General
Fund revised budget totaled $71.8 million. Of the
total, the Department of Recreation & Community
Services (RCS) appropriated $14.3 million.

Special Olympics Fund
The Special Olympics Fund FY2023-24 revised
budget for the city totaled $7,000 in current
service charges. In FY2023-24, a total of $5,000 was
appropriated for RCS.

Community Facility Fund
The Community Facility Fund is sourced from use
of money and property, as well as current service
charges. In FY2023-24, a total of $892,104 was
appropriated for RCS.
* All City budget totals sourced from the City of Lakewood Revised Budget FY2023-24. All RCS Department budget
appropriations sourced from the Recreation & Community
Services (RCS) Operating Budget FY2023-24. Additional
funding sources and Capital Project Improvement (CIP)
budgets sourced from the City of Lakewood Capital
Improvement Program FY2023-24 to FY2029-30 Narrative.

City Funds
The Park and Recreation Dedication Fund (§2504)
is a special revenue fund used to account for
business taxes collected on the construction
of dwelling units. These funds are used only
for capital projects related to acquisition
and development of new parkland. The Park
Dedication Fund FY2023-24 budget totaled
$20,000 (revised budget).

Impact Fee for Parks and Recreation (§9226)
As a condition of approving a final tract or parcel
map, the City of Lakewood requires subdividers
to pay a fee to support the upgrade and
maintenance of existing parks or the acquisition
and development of new parkland, consistent with
the City’s Recreation and Community Services
Element of the General Plan. The fee is calculated
based on a standard of four acres of parkland per
1,000 residents. The fee amount is tied to the fair
market value of the land, determined through a
recent appraisal provided by the developer. Fees
must be paid at final inspection or occupancy,
and are used specifically to serve the recreational
needs of the new development.

City of Lakewood Measure L
Measure L, approved by voters in 2020, is a local
¾-cent sales tax increase passed to address a
backlog of $30 million in deferred maintenance in
essential repairs and renovations to city parks and
facilities. All funds must remain within Lakewood
for local improvement projects. This ensures that
the State government cannot divert Measure L
funds, providing a stable and dedicated revenue
stream for addressing the city’s infrastructure
needs.
7-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan County of Los Angeles Measure A
Measure A, approved by voters in 2024, repealed
the 0.25% countywide tax that was previously
added by Measure H and added a new 0.5%
countywide tax. Much of these funds are geared
toward repairing or replacing playground
equipment and playground safety surfacing.

County of Los Angeles Measure W
Measure W, approved by voters in 2018, authorized
the LA County Flood Control District to enact
a parcel tax of 2.5-cents per square foot of
land impermeable to water, such as buildings,
driveways and concrete. The tax is aimed at
improving/protecting water quality; capturing
rain/stormwater to increase safe drinking water
supplies and prepare for future drought; and
protect marine life and waterways in the area.

Some of these funds are budgeted to be used
for median renovations and water quality
improvements at multiple locations.

County of Los Angeles Proposition C Transit
Fund
Prop C Transit Fund is sourced from additional
allocations of State Gas Tax funds from Los
Angeles County. These funds must be used for
street-related purposes such as construction,
rehabilitation, maintenance or traffic safety. The
projects must be transit-related improvements.

For RCS, Prop C covers the DASH transit system.

Funding supports the planning, managing, and
operating of a reservation-based paratransit
system for elderly and disabled residents. It also
funds a community excursion program. Funds also
support workshops and training of DASH transit
staff. Prop C revised budget for the Lakewood
FY2023-24 totaled $2 million. In FY2023-24, a total
of $772,377 was appropriated for RCS.

California State Proposition 68
Prop 68, approved by voters in 2018, funds
projects that plan, develop and implement climate
adaptation and resiliency projects, including
those that create or rehabilitate state or local
parks, provide flood protection, protect natural
resources and water supply, and improve water
quality.

U.S. HUD Community Funded Projects (CFP)
Community Funded Projects (CFP) are federal
grants funded by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Grants
are secured via state representatives, and
sponsored by cities for respective projects in
their jurisdictions. The following CFP grantees
are budgeted for FY23-24: Weingart Senior
Center renovations (Reps. Barragan, Gonzalez,
and Rendon); Palms Park Community Center
renovations (Reps. Rendon and Garcia).

U.S. HUD Community Development Block Grants
(CDBG)
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
are federal funds from the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for
use in community development projects. CDBG
funds can be used for various projects, including
infrastructure improvements, public services and
neighborhood revitalization. Lakewood’s CDBG
Grant Funds are sourced both from HUD. The
CDBG Grant Funds FY2023-24 revised budget for
the City totaled $445,734. In FY2023-24, a total of
$29,685 was spent on Human and Senior Services
to support programs such as meals for seniors and
mental health programs for youth.
7-15
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Monte Verde Park summer camp

ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES
Beyond current budget sources, the City of
Lakewood can continue exploring external funding
opportunities, including grants, sponsorships,
user fees, and voter-approved tax initiatives. In
some cases, the city is already engaged in these
alternative funding mechanisms.

Notably, some funding sources support capital
projects, while others support operations, and
some do both. Some grants have limitations or
restrictions as to how funds are spent. To advance
specific projects, it is possible that multiple
sources and creative combinations may be
needed.

Federal and State Grants
A variety of federal grants can apply to the
augmentation of city parkland. While national
priorities and related funding are moving targets,
efforts to improve public health, protect the
environment, and increase access to parks and
green spaces are frequent priorities. In many
cases, federal grants are allocated via state
agencies such as the California Department of
Parks and Recreation (CA State Parks). Examples
include:
• Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
(ORLP) uses Land and Water Conservation
Funds to aid economically disadvantaged
urban communities with no, or limited, access
to outdoor recreation through the acquisition
and/or development of public parks and
recreation spaces.
• Out-of-School (OST) Youth Mentoring
Program by the Department of Justice grants
funds to implement projects that support
youth mentoring in parks and recreation.

In some circumstances, CA state and
congressional legislators can earmark funding
bills to support local projects, often drawn to
tangible accomplishments such as parkland
acquisitions and development opportunities.
• With the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics,
regional growth, and sports stadium
developments, Southeast Los Angeles County
is currently in the spotlight for outdoor access,
community recreation opportunities, and river
restoration projects. The City of Lakewood
should consider where grant relationships
might benefit their community.
7-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Grant Foundations
Grant foundations can be a significant resource for
local initiatives that directly impact communities,
especially under-resourced or vulnerable
populations. In many cases, foundations yield
relatively small grants targeting one-time
programs or events. They are often not intended
for large-scale infrastructure projects, programs
that require tenured full-time employees, or longterm maintenance of parks or facilities. • National Organizations such as the Trust for
Public Land (TPL) and the National Recreation
and Park Association (NRPA) may either offer
grants themselves or communicate related
grants for ease of information access.
• Expertise-Focused Organizations have
specific aims such as improving the
environment, increasing urban canopies,
aiding at-risk youth, assisting older adults, and
more. Examples include the RRF Foundation
for Aging, which supports quality of life
programs for older adults through a Healthy
Aging Framework, and the Fruit Tree Planting
Foundation which supports municipal tree
planting to combat climate issues and alleviate
food insecurity.
• Community Foundations are valuable
resources for receiving grants from individuals
or organizations wanting to leave a lasting
positive legacy. Example foundations that
serve the Southern California region include
the California Community Foundation, the
Legacy Endowment Community Foundation,
and the Long Beach Community Foundation.
• Sports Foundations such as the U.S. Soccer
Foundation, Anaheim Ducks Foundation,
LA84 Foundation, and MLB-MLBPA Youth
Development Foundation, amongst others,
are often looking for suitable entities with
whom to partner for capital and programmatic
projects. Public-private partnerships such as
sponsored projects have far-reaching benefits
for all involved.

Other Types of Sponsorships
• Naming Rights and other forms of signage
or dedication is another method by which
cities can derive additional revenue. Signage
and advertising space in key locations (e.g.,
gymnasium walls, ballfields) is attractive for
local businesses. Sales of engraved bricks,
benches, plaques, or dedicated trees can
honor lost ones or loved ones by family
members. Naming rights for larger facilities
(e.g., community center, playgrounds, etc.)
can yield high revenue for the city while
commemorating an individual or business
patron.

A Proud Partnership
In 2023, a new soccer mini-pitch
opened in Lakewood’s Palms
Park, donated by the U.S. Soccer
Foundation, the LA Galaxy soccer
team, and their corporate partner
Herbalife. The project was initiated
by LA Galaxy player – and Lakewood
native – Jalen Neal, who saw the
value of uplifting youth in his
hometown through sports.
7-17
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Assessment District
Lakewood could consider establishing a new
assessment district to help cover costs of ongoing
maintenance services and improvements at
park sites. Landscape and Lighting Assessment
Districts (LLADs) and Landscape Maintenance
Districts (LMDs) are legal mechanisms that allow
cities to assess housing units or land parcels
to contribute financially to street lighting,
landscaping, and parks within the designated
area. Assessment districts help each property
owner pay a fair share of the costs over a period
of years at reasonable interest rates, ensuring
that costs are spread to all properties that
receive a direct and special benefit. As a note,
establishment of a new district or revision to an
existing district requires a majority vote of the
property owners, which is frequently difficult to
obtain in older, lower income communities.

Concessions and Permitting Fees
Lakewood currently has multiple unused
concession spaces within city parks. Some of
these structures are in disrepair and require
significant investment. However, if there is
sufficient community demand, concessionaires
serving food, beverage and merchandise (such as
food vendors, coffee kiosks, equipment rentals,
etc.) can generate revenue to support the park
system. Additionally, permitting fees (such as for
photographers, food trucks, sports instructors,
etc.) can be charged to bring revenue to city parks.

General Obligation and Revenue Bonds
General obligation bonds are voter-approved
bonds with the assessment placed on real
property. The money can only be used for capital
improvements, but not for maintenance or
operations. This property tax is levied for a specific
period of time (usually 15-20 years). Passage
requires a two-thirds majority approval by the
voters.

Revenue bonds are typically sold to fund specific
projects (e.g. systemwide park lighting or the
renovation of a community park) or to finance
revenue-generating facilities (e.g. community
centers). These may include new facilities or the
renovation of an existing facility. The city must
be able to guarantee repayment. For example,
the interest and capital could be paid from the
revenue produced from the operation of the new
facility.

Lakewood Lemonade Day, 2024
7-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan OTHER

IMPLEMENTATION

STRATEGIES
Similar to grants and funds, mechanisms such
as partnerships and land acquisition alternatives
may support park projects and services, even
though they incur use restrictions. The city should
be strategic with their engagement in such
alternatives to ensure wide benefit across the
Lakewood community.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH CIVIC ENTITIES
The Lakewood Department of Recreation &
Community Services already has several formal
partnership agreements with local entities to help
manage recreation sites, and provide parkland
to the wider community. The city’s existing
partnerships include:
• The City of Lakewood maintains license
agreements with Southern California Edison
Company (SCE) for the use of designated
parcels of land for public park and recreation
purposes. The agreements establish specific
terms and conditions governing the permitted
uses of the property. These agreements ensure
the continued operation and maintenance of
these facilities in compliance with SCE’s land
use requirements. The licensed areas include
the following public facilities:
» Rynerson Park, including the Lakewood Little
League Fields and Home Run Dog Park
» The Lakewood Equestrian Center
» Phase III of the San Gabriel River Nature Trail
» The Lakewood Community Gardens
• An easement agreement with Los Angeles
County Flood Control to utilize a parcel of land
(referred to as “Lakewood Equestrian Center”)
for conditional uses.
• A recreation agreement with the Lakewood
Community Gardens Board, to govern the
Lakewood Community Gardens including
volunteer supervision; provision of equipment
and supplies; oversight, management, and
operation of the gardens (with limited city
services); and public communication.
• A recreation agreement with the Del Valle Tot
Lot, a nonprofit organization, to offer inclusive
play programs for preschool aged children
with parental and volunteer supervision during
specified hours.
• A recreation agreement with the Mayfair Tot
Lot, a nonprofit organization, to offer inclusive
play programs for preschool aged children
with parental and volunteer supervision during
specified hours.
• A recreation agreement with the Lakewood
Little League, a nonprofit organization,
to maintain a series of baseball diamonds
and other related facilities within Rynerson
Park and to manage a baseball league
(“Little League”) for the boys and girls of the
Lakewood area.
7-19
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LAND ACQUISITION MECHANISMS
Despite limited undeveloped land within
Lakewood, there are still various land acquisition
strategies to consider if opportunities arise.
• A Fee Simple Acquisition is a standard
purchase of property, where full ownership
and underlying title are transferred to the city
through real estate transactions. This requires
significant financial resources, as land is often
offered at market rate pricing. The rate may
be reduced in the case there are development
restrictions due to topography, contamination,
adjacencies, etc., however these restrictions
may incur further costs.
• A Real Property Donation takes place when a
property owner donates, or sells below market
value, land to a public agency or a nonprofit
organization. The property owner is paid for
part of the value of the property and donates
the remaining value, receiving tax benefits for
the donation.
• A Life Estate occurs when a property owner
donates or sells real property to a public
agency but retains a life estate, through which
they retain the right to use the property for
the duration of their life.
• An Easement is a partial interest in real
property. The property ownership does not
change, but a portion of the land is dedicated
for a specific purpose, in this case typically for
park, recreation, conservation area or trail.

The terms of an easement agreement are
negotiated between the private landowner
and the public agency to tailor the easement
to the needs of each party. Easements
may be acquired by direct purchase or by
donation. In park systems, easements are
most typically seen for trail connections or
for conservation purposes. Easements may
be suitable for planned trail corridors where
outright property acquisition is not desirable
or feasible. The City of Lakewood currently
has one easement with Los Angeles County
Flood Control on a portion of the Lakewood
Equestrian Center. They may consider
additional easements to improve access to
certain sites like Rynerson Park and the Nature
Trail.
• A Long-Term Lease allows use of a noncity property in exchange for payment for a specific length of time. For parks and
recreation purposes, the payment may be
nominal (e.g., $1 per year) and the term is
often long (such as 99 years). Leasing private
commercial spaces for public recreation use
may be an option for the city.
• A Community Land Trust represents an
agreement through which one party (the
trustee) agrees to hold ownership of a piece
of property for the benefit of another party
(the beneficiary). Community land trusts are
a helpful partner for cities looking to acquire
and develop new land for parks. Several land
trust organizations operate in the Los Angeles
Region, such as the Los Angeles Neighborhood
Land Trust, the Trust for Public Land, Northeast
Trees and The Nature Conservancy.
• The County of Los Angeles’s Treasurer and
Tax Collector’s Office Chapter 8 Tax Default
Program is designed for nonprofits and public
agencies to acquire tax-defaulted land. The
acquired land can be used for the creation of
new parks and open space projects.
7-20
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

PARTNERSHIP

PROTOCOLS
Maintaining current and developing new
partnerships are key to growing Lakewood’s
parkland and recreation opportunities.

Partnerships can result in more funding or other
resources, including park space, recreation
facilities, staffing and operational cooperation and
diverse programming. However, managing longterm partnerships is not a small task and requires ongoing resources and committed staff to ensure
quality of site and service. When considering
new partnerships, the City of Lakewood should
evaluate the benefits of the partnership,
identifying how the partnership will enhance
recreation opportunities within the city.

Applying the factors in the sidebar below can
help the city determine if a partnership should
be pursued. Without due diligence and an eye
to long-term sustainability, partnerships can
become a heavier burden than blessing. Yet,
with committed staff and transparent decisionmaking approaches, partnerships can significantly augment the city’s recreation offerings.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating New Partnerships
• Does the partnership support the goals of this Parks, Recreation & Community Services LongRange Plan? • Does the partnership offer new recreation opportunities that do not currently exist in the city? • Does the partnership enhance major recreation or city social events? • Does the partnership provide recreation opportunities in areas that are currently underserved, or improve access to existing parks?
• Does the partnership support better access for specific target groups such as older adults, minority populations, vulnerable populations, or adaptive needs users? • Does the partnership have a previous track record of success? • Does the partnership facilitate RCS operations in a sustainable manner? • Does the partnership address identified city goals?
• Does the partnership yield long-term benefits that outweigh short-term obstacles? 7-21
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

FACILITY COST MENU
When planning for potential capital improvement
projects, the city will need to weigh the value and
benefits of proceeding with certain additions,
replacements, and renovations of parks and
facilities against costs. This facility cost menu
is intended to help the city budget for updates
to existing parks. It does not capture land value
or costs related to parkland acquisition, design,
development, maintenance, operations, or
programming. Cost assumptions related to such
actions are excluded due to significant variability
in land values, acquisition strategies, and market
fluctuations.

PLANNING-LEVEL COSTS
Costs reflect planning-level cost assumptions in
2025 dollars not accounting for inflation. Planning
level costs reflect a high-level estimate of what
the addition, replacement, or renovation of park
or recreation facility may cost and are intended
for planning purposes only. Actual costs will vary
depending on site realities, the scale and quality
of facilities, and changing market prices for
materials and labor. Actual cost estimates should
be determined through site master planning and
design at the time of development.

Because actual prices fluctuate and will vary
by site, the planning level costs are presented
as a range of costs. The range is aimed at
capturing differences based on site size,
location, topography and setting, facility
quality and detail, supply and demand for labor
and materials, etc. The costs do not include
environmental compliance documentation,
community engagement, permitting, installation,
or staff hours to manage site planning, design,
construction, and implementation. Those
elements could escalate park development costs
by 20-25 percent.

Ranges are based on 2024 California costs and MIG
experience. It is understood that these planning
level costs will fluctuate over time.

CAPITAL COST ASSUMPTIONS
The following capital cost assumptions can be
used to budget for the addition of recreation
facilities and park amenities. Recognizing that not
all facilities need a new facility added, the next
section describes an approach to using these costs
as a basis for approximating repair, renovation,
replacement, improvement or expansion.

Planning for the future involves considering all of Lakewood park users 7-22
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACTION /

FEATURES UNIT

NEW BUILD

COST RANGE

PER UNIT

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

ATHLETIC / SPORTS
Diamond (Baseball/
Softball) Field - Grass Per Each $800,000
- $1,500,000
Costs reflect a regulation-size field with
turf, outfield fencing, backstop and foulline fencing, and dugouts. The upper range includes bull-pens, scoreboard,
bleachers, PA system, flagpole, and sports
field lighting.

Diamond (Baseball/
Softball) Field -
Artificial Turf
Per Each $1,800,000
- $2,500,000
Costs reflect a regulation-size field with
artificial turf, outfield fencing, backstop
and foul-line fencing. The upper range
includes bull-pens, scoreboard, bleachers,
PA system, flagpole, and sports field
lighting.

Rectangular (Soccer)
Field - Grass Per Each $2,000,000
- $3,800,000
Costs reflect a turf field with basic
drainage/prep and features. The upper
range includes bleachers, sports field
lighting, multi-use field striping and goals.

Rectangular (Soccer)
Field -Artificial Turf Per Each $3,000,000
- $4,700,000
Costs reflect a field with artificial turf
and lights. The upper range includes
bleachers, perimeter fencing, sports field
lighting, multi-use field striping and goals.

Basketball Court -
Outdoors, Full Per Each $200,000
- $250,000
Costs reflect one new full court. Court
lighting and/or shade structures are
additional costs not included in the
estimate.

Basketball Court -
Outdoors, Half Per Each $150,000
- $180,000
Costs reflect one new half court. Court
lighting and/or shade structures are
additional costs not included in the
estimate.

Futsal Court Per Each $200,000
- $350,000
Costs include installation of a futsal court
kit, does not include base course or
subsurface material. Court lighting and/or
shade structures are additional costs not
included in the estimate.

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-4. NEW BUILD CAPITAL COST RANGE, BASED ON 2025 CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7-23
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACTION /

FEATURES UNIT

NEW BUILD

COST RANGE

PER UNIT

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

ATHLETIC / SPORTS (CONTINUED)
Pickleball Court (4) Per Set (4) $375,000
- $625,000
Costs reflect 4 pickleball courts with
surfacing, striping, netting, and fencing.

Court lighting and/or shade structures
are additional costs not included in the
estimate.

Tennis Court (2) Per Pair $375,000
- $625,000
Costs reflect 2 tennis courts with
surfacing, striping, netting, and fencing.

The upper range includes court lighting.

Volleyball Court Per Each $20,000
- $60,000
Costs include lawn volleyball court, net,
and posts. Court lighting and/or shade
structures are additional costs not
included in the estimate.

PLAY AREAS
Playground
– Neighborhood Per Each $425,000
- $800,000
Costs reflect one 5,000 sq. ft. play
structure with areas for tots or schoolage. The upper range reflects accessible safety surfacing (recommended).

Playground
– Universal,
All-Inclusive
Per Each $900,000
- $2,100,000
Costs reflect a large-scale play area
with universal/inclusive and thematic
elements.

Playground
– Nature-themed Per Facility $300,000
- $500,000
Small play area with climbable elements
such as logs, stumps, boulders, and
mounds; sand or wood chip surfacing;
edging and accessible ramp, plants and
trees. A water play element may be added
but is not included in this estimate.

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-4 CONT. NEW BUILD CAPITAL COST RANGE, BASED ON 2025 CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7-24
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACTION /

FEATURES UNIT

NEW BUILD

COST RANGE

PER UNIT

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

OUTDOOR RECREATION
Fitness Equipment
(5 stations) Per Set (5) $20,000
- $200,000
Costs reflect five stations of high-quality
fitness equipment, with signage, DG
surfacing and curbing. Can be clustered
for a fitness area, or distributed along
a park or trail. Lighting and/or shade
structures are additional costs not
included in the estimate.

Challenge Feature Per Each $100,000
- $250,000
Costs reflect one medium size play
feature, such as a climbing wall or zipline,
added to an existing playground. Includes
the containment area, safety surfacing,
drainage, and irrigation system mods.

Lighting and/or shade structures are
additional costs not included in the
estimate.

Community Garden Per Each $500,000
- $750,000
Costs reflect a combination of in-ground,
raised beds, and accessible planting areas
with fencing, water, composting, seating,
shade, and basic signage.

Native Plant Garden
/ Demonstration
Garden / Pollinator
Garden
Per Each $180,000
- $420,000
Designed, planted area featuring selected
plants, shrubbery, and/or trees, perimeter
boundary, access path, and plant markers
or interpretive signage.

Bike Pump Track Per Each $450,000
- $3,000,000
Costs reflect grading, fill, limited ramps,
jumps, or obstacles.

Picnic Shelter (Group
Picnic Area) Per Each $275,000
- $600,000
Costs reflect a shelter with motion sensor
light, holding six 8' tables with BBQ
features, trash receptable, serving table,
but no electrical outlet.

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-4 CONT. NEW BUILD CAPITAL COST RANGE, BASED ON 2025 CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7-25
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACTION /

FEATURES UNIT

NEW BUILD

COST RANGE

PER UNIT

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

OUTDOOR RECREATION (CONTINUED)
Dog Park Per Each $600,000
- $1,500,000
Costs reflect a one-acre fenced area
with turf, DG and/or bark mulch, with a
dog drinking fountain, benches, trash
receptacles and trees. Costs assume the
dog park is within a larger park and uses
existing utilities for water, parking, etc.

Higher cost sites may include separate
areas for large and small dogs, additional
amenities: shade umbrellas, accessible
walkway, and dog agility features.

Dedicated Event
Space Per Each $500,000
- $1,000,000
Costs reflect a small outdoor event
space such as a plaza, pavilion, outdoor
classroom, etc. Includes, hardscape,
seating, shade structure, accessible walk,
electrical outlet, and signage.

Skate Park Per Each $750,000
- $2,200,000
Lower cost reflects at-grade skate park
with prefabricated skate ramps. Higher
costs reflect an inground bowl, ramps, and
grinding amenities. Both include features
to accommodate spectators, safety, and
enhanced access.

Spray Park Per Each $1,750,000
- $2,500,000
Costs reflect a spray park with mechanical
building/apparatus and recirculating
water.

TRAILS
Trails (Hard
Surfaced) Per mile $1,425,000
- $2,500,000
Costs assume an 8 to 10 ft-wide asphalt
paved trail with gravel shoulders, minor
grading, mile markers and continuous
buffer vegetation. Improvements may
include curb and gutter, curb ramps, minor
drainage infrastructure and installations.

Trails (Soft Surfaced) Per mile $235,000
- $500,000
Costs assume a 3ft-wide stabilized
decomposed granite surfaced trail and
mile markers.

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-4 CONT. NEW BUILD CAPITAL COST RANGE, BASED ON 2025 CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7-26
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACTION /

FEATURES UNIT

NEW BUILD

COST RANGE

PER UNIT

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

AMENITIES / OTHER
Bike Rack Per Each $2,000 - $4,000 Costs reflect a standard bike rack and base.

Drinking Fountain Per Each $7,000 - $15,000 Costs reflect one drinking fountain.

Parking (Off-Street) Per Site $250,000
- $400,000
Costs reflect the creation of 10 angle-in
parking spaces including 2 accessible
spaces.

Restroom
(Permanent) Per Each $500,000
- $1,000,000 Costs reflect 2 single-occupancy units.

Shade Sail or Canopy Per Each $45,000
- $105,000
Medium UV blocking fabric covers and
posts to shade seating, play areas, etc.

Signage Per Each $10,000
- $20,000
Costs include standard identification,
regulatory and wayfinding signage, or a
group of 4-6 mileage markers. Monument
signs may cost more.

Picnic Table Per Each $5,000 - $8,000 Costs reflect one 8’ table on concrete pad with ADA access.

Bench Per each $1,500 - 2,500
Wood or metal seating for 2 people,
typically with back, armrests, and
concrete pad underneath. This may be
used as an allowance for similar-scale
seating of different styles.

Pet Waste
Receptacles Per each $1,000 - $2,000 One dog waste station with sign, dispenser, and can.

Public Art Per each $50,000
- $100,000
Art piece (e.g., mural, sculpture, mosaic,
etc.), base and foundation (if applicable).

Costs for highly-customized or large-scale
pieces may vary extensively.

TABLE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TABLE 7-4 CONT. NEW BUILD CAPITAL COST RANGE BASED ON 2025 CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7-27
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

ACTION /

FEATURES UNIT

NEW BUILD

COST RANGE

PER UNIT

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS

AMENITIES / OTHER
Element
- Interpretive $3,000 - $5,000
Signage, kiosk, display, or integrated
element that highlights and/or explains
local natural, historical, or cultural
features.

1. These estimates reflect fully loaded, planning level cost assumptions in 2025 dollars not accounting for inflation. Cost ranges are intended for planning purposes only and include raw cost for facilities, infrastructure, and landscaping; mobilization, design fees, and contingency (not including taxes). Actual costs may vary depending on site realities, the scale and quality of facilities, and changing market prices for materials and labor. Actual cost estimates should be determined through site master planning and design at the time of development.

This beloved unique playground structure has San Martin Park colloquially termed “Pumpkin Park”.

TABLE 7-4 CONT. NEW BUILD CAPITAL COST RANGE, BASED ON 2025 CONSTRUCTION COSTS 7-28
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan

LEVEL OF
EFFORT

PERCENT
(OF NEW

BUILD COST)

NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS
Repair 10%
Fix one element that is broken, worn, or damaged. May only meet the thresholds for a capital project when applied to a large cost item. Otherwise repairs would be included in annual operations budget.

Renovate 50% Restore a feature in the same footprint by replacing some features or elements to extend the facility’s lifespan. Supporting features remain.

Replace
(1:1) 85%
Remove an entire facility (often at the end of its lifecycle) and install a similar facility in the same space. Assumes updates to all items in this footprint, but does not require site grading, drainage, utilities, or similar work involved in new construction.

Improve or
Expand 120-150%
Enhancing a facility in size, scale, modernization, or interest when replacing it.

Additional budget allows for features beyond what is noted in the build new cost or upgrades to supporting features that may be required.

TABLE 7-5. MODIFICATIONS (%) TO NEW BUILD CONSTRUCTION COSTS

REPAIR, RENOVATE, REPLACE, IMPROVE,

OR EXPAND
The planning-level cost to build a new facility is an
important reference point, but does not capture
the full range of capital projects for Lakewood’s
system. In addition to entirely new facilities, a
particular park may need any of the following
levels of effort:
• Repair. Small repairs to existing equipment
that can be done by staff, can include fixes due
to damage (such as grafitti or broken wood
slats on a wood bench) or may include minor
equipment replacement (such as replacing
a broken or damaged bucket swing on an
existing swing set).
• Renovate. Involves major repairs or replacing a
portion of a facility in the same footprint.
• Replace (1:1). Replacing a facility (including any
support features) with the same type and size
of facility.
• Improve or Expand. Can vary in scale but is
either replacing something and making it
better and/or expanding on what is there (such
as adding a shade canopy to an existing picnic
area, expanding the size of a picnic area, etc.)
Each of these levels of effort have a range
of cost that may actually be required. One
approach to budgeting for those costs before
the critical decisions and implications (such
as related upgrade triggers) are known, is to
set a percentage (of the cost to build a new
facility) for each level that would adequately
cover the described project. The following table
proposes a set of percentages and the associated
assumptions.
7-29
Lakewood Parks, Recreation & Community Services Long-Range Plan Memorial Day Celebration at Del Valle Park

PARK AND

FACILITY

INVENTORY

APPENDIX A

EXISTING

CONDITIONS

SUMMARY

APPENDIX B

ENGAGEMENT

SUMMARY

APPENDIX C

EQUITY,
ACCESS

AND NEEDS

ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX D

CAPITAL AND

PROGRAMMATIC

PROJECT LIST

APPENDIX E

PARK AND

FACILITY

INVENTORY

APPENDIX A
Appendix A. Park and Facility Inventory Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan

FACILITY USES AND AMENITIES

ATHLETICS / SPORTS OUTDOOR RECREATION SPECIALIZED AMENITIES Site Name Classification Ownership Type Acreage
Court - Multiuse1Court - PickleballCourt - Volley TennisCourt - HandballCourt - FutsalCourt - TennisCourt - Horseshoe PitField - Diamond Fields2Field - Backstop3Field - Multi-Purpose Rectangular1Field - Soccer/FootballOpen Lawn AreaOutdoor Fitness EquipmentPlayground (2-5 years)Playground (5-12 years)Community Garden PlotsTrail - Walking/JoggingTrail - EquestrianPicnic ShelterWading PoolCommunity CenterControl BuildingSwimming PoolDog Park or Leash-Free AreaBarbeque GrillBicycle RackBenchBleachers / Stadium SeatingDrinking FountainPicnic - Individual TableRestrooms / Locker RoomsSignage - Directional SignSignage - Interpretive SignSignage - Monument SignLighting - StadiumTrash or Recycle ReceptaclePet Waste StationPublic Art or MemorialStorage or Maintenance BuildingParking (off-street)4Service Road

PASSIVE PARK COUNT ACREAGE
Subtotal 2 5.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 5 0 0 0 2 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 Candleverde Park Passive Park Use Agreement 2.3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Cherry Cove Park Passive Park City-Owned 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 0

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK COUNT ACREAGE
Subtotal 4 41.9 14 0 5 3 0 0 1 7 3 5 0 4 0 4 4 0 0 0 5 3 1 3 0 0 10 2 27 22 13 9 3 0 0 9 28 101 0 1 4 6 6 Biscailuz Park Neighborhood Park City-Owned 3.9 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 15 0 0 0 1 1 Bloomfield Park Neighborhood Park City-Owned 14.9 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 4 2 0 1 0 0 2 8 27 0 0 2 1 1 San Martin Park Neighborhood Park City-Owned 10.0 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 10 7 4 2 1 0 0 2 14 25 0 1 1 2 0 Boyar Park Neighborhood Park City-Owned 13.1 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 4 2 16 9 5 6 1 0 0 4 6 34 0 0 1 2 4

COMMUNITY PARK COUNT ACREAGE
Subtotal 5 102.7 10 10 8 0 1 2 5 13 5 5 2 7 1 5 5 0 1 1 12 3 2 3 2 1 48 5 74 41 28 80 10 0 2 7 48 220 7 1 11 4 7 Del Valle Park Community Park City-Owned 15.5 3 0 3 0 0 0 3 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 7 2 24 8 6 16 0 0 0 2 8 39 0 1 3 0 1 Mayfair Park Community Park City-Owned 17.1 3 6 3 0 0 2 0 3 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 5 1 15 10 8 17 4 0 0 2 20 46 0 0 2 2 2 Palms Park Community Park Multiple 21.2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 9 0 0 6 3 3 2 0 0 1 14 31 0 0 3 1 1 Rynerson Park Community Park Multiple 38.9 0 0 0 3 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 16 0 21 7 4 24 3 0 2 1 0 50 7 0 2 1 0 Bolivar Park Community Park City-Owned 10.0 2 4 2 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 11 2 14 10 7 20 1 0 0 1 6 54 0 0 1 0 3

SPECIAL USE PARK COUNT ACREAGE
Subtotal 3 26.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 323 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 8 0 1 20 0 0 3 2 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 Lakewood Community Gardens Special Use Park Use Agreement 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 323 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lakewood Equestrian Center Special Use Park Multiple 19.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Monte Verde Park Special Use Park City-Owned 3.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 8 0 1 20 0 0 3 1 0 17 0 0 0 0 0

PARKWAY AND NATURE TRAIL COUNT ACREAGE
Subtotal 1 26.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 2 6 8 0 7 0 0 0 2 2 The Nature Trail Parkway and Nature Trail Use Agreement 26.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 2 6 8 0 7 0 0 0 2 2

STANDALONE MAJOR RECREATION FACILITIES COUNT ACREAGE
Subtotal 0 5.4
Burns Community Center Standalone Recreation Facility City-Owned 2.2 1 The Centre Standalone Recreation Facility City-Owned 1.8 1 Weingart Senior Center Standalone Recreation Facility City-Owned 1.4 1 18 207.6 24 10 13 3 1 2 6 20 8 10 2 13 1 9 10 323 5 1 17 6 7 6 2 1 60 8 118 63 43 114 13 2 11 28 76 352 7 2 15 12 15 Legend:
*: Amenity is lighted
®: Amenity is reservable
Notes:

1. Multi-use spaces (courts and fields) may have multiple overlay facilities that are temporarily set-up in a space. The facilities vary per park site (see notes for specifics).

2. Diamond fields are inclusive of baseball/softball field, backstops, dugouts, and bleachers.

3. A stand-alone backstop refers to an informal grass ballfield with a small backstop suitable for T-ball, kickball, and similar sports. Mobile bleachers may be present.

4. A parking lot may include off-street parking suitable for multiple cars. In three cases, the same term references a designated single-space ADA accessible parallel parking space adjacent to the roadway.

TABLE A-1. PARK AND FACILITY INVENTORY
Appendix A. Park and Facility Inventory Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Art/Craft Room Multi-purpose / Community Room Meeting /Classroom Office Space/Front Desk Specialty Room Fitness / Weight Room Swimming Pool Kitchen Stage / Auditorium Outdoor Plaza Permanent Restroom Locker Room Adjacent Parking Available Major Recreation Facilities Year
Built
Square
Feet
2 18 6 26 16 1 2 10 2 5 19 2 •
Site Name
Community Centers
Bloomfield Park Community Center & Teen Resource Center 1959 7,553 1 2 1 1 • Burns Community Center 1976 13,400 1 3 1 •
Lakewood Youth Center 1958 7,550 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
Mayfair Swim Pavilion & John S. Todd Community Center 1994 15,900 3 1 2 4 • Palms Park Community Center 1978 11,361 1 3 1 1 2 •
S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge 1991 3,000 1 1 1 1 1 •
The Centre 1984 40,714 1 2 3 10 4 1 1 1 4 •
Weingart Senior Center 1984 14,100 1 2 1 2 4 1 1 2 4 •
Swimming Pools
Mayfair Pool 1953 N/A 1 1 •
McCormick Pool 1958 N/A 1 1
Activity and Community Buildings
Biscailuz Park Activity Building 1960 1,040 1 1 1 1
Bolivar Park Community Building 1957 2,705 1 1 1 1
Del Valle Park Community Building 1957 2,705 1 1 1 1
Boyar Park Activity Building 2009 4,100 1 1 1 1 1 •
San Martin Park Community Building 1957 2,705 1 1 1 1

FEATURES & AMENITIES

EXISTING

CONDITIONS

SUMMARY

APPENDIX B
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-1
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Airplane playground re-opening at Del Valle Park in 2016 Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary
The Existing Conditions Summary is divided as below:
 Park and Facility System Overview. This section outlines the scope and scale of the park and recreation system, including its geographic distribution, types of amenities offered, park types, and description of facilities.
 Park Asset Inventory and Condition Assessment. This section focuses on cataloging and evaluating the physical assets within the park and recreation system, such as amenities, playgrounds, and sports fields, to inform maintenance and investment priorities.  Recreation Programming and Services. This section details the variety of activities, sports activities, leisurely, and educational programs available to engage community members of all ages and interests, promoting health, social interaction, and cultural enrichment.

Appendix B. Programs and Services Portfolio B-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Park and Facility System Overview
Park Site Classifications
A park’s classification considers the purpose or intent of the site, factoring in characteristics such as size, use, service area, and available amenities and facilities. Classifications help the City to organize their existing system, as well as make decisions about the right amount of development, types of facilities, and levels of park maintenance and programming based on the intent for each park site.

Classifications also help determine service areas, which indicate where the City does not provide adequate services/spaces, to consider with future investment. The standard service area for community and neighborhood parks is 0.5-mile, which translates to approximately 10 minutes of walking at an average pace. Parks intended to serve the larger community beyond only the surrounding neighborhood may have a greater service area distance.

Table B - 1. Park Classifications
Park Classifications Count Acreage Percent
Passive Parks 2 5.3 2.6%
Neighborhood Parks 4 41.9 20.2%
Community Parks 5 102.7 49.4%
Special Use Parks 3 26.0 12.5%
Parkways and Nature Trails 1 26.4 12.7%
Standalone Recreation Facilities 3 5.4 2.6%
Total 18 207.6 100%
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-3
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Table B - 2. Park Inventory
Park Classification and Park
Name Acres
Features and Amenities
Facilities Athletics/ Sports Outdoor Recreation Community Center or Activity Building Swimming Pool \ Wading Pool 1 All Court Types
2 Ball DiamondsMulti-use Fields
Open LawnOutdoor FitnessPlayground: 2-5 Playground: 5-12Trails Passive Park 5.3
Candleverde Park 2.3 - - - - - 1 - - - -
Cherry Cove Park 3.0 - - - - - 1 - - 1 -
Neighborhood Park 41.9
Biscailuz Park 3.9 1 - 2 1 1 1 - 1 1 -
Bloomfield Park 14.9 1 W 5 2 2 1 - 1 1 -
San Martin Park 10.0 1 W 6 2 1 1 - 1 1 -
Boyar Park 13.1 1 W 5 2 1 1 - 1 1 -
Community Parks 102.7
Del Valle Park 15.5 2 W 6 3 1 1 - 1 1 -
Mayfair Park 17.1 1 S, W 5 3 1 1 - 1 1 -
Palms Park 21.2 1 W 3 2 2 1 - 1 1 -
Rynerson Park 38.9 - - - - - 3 1 1 1 1
Bolivar Park 10.0 1 S 4 2 1 1 - 1 1 -
Special Use Park 26.0
Lakewood
Community Gardens 3.0 - - - - - - - - - -
Lakewood Equestrian
Center

19.8 - - - - - - - - - -
Monte Verde Park 3.2 1 - - - - 1 - - - 1
Parkway and Nature Trail 26.4
Nature Trail 26.4 - - - - - - - - - 3
Standalone Major Facilities3 5.4 8
207.6 14 2/6 36 20 10 13 1 9 10 5
Note: 1) W = Wading Pool; S = Swimming Pool
2) All courts include multi-use courts, tennis courts, futsal court, handball court, and horseshoe pit 3) Standalone Major Facilities include Burns Community Center, Weingart Senior Center, and The Centre Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-4
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Park and Recreation Assets
During the inventory process, the assets provided at each individual park site were counted and classified. Included in the inventory are approximately 1,000 individual assets categorized into five unique asset types. Asset types were organized into the following broad categories:
• Athletics and Sports Facilities: basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, pickle ball, and baseball/softball fields and soccer fields
• Outdoor Recreation Facilities: playgrounds, trails, wading pools, and outdoor exercise stations
• Major Facilities: swimming pools, equestrian center, dog park, and community centers • General Amenities: restrooms, trash/recycling receptacles, benches, barbeque grills, drinking fountains, parking, shelters, signage, lighting, and picnic tables • Storage/Other: maintenance areas and storage facilities Nearly 85% of the assets provided systemwide are included in the General Amenities category.

Outdoor Recreation Facilities comprise the next largest category at 7%.

Table B - 3. Summary of Park Assets
Park Type
CountAcreageAthletics/ Sports Fields and CourtsOutdoor RecreationGeneral AmenitiesTotal Passive Parks 2 5.3 - 3 18 21
Neighborhood Parks 4 41.9 30 20 241 291
Community Parks 5 102.7 35 35 593 663
Special Use Parks 3 26.0 - 2 54 56
Parkway and Nature Trail 1 26.4 - 3 33 36
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-5
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Recreation Facilities
In addition to the parks inventoried in the previous section, the City of Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department operates Major Recreation Facilities, consisting of community centers, swimming pools, and other unique facilities. Major Recreation Facilities focus on providing a specified and often singular or linear recreational experience or offer recreation to a specific audience (e.g. seniors, swimmers, etc.). These facilities are not classified as parks and may stand alone or reside within another park facility. • Community Centers. Lakewood community centers are versatile facilities that serve as hubs for various recreational, social, and educational activities for the local community.

These centers typically offer a range of amenities and services, including multipurpose rooms for meetings, classes, and events, and fitness centers with exercise equipment and workout spaces.
• Activity and Control Buildings. These buildings serve as central points for community activities within neighborhood parks. While not as spacious or adaptable as larger community centers, they generally consist of one community room, recreation staff offices, and a maintenance area. Many of these structures date back to the 1950s, constructed during the establishment of the neighborhoods and often built with the help of volunteer residents.
• Swim Pavilion and Bathhouse. The Swim Pavilion at Mayfair Park and the bathhouse at Bolivar Park for McCormick Pool are facilities that provide amenities for swimming, showering, and changing. They also include maintenance equipment for pools, reception areas, and lifeguard and staffing areas.
• The Centre. The Centre stands as Lakewood's premier banquet, wedding, and event venue, boasting an array of amenities spread across more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Alongside its expansive indoor areas, the facility offers private outdoor patio spaces, complete audio/visual equipment, and comprehensive catering packages. Within its premises, The Centre features three distinct meeting and seminar rooms alongside a spacious ballroom, accommodating various event needs and preferences.

Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-6
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Table B - 4. Major Recreation Facilities and Buildings
Major Recreation Facilities Building
Sq. Ft
Meeting/
Community
Rooms
Office
Space/
Front Desk
Kitchen Year Built/
Remodel
Major Facilities
Bloomfield Park Community
Center & Teen Resource Center 7,553 1 - 1 1959/2007
Burns Community Center1 13,400 1 3 1 1976/2018
Lakewood Youth Center 7,550 3 1 1 1958/2012
Mayfair Swim Pavilion & John
Sanford Todd Community Center 15,900 3 1 2 1991
Palms Park Community Center 11,361 1 3 1 1978
S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge 3,000 1 1 1 2001
The Centre1 40,714 5 10 1 1985
Weingart Senior Center1 14,100 3 2 1 1984
Swimming Pools
Mayfair Pool (Mayfair Park) N/A -
- - 1953
McCormick Pool (Bolivar Park) N/A - - - 1958
Activity/Control Buildings
Biscailuz Park Activity Building 1,040 1 1 - 1960
Bolivar Park Activity Building 2,705 1 1 - 1957
Boyar Park Activity Building 4,100 2 1 - 2009
Del Valle Park Activity Building 2,705 1 1 - 1957
San Martin Park Activity Building 2,705 1 1 - 1957
Note: 1) These are standalone facilities and are not located within an existing park.

Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-7
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Source: City of Lakewood, 2019-2022 Reservation Summary Recreation Facility Rentals
Recreation facility rentals encompass a variety of spaces such as community rooms and meeting rooms, which incur rental fees. Lakewood offers several venues for private and business use, including the Centre, the Mark Taper Vista Lodge at Monte Verde Park, and the John Todd Community Center at Mayfair Park, along with numerous park facilities. These spaces can be rented for family special events and business gatherings. Rental fees typically cover the use of tables and chairs, and some facilities are equipped with kitchens and food preparation areas.

In addition to indoor rooms, Lakewood provides two pools available for rental during the summer swimming season: Mayfair and McCormick pools. These rentals come with party packages that include organized activities, staffing, and lifeguards. For example, non-profits (Class I) can rent activity rooms and athletic fields free of charge whereas residents and church groups (Class II) and commercial use and non-residents (Class III) would pay an hourly fee. All individuals or groups must pay to reserve pool space, however.

Del Valle emerges as a primary hub, drawing the highest attendance at 702,839, constituting 18% of the total. Palms and San Martin follow closely, each hosting significant numbers of visitors, with 669,684 and 631,778 attendees respectively. Bolivar and Mayfair also demonstrate considerable usage, each attracting around 13 to 15% of the total attendance. Other facilities, including Bloomfield, Boyar, and Biscailuz, contribute facility attendance with moderate to substantial percentages. The Centre and Burns Community Center also have rooms and facilities for rent but are not included in the overall attendance data records.

Table B - 5. Recreation Facilities Attendance
Parks with Facility Rentals
Facilities Attendance (2019 to 2022)
Total Percent of Total
Biscailuz 129,488 3%
Bloomfield 214,024 5%
Bolivar 519,473 13%
Boyar 464,284 12%
Del Valle 702,839 18%
Mayfair 606,102 15%
Palms 669,684 17%
San Martin 631,778 16%
Youth Center 44,747 1%
Total 3,982,419 100%
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-8
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Source: City of Lakewood, 2019-2022 Reservation Summary Picnic Shelters
Lakewood residents and Lakewood community organizations may reserve picnic shelters for outdoor gatherings. There are 17 covered shelters amongst the nine parks, and they include picnic tables and barbecue grills. Some shelters have sinks and a preparation table. Picnic shelters throughout the system require proof of residency but are free of charge to residents and Lakewood community organizations.

Picnic shelter rental reservations and attendance statistics reveal varying levels of utilization across different parks in Lakewood. Bolivar Park stands out with the highest number of rental reservations at 626, corresponding to a significant attendance figure of 30,015. Del Valle Park follows closely with 505 rentals and an attendance of 18,951. Mayfair Park also demonstrates substantial usage with 410 rentals and 16,537 attendees. Boyar Park, despite having fewer rentals at 244, boasts a notable attendance of 11,984. Other parks such as Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Palms, Rynerson, and San Martin parks show moderate to low levels of rental reservations and attendance.

Table B - 6. Picnic Shelter Reservations
Parks with Shelters
Picnic Shelter Reservations (2019 to 2022)
No. Reservation Attendance
Biscailuz 1 94 5,554
Bloomfield 1 153 3,378
Bolivar 3 626 30,015
Boyar 1 244 11,984
Del Valle 3 505 18,951
Mayfair 2 410 16,537
Palms 3 168 7,107
Rynerson 2 193 9,562
San Martin 2 91 4,276
Total 18 2,848 107,364
Annual Average 712 26,841
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-9
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Other Parks
Other parks are parkland or facilities managed by other agencies.

Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation
Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation owns two recreation facilities in Lakewood: the Lakewood Golf Course (Lakewood Country Club) and the Lakewood Tennis Center. • Built in 1933, the Lakewood Golf Course is a regulation 18-hole, 7,000-yard public course featuring 11 acres of lakes, putting greens, and driving range. The clubhouse includes banquet rooms, a golf shop, and a restaurant. The course is situated around the signature human-made Lake Bouton. The Clubhouse and grounds can be reserved for weddings, receptions, and event functions.
• The Lakewood Tennis Center is a 14-tennis court facility open to the public. The facility holds tournaments, league play, and training facility.

Surrounding Parks
There are several larger parks just outside of Lakewood that serve Lakewood residents. They include the following parks:
▪ City of Long Beach: Heartwell Park. Heartwell Park spans 123 acres of scenic landscaped grounds and features a fishing pond, bike/skate path, fitness course, and shaded picnic areas. The park offers numerous night-lighted game courts, athletic fields, ball diamonds, and a children’s playground.
▪ City of Cerritos: Liberty Park and Fitness Center. The 34-acre park comprises a community room for classes and various outdoor facilities, including a softball diamond, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, jogging track, playgrounds, exercise stations, water play area, picnic areas, disc golf course, and pickleball courts. Access to the Fitness Center necessitates a membership, exclusively open to Cerritos residents. ▪ Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation: Don Knabe Regional Park. Don Knabe Regional Park in Cerritos spans over 84 acres, offering a plethora of recreational amenities. It includes green spaces, lakes, picnic areas, a splash pad, playgrounds, and walking trails.

The park also boasts outdoor sports facilities such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, as well as baseball fields.

Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-10
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Park Asset Inventory and Condition Assessment
To guide future allocation of resources, a comprehensive field assessment process was developed to evaluate the condition of facilities and amenities within the City of Lakewood’s parks and recreation system. From November to December 2023, nearly 900 assets located within the City’s parks were assessed.

Inventory and Condition Assessment Process
The inventory and condition assessment process involved the following steps:
• Creating a list of relevant facility and amenity types to assess. With input from the City of Lakewood, a list of facility and amenity types relevant to the local parks and recreation context was created. Sample types include basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, barbeque grills, trash/recycling receptacles, benches, etc. • Developing a cloud-based geodatabase. A cloud-based geodatabase was developed to host information on park facilities and amenity types. Developed using Esri (mapping technology company) ArcGIS, this database allows City staff to quickly access information and analysis on their entire inventory of facilities and amenities. • Configuring map-based forms for in-field data collection. Customized forms for use in the Lakewood context were developed using ESRI’s Field Maps mobile app. Fieldwork data captured elements such as asset type, coordinate location, and asset condition. • Developing a standardized rating system for condition analysis. To evaluate assets throughout the city, it was important to set standard benchmarks for comparison. The condition of each facility or amenity in the inventory was rated on a three-point scale by field staff.
• Verifying data quality. To ensure consistency and completeness of field-collected data, routine reviews of the inventory were conducted, making adjustments and verifying information as needed.
• Organizing and visualizing data. Once complete, the field-collected data was transformed into visual displays, such as online dashboards and other web products, for quicker and easier understanding and summarization.
• Maintaining the data. At the conclusion of the Recreation and Parks Needs Assessment Update, the interactive geodatabase will be handed over to the City for their ownership and use in assessing park condition over time.

Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-11
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan ‘Non-Functional’ sign
Drinking fountain in ‘Poor’
condition. While water is
available, no longer meets
current ADA standards and
has visible weathering.

Condition Assessment Scores
During the park assessment, each individual asset
was evaluated for condition and assigned a rating
score: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, and NonFunctional.

Assigning scores based on the current condition
of park facilities and amenities gives the City and
the public a better picture overall of the scale of
improvements needed, as well as where assets
with immediate need for replacement or repair
are concentrated. These metrics can also help to
estimate anticipated costs associated with the
repair, replacement, and regular maintenance of
assets, and how the expenditures might be
prioritized over time.

Condition Assessment Scores
Excellent: Asset is currently fully
functional and in excellent working
conditions. It may be a newer asset or
receive a high level of
upkeep/maintenance that will not require
repair in the near future.

Good: Asset is currently fully functional
and in good working condition. Minor
cosmetic defects may exist, but the asset
is not in need of repair at the moment.

Replacement will be required at the end
of the asset's anticipated lifecycle.

Fair: Asset is currently functional but is
old, worn, or in need of repairs or
renovation in the short term. Surfaces,
equipment, fixtures, and safety features
are operational and allow play, although
moderate damage is evident. The asset
should be considered for future repair
and/or future replacement.

Poor: Asset has significant damage or has
parts that are unusable. Major repairs or
short-term replacement are needed to
continue to be functional and/or safe.

Non-Functional: Asset is unusable. Repair
or replacement is necessary.

Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-12
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Condition Assessment Summary
Based on the provided scores, the conditions of 899 park and recreation amenities vary across the spectrum.

Approximately 11% are deemed to be in excellent condition, representing 95 facilities that are exceptionally well-maintained. Half of the amenities, constituting 452, are considered to be in good condition, indicating a satisfactory state of upkeep. Around 25% of the amenities, totaling 221, are rated as fair, suggesting they may require some attention or minor repairs. Meanwhile, 14% of the amenities, totaling 122, are categorized as poor, indicating a need for significant improvements or renovations. Finally, a minimal portion, comprising just 1%, or 9 amenities, are non-functional, highlighting the necessity for urgent attention or complete refurbishment.

These scores provide insight into the diverse conditions of the park and recreation amenities, emphasizing areas for improvement and maintenance efforts.

Figure B - 1. Asset Condition Scoring Summary
Table B - 7. Recreational Asset Condition Scoring
Asset Type
Condition Scoring
Excellent Good Fair Poor
NonFunctional Total
Barbeque Grill -- 16 31 9 -- 56
Bench 3 86 39 5 -- 133
Bicycle Rack 4 2 1 1 -- 8
Bleachers / Stadium Seating 5 42 8 2 -- 57
Community Center / Building 1 1 -- -- 2
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-13
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Asset Type
Condition Scoring
Excellent Good Fair Poor
NonFunctional Total
Court - Basketball 2 -- -- 2
Court - Horseshoe Pit -- 5 1 -- 6
Court - Multiuse -- 4 2 1 -- 7
Court - Tennis 2 -- -- -- -- 2
Court - Tetherball -- -- -- -- 1 1
Dog Park or Leash-Free Area -- 1 -- -- -- 1
Drinking Fountain 2 12 6 17 3 40
Field - Backstop 2 15 6 6 -- 29
Field - Baseball or Softball 2 14 4 -- -- 20
Field - Multiuse -- 4 -- 4
Other 3 8 4 1 1 17
Outdoor Fitness Equipment 1 -- -- -- 1
Parking (off-street) 5 9 -- -- -- 14
Pet Waste Station -- 1 4 -- -- 5
Picnic - Group Tables 5 14 6 5 -- 30
Picnic - Individual Table 12 24 11 4 -- 51
Playground (2-5 years) 1 3 5 -- 9
Playground (5-12 years) 2 4 1 3 -- 10
Public Art or Memorial 2 -- -- -- -- 2
Service Road 10 -- 4 1 -- 15
Shelter -- 2 -- 1 -- 3
Signage - Directional Sign -- 1 1 -- 2
Signage - Interpretive Sign -- 3 3 1 4 11
Signage - Monument Sign 14 7 6 2 -- 29
Swimming Pool -- 2 -- -- -- 2
Trail - Equestrian -- 1 -- -- -- 1
Trail - Walking/Jogging 3 2 -- -- -- 5
Trash or Recycle Receptacle 14 169 80 55 -- 318
Wading Pool -- 1 3 2 -- 6
Total 95 452 221 122 9 899
Percent 11% 50% 25% 14% 1% 100%
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-14
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Asset Condition Rating by Park
Table B-8 displays the asset condition ratings for each park. Mayfair Park and Rynerson Park lead with the highest percentage of assets in excellent condition at 20% and 25%, respectively. Del Valle Park and Bolivar Park stand out for having the most assets rated as good at 17% and 13%, respectively. Mayfair Park and Palms Park record the highest percentages for fair condition, with 14% and 15%, respectively. In terms of poor condition, Mayfair Park and Mae Boyar Park have the highest percentages of assets at 19% and 15%, respectively.

Table B - 8. Asset Condition Rating by Park
Park Name
Total Excellent Good Fair Poor
NonFunctional
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
Biscailuz Park 40 4% 2 2% 21 5% 6 3% 10 8% 1 11%
Bloomfield Park 59 7% 3 3% 17 4% 25 11% 14 11% -- 0%
Candleverde Park 2 0% 1 1% 1 0% -- 0% -- 0% -- 0%
Cherry Cove Park 17 2% -- 0% 10 2% 3 1% 4 3% -- 0%
Del Valle Park 110 12% 4 4% 77 17% 22 10% 7 6% -- 0%
Home Run Dog Park 40 4% 2 2% 13 3% 20 9% 5 4% -- 0%
Community Gardens 1 0% -- 0% -- 0% 1 0% -- 0% -- 0%
Youth Center 4 0% 1 1% 1 0% -- 0% 1 1% 1 11%
Mae Boyar Park 78 9% 3 3% 44 10% 13 6% 18 15% -- 0%
Mayfair Park 116 13% 19 20% 43 10% 30 14% 23 19% 1 11%
Mayfair Pool 1 0% -- 0% 1 0% -- 0% -- 0% -- 0%
McCormick Pool 6 1% 1 1% 3 1% 2 1% -- 0% -- 0%
Monte Verde Park 35 4% 2 2% 28 6% 4 2% -- 0% 1 11%
Palms Park 83 9% 7 7% 34 8% 33 15% 8 7% 1 11%
Rynerson Park 99 11% 24 25% 44 10% 21 9% 10 8% -- 0%
S. Mark Taper Vista
Lodge 3 0% 1 1% 2 0% -- 0% -- 0% -- 0%
San Martin Park 69 8% 10 11% 39 9% 14 6% 5 4% 1 11%
Simon Bolivar Park 100 11% 7 7% 59 13% 21 9% 13 11% -- 0% San Gabriel River
Parkway Nature Trail 36 4% 8 8% 14 3% 7 3% 4 3% 3 33%
Total 899
100
%
95 100
%
451 100% 222
100
%
12 2
100
%
9 100%
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-15
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Figure B-2 illustrates the asset scoring by park. Mayfair emerges with the highest number of assets, whereas the Lakewood Community Garden and Mayfair Pool show the lowest counts.

Among Community Parks, most assets fall under the Good rating. Notably, Mayfair Park, Mae Boyar Park, Bloomfield Park, Bizcaluiz Park, and Cherry Cove Park each have 20 percent or more of their assets rated as Poor.

Figure B - 2. Asset Condition Rating by Park
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-16
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Asset Condition Location by Park
The following spreads illustrate Lakewood park asset condition, identified by color. Surveyed in 2023, the assets include recreational facilities (fields, courts, playgrounds, etc.) and park amenities (benches, barbeque grills, trash receptacles, etc.). The condition ranges from excellent (dark green) to non-functional (red).

Interior amenities were not assessed as part of this survey.

Biscailuz Park
Feet
Park Assets by Type & Condition
Barbeque Grill
Bench
Court - Multiuse
Drinking Fountain
Field - Backstop
Field - Baseball or Softball
Parking (off-street)
Picnic - Group Tables
Playground (2-5 years)
Playground (5-12 years)
Service Road
Shelter
Signage - Monument Sign
Trash or Recycle Receptacle
Condition
A-Excellent
B-Good
C-Fair
D-Poor
F-Non Functional
N/A
Biscailuz Park
page 1 of 23
Bench
Court - Multiuse
Drinking Fountain
Field - Backstop
Field - Baseball or Softball
Parking (off-street)
Picnic - Group Tables
Playground (2-5 years)
Playground (5-12 years)
Service Road
Shelter
Signage - Monument Sign
Trash or Recycle Receptacle
B-Good
C-Fair
D-Poor
F-Non Functional
N/A
Excellent Good Fair Poor Non-Functional N/A
• Service Road
• Parking (Off-Street)
• Bench
• Bench
• Bench
• Bench
• Bench
• Bench
• Bench
• Field - Backstop
• Playground (5-12 Years)
• Shelter
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Drinking Fountain
• Drinking Fountain
• Field - Baseball or Softball
• Picnic - Group Tables
Park Assets
Asset Condition (2023)
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Barbeque Grill
• Field - Backstop
• Court - Multiuse
• Playground (2-5 Years)
• Signage - Monument Sign
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Trash or Recycle Receptacle
• Drinking Fountain
Biscailuz Park
Park Classification: Neighborhood Park
Park Size: 3.9 Acres
Appendix B. Existing Conditions Summary B-18
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan