Monterey Park City Council
August 6, 2025

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 77
Environmental Health
The California Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) developed the CalEnviroScreen tool to help
identify communities that are disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution.

The last version of the tool, CalEnviroScreen 4.0,
uses various environmental, health, and socioeconomic indicators to assess and rank communities based on their environmental vulnerability.

Every census tract receives a score determined
by two categories, pollution burden and population characteristics, and between both contain 21 potential indicators that are then arranged
from highest to lowest in terms of potential
environmental harm. A higher score indicates
a greater level of environmental and socioeconomic vulnerability and burden.

Through this methodology, the California EPA
determines a score for each census tract
throughout California, which is important as
CalEnviroScreen is the primary tool used to determine eligibility of various State funding sources, prioritize enforcement, and promote greater environmental justice. The State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment developed the Disadvantaged Communities Index to identify communities that qualify for the California
Climate Investments program. These specifically
target investments positively impact high-risk
communities through the State’s Cap-and-Trade
program that aims to improve public health, quality of life, and economic opportunity in California’s most burdened communities. Communities that
are categorized as “Disadvantaged” are census
tracts that were amongst the highest 25% of overall scores as determined by CalEnviroScreen 4.0.

78 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
The City of Monterey Park is comprised of 15
census tracts, and the tract 6037530400 is
not only the most environmentally burdened
area of the city, it is one of the most environmentally burdened area in the entire state, receiving a CalEnviroScreen 4.0 score of 89%.

Additionally, the census tracts 6037482701,
6037482800, 6037482102, and 6037482101 are
also environmentally burdened areas, receiving CalEnviroScreen 4.0 scores that range between 60% and 70%. These scores indicate
significant risks and challenges associated
with pollution, environmental hazards, and
socioeconomic disparities. Given that Monterey Park is generally bounded by several freeways, and the cumulative impact of vehicular emissions negatively affects the environmental health of community members. Conversely, the census tract 6037481713 received a score
of 30%, representing the least environmentally
burdened area in the entire city.

The development of parks and green spaces
can greatly help to improve environmental and
public health conditions of those most impacted
by environmental health issues. Plants, shrubs,
and especially trees sequester some of the
carbon emissions. A single tree, depending on
the species, climate, and other factors, can
sequester around a ton of carbon dioxide over
its lifetime. Promoting active transportation
travel and reducing Monterey Park’s reliance
on vehicular travel can also significantly reduce
environmental health impacts. The City of
Monterey Park Environmental Justice Element
of the General Plan represents the City’s vision
for achieving environmental justice.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 79
Sources: Public Health Alliance of Southern California (PHASC, 2022), County of Los Angeles, Esri, USGS, EPA, HERE, OpenStreetMap contributors 0 0.5 1 mi

PUBLIC HEALTH

CONDITIONS
0 Less More healthy community conditions
25 50 75
Healthy Places Index (PHASC, 2022)

80 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Tree Canopy Existing Percent (by Parcel)
Sources: Los Angeles County Tree Canopy Viewer, California State Parks, Esri, USGS, METI/NASA, Bureau of Land Management, OpenStreetMap contributors 0 0.5 1 mi
TREE
CANOPY

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 81
Urban Forest
The “urban forest” is a term used to describe a
city’s network of parks, public spaces, street trees,
landscaped boulevards, gardens, river and coastal
areas, greenways, wetlands, nature preserves,
and other natural elements. Urban forests form
the green infrastructure on which communities
depend, helping to filter air and water, control
stormwater, conserve energy, and provide animal
habitats. Urban forests also help cities reduce
noise and provide places to recreate, strengthen
social cohesion, spur community revitalization, and
add economic value to our communities.

The Tree Equity Score, provided by American
Forests, assesses the extent to which the advantages of urban tree canopy are reaching individuals who are most in need of them. The scoring system sets an equity-first benchmark to direct
investments in communities characterized by
low-income, communities of color, and all those
disproportionately impacted by factors such as
extreme heat, pollution, and other environmental
factors. The distribution of tree equity scores is
categorized by highest priority [0-69], high priority [70-79], moderate priority [80-89], and lowest priority [90-99].

Monterey Park has received a tree equity score
of 72, which puts the city in the “high priority”
category of communities in need of greater
urban forestry. Out of the 40 census blocks that
comprise Monterey Park, 13 were identified as
being the “highest priority”, and 20 block groups
were a “high priority”. Around 8,684 trees will
need to be planted citywide, particularly in areas
of highest priority, to achieve “tree equity” in
Monterey Park. This will increase total canopy
coverage up 2.4%, raise the ecosystem value by
over $130,000, and sequester over 207,000 tones
of carbon, which is equivalent to over 40,000
gas-powered cars [according to i-Tree Landscape
which is an application that uses tree cover maps
and other data to spatially estimate ecosystem
services of trees]. Comparatively, the majority
of Los Angeles County’s 6,544 census blocks are
ranked in “highest” and “high priority”.

82 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
The Parkway Maintenance Division of Monterey
Park plays a crucial role in the city’s open space
network by maintaining approximately 13,000
street trees and key landscaped areas such as
medians and parkways. These trees, spanning 37
species and strategically placed along 203 miles of
easements, provide essential environmental benefits like air filtration, noise absorption, and cooling.

Additionally, they enhance the city’s visual appeal
and safety, contributing to a positive impression for residents, businesses, and visitors. By promoting the planting of new street trees and
maintaining a five-year tree trimming cycle, the
Division supports a thriving urban forest that
complements and extends the city’s parks and
green spaces. Looking forward, filling gaps in this
open space network by viewing streets as potential greenway connections will be essential. This vision ensures that Monterey Park continues to
prioritize greenery and fosters a more sustainable and connected urban landscape.

Urban forestry also helps to combat the “urban
heat island” effect, replacing massive amounts
of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that
absorb and retain heat with a natural shade
canopy that can dramatically reduce the overall
temperature of the neighborhood. Expanding and
enhancing a city’s urban forestry also encourages greater walkability, bikeability, and transit ridership. At a regional scale, urban forests help to
mitigate the effects of climate change by capturing
carbon dioxide and combating heat waves. Lastly,
street trees, when located near public spaces, can
also help to promote social interaction and contribute to a sense of place for Monterey Park residents. In the context of Monterey Park’s current built environment, urban forestry can become
an integral component of the greater open space
network which will help to address the deficiencies in public spaces exacerbated by a high population density. By strategically integrating trees into the urban landscape, Monterey Park can enhance
connectivity and accessibility of green spaces and
parks. The selection of street trees is very important in helping to create resilient ecosystems and ensuring minimal maintenance requirement and
maximum shade coverage.

Cooling
the Air
Filtering Urban
Pollutants
Improving the
Water Quality &
Water Flow
Providing
Food
Improving
Physical &
Mental Health
Reducing Air
Conditioning
Needs & Energy
for Heating
Increasing Urban
Biodiversity
Property
Values

EIGHT BENEFITS OF TREES

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 83
70 (Lower equity)
100
(Higher equity)
Tree Equity Score
Sources: American Forests Tree Equity Score, Google, i-Tree, University of Vermont, Mapbox, OpenStreetMap contributors 0 0.5 1 mi

TREE EQUITY
SCORE

84 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
0 0.5 1 mi

RENT BURDENED

COMMUNITIES
Low High
Rent Burden (Households Spending More than 30% on Rent) Medium
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau. [2023]. American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, OpenStreetMap contributors

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 85
Housing Security
Until recently, housing was not a typical area of
study in most park master planning efforts, but
as many park planners are now learning, there is
a direct influence that open space has on housing, and vice versa. As cities like Monterey Park encounter the challenges of population growth
and development, the concept of “green gentrification” has emerged as a topic of considerable debate. Green gentrification refers to the process
by which environmentally beneficial initiatives,
such as the development of parks, green spaces,
and sustainable infrastructure, lead to the
displacement and marginalization of low-income
residents. As Monterey Park plans its open space
network for the future, it is essential to consider
the potential impacts of green gentrification and
explore strategies to ensure that environmental
progress is equitable and inclusive.

To comprehend the phenomenon of green gentrification, it is crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and park equity initiatives and urban development. Green gentrification is the concept that with public capital investment into the development or redevelopment of parks and open spaces, the surrounding neighborhood’s property values will rise, and as
a result, lower-income residents are displaced by
wealthier newcomers.

The City of Monterey Park, like many urban areas,
faces pressures to enhance its environmental sustainability while balancing the needs of its diverse population. As plans for the open space
network take shape, the GROW Master Plan must
consider how new park developments in Monterey
Park might impact our most vulnerable communities, particularly those with limited resources or marginalized backgrounds. Failure to address
the potential for green gentrification could exacerbate inequality and undermine the long-term viability of park equity initiatives.

As Monterey Park plans for the future of their
open space network, it is essential to simultaneously consider residential anti-displacement strategies to protect our most vulnerable populations.

Ignoring the risks of green gentrification could
perpetuate cycles of displacement and exclusion,
ultimately undermining the city’s efforts to create
a more livable and resilient community. By proactively addressing these issues, Monterey Park can ensure that its open space network benefits all
residents, regardless of income or background.

86 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
The equity-centered approach of the GROW
Master Plan recognizes the importance of
acknowledging and addressing historical disparities that may have disproportionately affected certain groups within Monterey Park. This
includes a commitment to rectifying past imbalances in access to recreational resources, ensuring that historically marginalized communities have an equitable opportunity to benefit from the
planned developments.

Community History
Prior to Spanish colonization and the subsequent
displacement of Native peoples from their ancestral lands, the Tongva and Shoshone tribes inhabited the foothills of what is now Monterey Park.

Throughout the 1800s, the area witnessed an
extensive history of land acquisition and transactions, both before and after the establishment of the San Gabriel Mission and the Spanish Land
Grant known as Don Antonio Maria Lugo Rancho.

Situated in the San Gabriel Valley to the east
of Los Angeles, Monterey Park holds a strategic position in the region, relative to Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. The city was established in 1916 after community members fought against the threat of a sewer plant being built in
the area, which was proposed by Pasadena and
Alhambra10. Once Monterey Park was recognized as an official city, new development began to arise as land began to be bought and sold. Street
enhancements were introduced with the paving
of Garfield Ave which stretched to Montebello in
1923, followed by Atlantic Boulevard in 192811.

With new development and connectivity, the city’s
population began to grow during this period, but it
wasn’t until the end of WWII that it experienced its
most significant expansion. Through the 1940s to
1960s Monterey Park established 8 new parks to
accommodate its growing population. These parks
were Barnes Park [1948], Garvey Ranch [1952], La
Loma [1953], Langley [1954], Sunnyslopes [1958],
George Elder Park [1959], Edison Trails [1965],
Highlands [1965], and Sequoia [1969]12.

In Monterey Park, there have been major contributions to the city’s cultural and economic development from communities such as Latinos, Japanese American, Jewish, and Armenian. In
the 1980’s, there was heavy foreign investment
from Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia that
began to change the cultural landscape of the
city and attracted Asian immigrants into Monterey Park, particularly from mainland China. Due to this influx of immigrants, the city soon became
known as a Chinese suburb, and as it grew, so
did its population of middle-class Chinese immigrants. White and Latino residents sold their property when they observed the influx of Asian
immigrants. Monterey Park quickly evolved into
an Asian American hub, drawing Asian residents
from neighboring cities into the area13.

The increasing Asian population led to racial
tensions within the city. These tensions were
heightened in the 1980s by former mayor Barry
Hatch’s degrading comments about immigration and the community’s changes. Much of the non-Asian residents that still remained began to
protest the expansion of Asian culture by fighting
the use of Chinese signs and forcing English to be
the official language14.

The city was divided until the 1990s when politicians like Lily Lee Chen, Judy Chu, and Mike Eng fought against discrimination and formed
multi-ethnic coalitions, helping to reunite the
community and embracing the cultural diversity.

PARK & COMMUNITY

HISTORY

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 87
THERE ARE 14 CITY PARKS THAT
ACCOUNT FOR 107.64 ACRES IN MONTEREY PARK:
• Barnes Park
• Bella Vista Park
• Cascades Park
• Demonstration Garden
• Edison Trails Park
• Garvey Ranch Park
• George E Elder Memorial Park
• Highlands Park
• La Loma Park
• Langley Senior Center and
Beth Ryan Park
• Pine Tree Park
• Sequoia Park and Nachi
Gardens
• Sierra Vista Park
• Sunnyslopes Park

88 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Reflecting its historical and cultural diversity,
Monterey Park is now home to fourteen parks
spread across its approximately 7-square-mile
area. These parks serve as a central gathering place for the community and a place to host important cultural events.

For instance, Barnes Park is host to events and
festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival, Cinco
De Mayo Event, Lunar New Year Event, Happy
Birthday Monterey Park, Play Days Carnival,
Independence Day Celebration, and more. These
events highlight the city’s multicultural heritage
and help foster unity.

Monterey Park also uses their parks for educational recreation, which is important to the residents. Garvey Ranch Park, home to the Garvey Ranch observatory and historical museum, hosts
interactive events that help residents of all ages
engage in learning. The city has also been dedicated to providing inclusive recreational spaces by providing facilities like picnic areas, outdoor/
indoor courts, and playgrounds that allow the
community to socialize, gather, and interact.

Although Monterey Park has a good amount of
parks in the city, the need for additional green
space has been debated as the population continues to grow. With minimal available land, the city is focused on maximizing the use of its established parks15. Improvements have already been made to Bella Vista, Edison Trails, Garvey Ranch,
Highland, and Sequoia Parks, where outdated
playground equipment has been replaced or
repaired. These enhancements aim to attract
more visitors by creating safer and larger
spaces for youth to interact.
10 https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/1860/Introduction?bidId=
11 https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/1854/Monterey-Park-in-the-1920s?bidId=
12 https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/1857/Monterey-Park-in-the-1950s-and-1960s?bidId=
13 https://nytimes.com/1994/10/17/us/asian-investors-create-a-pocket-of-prosperity.html 14 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/us/monterey-park-history-chinese.html 15 https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/14211/Resources-Element?bidId=

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 89
Below are a few key summaries of the history of
park development in Monterey Park:

Cascades Park & Jardín el Encanto
Just north of the city is the historical landmark,
Jardín el Encanto and Cascades Park; the approximately two-acre park features a cascading fountain that pours downhill towards De la Fuente and the Jardín el Encanto. Both the building and the
park were constructed concurrently as focal
points to the Midwick View Estates in 1929. Peter
N. Snyder, a real estate developer, envisioned
a luxury residential area with the conceptualizations of Beverly Hills and Bel Air in mind. Even though his work of industrial, commercial, and
residential expansions on Atlantic Boulevard
was a component of influence to the city’s business district and its neighbors, the Great Depression inhibited any real estate growth and halted Snyder’s proposed plans. He also proposed an
amphitheater to be constructed at the top of the
cascade but was ultimately never built; at the top
of the park now sits the observation terrace overlooking the neighborhood downhill. In 2021, the park was rehabilitated with sustainable irrigation
practices and landscaping with native plants.

90 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Garvey Ranch Park
Residing in the east side of Monterey Park, next
to the Garvey Reservoir, is the Garvey Ranch
Park. The park includes amenities like picnic
tables/shelters, two baseball/softball diamond,
two playgrounds, two tennis courts, outdoor
basketball courts, a historical museum, and
functioning observatory that serve as testaments to the history of the city. In 1879, a United States [US] Army mail carrier named Richard
Garvey traversed the foothills of the land while
on his way to Los Angeles. Some time after,
Garvey purchased 4,000 acres of the area
[former rancho land] and settled down in his
home where the park currently resides. His son,
Garvey Jr., constructed the observatory for
leisure use as an extension of his residence in
the 1930’s. Garvey also has a road named after
him [formerly called Coyote Pass], which prior to
the freeway, was one of the prominent roads to
get into Los Angeles from the San Gabriel Valley.

Now, the Monterey Park Historical Museum and
the Garvey Ranch Park Observatory are operated by the Monterey Park Historical Society and the Los Angeles Astronomical Society respectively. The museum even includes a tiny segment of Garvey’s original home. Both of these sites
garner community engagement while educating
residents about the place they inhabit.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 91
Barnes Park
The park was originally named “Monterey Park
Park,” but in 1948, its name changed to Barnes
Park, in honor of resident Mr. B.S. Barnes, who led
the park’s initial acquisition. That same year, the
Barnes Park Memorial Bowl and play area were
inaugurated. Barnes Park became a key staple
in the city and attracted many artists including
Lawrence Welk and Janice Joplin, who performed
in the park. Barnes Park is located within walking
distance of the City Hall, library, and fire station
and offers a range of recreational services including spaces for sports, picnics, and more notably the aforementioned amphitheater.

92 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Edison Trails Park
Edison Trails Park was officially established in
1965 through a license agreement between the
City of Monterey Park and Southern California
Edison (SCE), making it one of the earliest examples of joint-use parkland in the region. Situated along an SCE electric transmission corridor in
the southwestern hills of the city, the park transformed a utilitarian right-of-way into a publicly accessible natural space. For decades, it served
the community with its network of unpaved walking trails, scenic hillside views, and informal open space for hiking and passive recreation. In the
early 2010s, however, the park faced new challenges when SCE implemented stricter vegetation management guidelines, starting in 2013, which
threatened the removal of many trees and vegetation due to updated safety regulations. After community pushback and negotiation, a compromise was reached in 2014 to allow selective trimming instead of widespread removal, preserving much of the park’s natural character. Edison
Trails Park continues to be a valuable example of
how cities can creatively leverage infrastructure
corridors to expand public open space.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 93
Demonstration Garden
Located on Orange Avenue, the Demonstration
Garden lays on 1.12 acres of land between Metro
Drive and Tegner Drive. This park is one of the
more recent parks, established in the 1990s.

With the help of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD), renovations were done in 2017 to introduce a garden filled with
drought tolerant plants. The garden includes
international themes that celebrate the community’s diversity. Some of these themes include Asian, California native meadow, Mediterranean,
and Spanish gardens. Also included, is water
wise irrigation which is used through the whole
garden making it environmentally friendly16.
16 https://ca-montereypark.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/518

96 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

PARKS DIVISION
Director of Public Works (1)
Public Works Manager (1)
Parks Maintenance
Park Supervisor (1)
Park Main. Crew Leader (2)
Maintenance Worker (7)
Part Time Maintenance Worker (.5)
Expenditures by Character
FY 2023–24
Actual
FY 2024–25
Original Budget
FY 2024–25
Projected Budget
FY 2025–26
Budget
Salary and Benefits $497,230 $566,211 $566,211 $611,093 Services $335,996 $285,625 $285,625 $436,795
Commodities $86,784 $124,225 $124,225 $69,700
Internal Services $554,376 $546,876 $546,876 $562,787
Total Expenditures $1,474,386 $1,522,937 $1,522,937 $1,680,376 Authorized Full-Time Equivalent
Positions
6 6 6 6
Funding Sources by Type
FY 2023–24
Actual
FY 2024–25
Original Budget
FY 2024–25
Projected Budget
FY 2025–26
Budget
General Fund $1,080,093 $1,193,609 $1,193,609 $1,326,884 Special Revenue $229,511 $223,592 $223,592 $242,447
Enterprise $164,782 $105,736 $105,736 $111,045
Total Expenditures $1,474,386 $1,522,937 $1,522,937 $1,680,376

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
FY 2025–2026 ADOPTED BUDGET

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 97
Parks are essential community assets that
provide recreational opportunities, improve
public health, advance sustainability, and foster
social cohesion. However, the City of Monterey
Park faces challenges in securing ongoing and
additional funding to maintain and operate these
spaces. While grants often support new park
development, long-term care and day-to-day
upkeep are underfunded.

The Recreation and Community Services
Department extends its impact beyond traditional programming by offering unique services and fostering community connections. It operates the Community Dial-A-Ride program, providing vital transportation services, and
state-licensed childcare programs, supporting
families with high-quality care. The Department
also manages a volunteer program, encouraging civic engagement, and oversees Facility and Picnic Reservations to facilitate community use
of public spaces. Additionally, it acts as a liaison
to three City Commissions [refer to page 101
for more information] ensuring that diverse
community needs are reflected in local decision
making. These non-traditional services highlight the department’s dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community.

With regards to its Revenue Budget, the City of
Monterey Park receives funding from a variety
of sources such as taxes, grants, permits, and
service fees. The General Fund is the main operating fund of the City and pays for the majority of police, fire, building, zoning, public works, park
maintenance, recreation, and library services.

Like many cities across the United States, the
City of Monterey Park’s Recreation & Community
Services Department is operating on a limited
budget that represent a small fraction of the
total City Budget. The Department funds many
of its programs through alternative revenue
sources. Specialized recreation classes, aquatics, day care, and reservations are partially self-supported through user fees and charges.

Additionally, the Dial-A-Ride Program is financed
by revenue from a Los Angeles County voter-approved one-quarter percent sales tax.

The Recreation and Community Services Department has a total expenditure of $4.2 million for the fiscal year 2024-2025, with programs
and divisions focusing on enhancing facilities,
expanding access, and improving services for
the community. The following FY 2024-2025
budgets also include essential operational costs
such as staff salaries and benefits, contracted
services, and commodities:

EXISTING PARK

FUNDING

98 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Recreation Facilities Division
With a budget of approximately $1.1 million, the
division aims to modernize and enhance Barnes
Park gymnasium by renovating the indoor
restrooms and replacing the gymnasium floor.

Additionally, it plans to build three new picnic pavilions at Garvey Ranch Park and utilize a grant to update the Langley Center Lobby with new furniture and phone charging stations.

Aquatics Program
The Aquatics Program, also allocated $1.1 million,
focuses on modernizing the pool facility by
adding new lane line anchors to support simultaneous aquatic programs. The program will also reinstate summer aquatic offerings, including public night swim and adult swim lessons, to enhance access for residents.

Senior Programs Division
With a budget of $721,765, Senior Programs will
renovate the east wing restrooms at Langley
Center, offer emergency preparedness workshops in collaboration with the Fire Department, and compile a comprehensive list of mental health
and social services resources for participants.

Youth Programs Division
Youth Programs has a budget of $241,504 and
aims to modernize electronic infrastructure
for online registration and payments for Day
Care and Summer Day Camp programs. It will
also implement youth mental health and wellness activities and develop marketing strategies to achieve a 25% enrollment increase in the Summer Day Camp.

Recreation Programs Division
This division, with $241,504 allocated, plans to
expand leisure class programming by partnering with local businesses and entrepreneurs to offer classes outside city facilities. It also aims
to grow the “MPK Mini’s” program to include
youth soccer and volleyball clinics.

Special Events Division
With a budget of $235,253, this division will
commemorate Asian American and Pacific
Islander [AAPI] and Native American Heritage
months through cultural activities. It also plans
to increase public engagement in the Parks
System Master Plan process and enhance
participation in events like Santa’s Jolly Journey through expanded marketing.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 99
Community Transportation Division
The Community Transportation Division has
$989,727 in funding and plans to establish an
annual leisure group excursion to the Vincent
Price Art Museum for cultural and social
engagement. It also aims to improve communication about subsidized M.T.A. bus fares available to seniors and students.

Reallocation of the existing budget will be
critical to achieving the goals of the City of
Monterey Park GROW Plan, serving as the
foundation for enhancing the city’s parks
and recreation system. To implement the
recommended actions outlined in the Final
Plan, it will be necessary to strategically
prioritize resources to address community
needs. At the same time, the Recreation and
Community Services Department must advocate for increased funding to support longterm growth and improvements, presenting compelling evidence of the plan’s benefits,
such as improved public health, equity, and
economic development, to decision-makers.

To address the funding gap for park operations
and maintenance, the City can explore various
approaches, including creating dedicated funding streams like expanded municipal budgets for parks, development-related impact fees,
or targeted tax measures. Currently, the City
does have development impact fees, but are set
at a rate that should be reassessed on a regular basis. Partnerships with private entities, community-based organizations, and nonprofit
foundations can also provide critical support.

Volunteer programs offer another opportunity for local residents to actively contribute through financial donations or hands-on efforts to care for the parks they value. These
measures not only enhance financial stability
but also foster shared responsibility for keeping parks well-maintained.

Securing sustainable funding, however,
requires strong political will. Parks must be
prioritized as critical infrastructure in budget
decisions, and elected officials must champion policies that ensure equitable access and ongoing maintenance, especially in underserved communities. Political leaders play a vital role in rallying public support by articulating the value of parks as essential community assets that enhance public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. By driving policy change and advocating for dedicated
funding mechanisms, policymakers can ensure
that Monterey Park’s park system receives the
resources it needs to thrive for generations
to come. Additional information on the topic of
park funding can be found on page 271.

100 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Recreation & Community
Services Department
The Monterey Park Recreation & Community
Services Department is responsible for administering, managing, and implementing all leisure service programs for the city’s residents.

Currently staffed by 15 full-time and approximately 21 part-time employees, the Department coordinates a range of activities, including recreation programs, classes, special events,
Dial-a-Ride transportation services, community
beautification programs, and volunteer services.

Monterey Park currently provides a diverse
array of recreational programs catering to various age groups and interests. In the Aquatics Division, programs include Lap Swim for those
over the age of 18, Public Swim for youth and
adults, Pool Rentals for youth, Swim Lessons
(Tot-Level 6) for youth, and Water Aerobics for
individuals over the age of 18.

The Child Care Division offers comprehensive
services, such as After School Care (during the
school year) for 5-12-year-olds, Spring Break
Camp, Summer Day Camp, Thanksgiving Break
Camp, Tiny Tots for 3-4.5-year-olds, and Winter
Day Camp for 5-12-year-olds.

For those interested in skill development, the
Contract Classes Division provides a range of
options such as Baseball/Softball Hitting Fundamentals for 8-18-year-olds, Beginner Crochet for teens and adults, Breakthrough Sports
focusing on basketball skills for youth, and
Chinese Reading for 5- to 8-year-olds. Other
programs include Creative Writing, Dance
Fitness, Fitness classes, Karate for people over
the age of 6, Kung Fu Beg/Int for individuals over
the age of 18, Line Dance for those aged 18-70,
Mandarin Story Time for 2-5-year-olds, Salsa
Dance, Summer Swim and Water Polo Skills for
13-18-year-olds, Tennis for people over the age
of 3, Folk Dance for those aged 50-99, and Tai Chi
for individuals over the age of 50.

Facilities are available for rental, including the
Barnes Park Amphitheater, fields, and gymnasiums, with additional offerings like Pickleball Leagues for adults, Picnic Shelter Rentals, and
Service Club House Rentals.

The Seniors Division provides various activities
for those over the age of 50, including rentals
for Langley Center and Langley Center Kitchen,
Senior Leisure Trips, monthly dances with meals,
Show the Love - Gram, and a range of activities
such as Billiards, Bridge Play, Crochet and Knitting, Fitness Room access, Health and Wellness Workshops, Health Screenings, Karaoke, Kimekomi Doll Making, Line Dance, Mah Jong, Meal Distribution, Ping Pong, World Culture Dance,
Yoga, and Yuen Chi Dance.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 101
The Transportation Division offers services like
the Mature Driving Course for those aged 55-99,
Dial A Taxi for individuals over the age of 55, Metro
Tap Card Reduced Fee for those over the age of
62, and Dial-A-Ride services for those 55 and older.

Free Programs Division includes Pickleball Intro
for those over the age of 18 and various activities
for seniors over 50. Administrative Division’s Civic
Superstar program targets 1st-5th graders.

Special Events Division hosts a wide range of
family and adult events, such as AAPI Heritage
Month Activities, the Cherry Blossom Festival,
Community Health Fair, Electric Park, Farmers
Market, Hispanic Heritage Month Activities, Holiday Snow Village, Independence Day Celebration, Letters to Santa for youth, Lunar New Year Festival, Mental Health and Wellness Fair, Memorial Day Ceremony, Monterey Park Birthday Carnival,
Monster Mash, Movie in the Park, Native American Heritage Month Activities, Parks Make Life Better Month, Patriot Day Ceremony, SGV Pride
for teens, Spring Egg Hunt for youth, Tribute to
Cinco de Mayo, and Veterans Day Ceremony.

City Commissions
The City of Monterey Park has several City
Commissions that are comprised of resident leaders who volunteer their time to assist and advise in civic matters. The three City commissions that
are liaised with the Recreation and Community
Services Department are Recreation & Parks,
Community Participation, and Aging, all of which
had representation during the park planning
process. The Recreation & Parks Commission
consists of five members who advise the City
Council on all matters pertaining to parks, parkways and recreation. Further, they coordinate City recreation programs with those offered by
other governmental agencies and voluntary organizations. The Community Participation Commission consists of ten adult members and five youth members, and seeks out and publicizes artistic,
cultural, and historic exhibits, performances, and
opportunities that would bring the community
together, and involve the city’s youth in community activities. The Commission on Aging consists of ten members who advise the City Council
regarding the problems and services relating to
the senior citizens of Monterey Park, and serves
as liaison to other agencies and commissions on
matters relating to senior programs.

The participation of the three commissions—
Recreation & Parks, Community Participation,
and Aging—adds distinct and valuable perspectives to the implementation of the City of Monterey Park GROW Plan, leveraging their specialized expertise and community connections to ensure
a successful and inclusive outcome. Here’s how
each commission contributes:

102 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Recreation & Parks Commission
This commission plays a pivotal role in overseeing and advising on park-related matters. Their responsibilities include reviewing park development projects, ensuring alignment with recreational goals, and coordinating city programs with other organizations. Their involvement in
the GROW Master Plan ensures that the design
and programming of park spaces meet community needs and adhere to best practices in recreation planning. Additionally, their advisory
capacity to the City Council positions them as
key advocates for funding and prioritization of
park improvements.

Community Participation Commission
With a focus on fostering community connections
through artistic, cultural, and historic initiatives,
this commission enhances the Parks Master
Plan’s goals by integrating programming that celebrates Monterey Park’s diversity. By engaging youth and highlighting opportunities for creative
and cultural expression in parks, they help attract
broader participation in park activities. Their
efforts can amplify community buy-in and ensure
parks serve as vibrant hubs for cultural enrichment and civic engagement.

Commission on Aging
As advocates for senior citizens, a target population in this planning effort, this commission ensures that GROW Master Plan addresses the
unique needs of older adults. Their input is critical for designing age-friendly features such as accessible walking paths, shaded areas, fitness
equipment, and programming tailored to our
elders. Serving as liaisons to other agencies and
commissions, they help integrate senior-focused
programs into broader recreational offerings,
fostering intergenerational connections while
enhancing inclusivity.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 103

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
FY 2024 - 2025 ADOPTED BUDGET

104 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Division Program Age
Transportation Mature Driving Course 55 and older
Transportation Dial A Taxi 55 and older
Transportation Metro Tap Card Reduced Fee 62 and older
Division Program Age
Aquatics Lap Swim 18 and older
Aquatics Public Swim Youth/Adult
Aquatics Pool Rentals Youth
Aquatics Swim Lessons [Tot-Level 6] Youth
Aquatics Water Aerobics 18-99 yrs
Division Program Age
Seniors Langley Center Rentals Youth/Adult
Seniors Langley Center Kitchen Rentals Youth/Adult
Seniors Senior Leisure Trip 50 and older
Senior Special Events Monthly Dance w/ Meal 50 and older Senior Special Event Show the Love - Gram 50 and older
Division Program Age
Contract Classes Baseball/Softball Hitting Fund. 8-18 yrs Contract Classes Beginner Crochet Teen/Adult
Contract Classes Breakthrough Sports [Basketball Skills] Youth Contract Classes Chinese Reading 5-8 yrs
Contract Classes Creative Writing 18 and older
Contract Classes Dance Fitness 18 and older
Contract Classes Fitness 18 and older
Contract Classes Karate 6 and older
Contract Classes Kung Fu Beginner / Intermediate 18 and older Contract Classes Line Dance 18-70 yrs
Contract Classes Mandarin Story Time 2-5 yrs
Contract Classes Salsa Dance 18 and older
Contract Classes Summer Swim and Water Polo Skills 13-18 yrs Contract Classes Tennis 3 and older
Contract Classes Seniors Folk Dance 50 and older
Contract Classes Seniors Tai Chi 50 and older
Division Program Age
Child Care After School Care [School Year] 5-12 yrs
Child Care Spring Break Camp 5-12 yrs
Child Care Summer Day Camp 5-12 yrs
Child Care Thanksgiving Break Camp 5-12 yrs
Child Care Tiny Tots 3-4.5 yrs
Child Care Winter Day Camp 5-12 yrs
Division Program Age
Administrative Civic Superstar 1st-5th Grade

CITY OF MONTEREY PARK RECREATION PROGRAMS
2024 -2025
Division Program Age
Facilities Barnes Park Amphitheater Rental Youth/Adult
Facilities Field Rentals Youth/Adult
Facilities Gymnasium Rentals Youth/Adult
Leagues Pickleball League 18-99
Facilities Picnic Shelter Rentals Youth/Adult
Facilities Service Club House Rentals Youth/Adult

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 105
Division Program Age
Contract Class Pickleball Intro 18 and older
Division Program Age
Special Events AAPI Heritage Month Events/Activities Family Special Events Cherry Blossom Festival Family
Special Events Community Health Fair Adult
Special Events Tribute to Cinco De Mayo Family
Special Events Electric Park Family
Special Events Farmers Market Family
Special Events Hispanic Heritage Month Events/Activities Family Special Events Holiday Snow Village Family
Special Events Independence Day Celebration Family
Special Events Letters to Santa Youth
Special Events Lunar New Year Festival Family
Special Events Mental Health and Wellness Fair Adult
Special Events Memorial Day Ceremony Adult
Special Events Monterey Park Birthday Carnival Family
Special Events Monster Mash Family
Special Events Movie in the Park [3-4 Separate events] Family Special Events Native American Heritage Month Events Family Special Events Parks Make Life Better Month Family
Special Events Patriot Day Ceremony Adult
Special Events SGV Pride Teen
Special Events Spring Egg Hunt Youth
Special Events Veterans Day Ceremony Adult
Division Program Age
Seniors Billiards 50 and older
Seniors Bridge Play 50 and older
Seniors Crochet and Knitting 50 and older
Seniors Fitness Room 50 and older
Seniors Health and Wellness Workshops [Various] 50 and older Seniors Health Screenings [Various] 50 and older
Seniors Karaoke 50 and older
Seniors Kimekomi Doll Making 50 and older
Seniors Line Dance 50 and older
Seniors Mah Jong 50 and older
Seniors Meal Distribution 60 and older
Seniors Ping Pong 50 and older
Seniors World Culture Dance 50 and older
Seniors Yoga 50 and older
Seniors Yuen Chi Dance 50 and older
Division Program Age
Transportation Dial A Ride 50 and older

106 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Los Angeles County
Parks & Recreation Needs
Assessment (PNA)
County of Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
adopted the 2016 Countywide Parks Needs
Assessment (PNA), which comprehensively
analyzed and quantified the need for parks and
recreational facilities in cities and unincorporated areas throughout the county, including Monterey Park. Since its adoption, the PNA has
guided the County in addressing inequities and
guiding funding allocation for parks and recreation. The PNA has directly informed the development of Measure A which includes dedicated funding for Very High and High park-need study
areas. In 2022, the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation released the 2022 Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+), which builds
upon the 2016 assessment and incorporates a
study of conservation and restoration, regional
recreation, and rural recreation. The PNA+ also
provides mapping and analysis tools related to
studying population vulnerability, environmental benefits, environmental burdens, and priority areas for investment.

PLANNING & POLICY

FRAMEWORK
Where are Parks Most Needed?
How does Los Angeles County determine “park need”?
Park Acres Needed Distance to Parks Population Density
+ +
Residents living within the northeastern part
of Monterey Park experience the highest
levels of park need throughout the city. The
closest neighborhood park, Sierra Vista
Park, is approximately 3.16 acres in size,
which equates to approximately 0.19 park
acres per 1,000 residents.

Calculated using the following weighing:
(20% x Park Acre Need) + (20% x Distance to Parks) + (60% x Population Density)

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 107
In the 2016 PNA, Monterey Park was identified as
a city with “Moderate Park Need”, however, there
are areas where 11% of residents experience
“Very High Park Need” and an additional 24% that
experience “High Park Need”. With 14 parks and
107.64 acres of park space, Monterey Park as a
city has only 2 acres of park space per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the countywide average of 3.3 acres of park space per 1,000 residents (also below the recognized standard of 4 acres
of open space per 1,000 residents). Park need is
then determined by assessing this park acreage
in combination with the distance to the parks and
population density. Currently, 60% of Monterey
Park residents live within a ½ mile of a park, which
is the typically assumed distance a person is willing to walk to a park. As the City of Monterey Park considers opportunities to enhance the open
space network and recreational programming
through an equitable lens.

Residents living within the northeastern part of
Monterey Park experience the highest levels of
park need throughout the city. The closest neighborhood park, Sierra Vista Park, is approximately

3.16 acres in size, which equates to approximately

0.19 park acres per 1,000 residents. The only
other park in the area is Beth Ryan Pocket Park
[0.27 acres], which serves 0.09 park acres per
1,000 residents. In contrast, George E. Elder Park
is 12.85 acres in size, which equates to 4.48 park
acres per 1,000 residents.

While the northeastern part of the city is experiencing the greatest park need, Monterey Park residents generally have less-than-average access to quality public open spaces. With physical limitations to park development, the
City of Monterey Park must consider multi-use
benefits within existing parks and its programs.

As part of Los Angeles County’s assessment in
2016, Monterey Park prioritized adaptive reuse
and renovation projects, such as the pool renovation, outdoor fitness equipment, rubberized trail, shade structures, and A “Physics Forest” at
Barnes Park, four badminton courts at Sunnyslopes Park, community garden at Elder park, and a rubberized playground at Garvey Ranch Park.

A new dog park was proposed, without identifying a specific location. These projects offer a basis of understanding in 2024, nearly 10 years
after, about the priorities of park development
within the community.

How Many People Need Parks?
Los Angeles
County
Monterey
Park

108 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
0 0.5 1 mi
Very High Moderate Very Low
Parks Need Category
High Low Area within 1/2 mile walk of a park

PARKS NEED

ASSESSMENT
Sources: Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Monterey Park Study Area Profile. In Los Angeles Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment. May 2016, OpenStreetMap contributors

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 109
Land Use &
Urban Design Element
City of Monterey Park
The City of Monterey Park updated its Land Use
and Urban Design [LUUD] Element within the
General Plan in 2019, providing a vision for how
land uses in the city are distributed and its intensity of development for residential neighborhoods, commercial and employment districts, mixed-use environments, parks and other open
spaces, and governmental and institutional
uses. In particular, the Land Use Policy Map and
Regulating Plan present graphical representations of land use policy. The LUUD Element also includes the urban design element which guides
design standards for new development to follow,
ensuring that the interrelationship of uses
and the urban form are considered, further
encouraging the creation of distinct places that
promote interaction, community pride, and
economic development.

Through community engagement, the LUUD
Element supports the community’s desire to
protect those features of Monterey Park that
distinguish the city: its diverse residential
neighborhoods, cherished parks, and business
districts that attract people from throughout
the region and beyond to unique restaurants
and shops. At the same time, the goals and policies look toward the need to ensure the City’s long-term fiscal health, accommodate housing
demands for all household income levels, and
respond to the rapidly evolving ways in which
people shop and spend leisure time. As the
LUUD Element envisions Monterey Park in 2040,
the City of Monterey Park GROW Plan must be
internally consistent with the plans and policies
related to the park and open space development
established for the future.

110 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Within its Goals and Policies section, the LUUD
also sets forth a bold community vision and
planning strategy for open space development in Monterey Park. For new development, parcels that are designated as Open Space
allow for park land and recreational facilities,
community gardens, golf courses, resource
conservation areas, public utilities, and historic
landfills, with a maximum floor-area-ratio of

0.35 for new building construction.

The LUUD Element features traditional concepts
for open space, as well as innovative concepts
such as parklets, public right-of way conversions,
and urban recreation/plazas/facilities. Other
Open Spaces include a former landfill and the
Monterey Park Golf Club, a City-owned nine-hole
facility, is available for general public use.

The 145-acre portion south of SR-60 remains
a Superfund site [as designated by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency] and is thus
unavailable for development or even passive
open space use due to extensive contamination.

Given the very limited opportunities to create
new open space, focused creative solutions to
meet demands of new residents include:
• Creating mini green spaces in conjunction
with roadway enhancements
• Creating urban recreation spaces through
public plazas, green alleys, and linear greenways
• Supporting urban agriculture and
community gardens
There are also several open space-related policies that the LUUD Element presents that provide a framework for the future, and are identified:

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 111

POLICY DESCRIPTION
LUUD 3.6 Public Space. Create an interconnected system of inviting, safe, and accessible public spaces that serve residents and visitors.

LUUD 3.8 Physical Activity. Provide access to recreational facilities, including parks, trails, greenways, open spaces, and community centers that allow opportunities for physical activities for all ages and abilities.

LUUD 4.1 Climate Change. Adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

LUUD 4.2 Sustainable Practices. Balance development with the preservation of environmental assets and the natural beauty of the area through sustainable practices in site planning, landscaping, construction, maintenance, and operations.

LUUD 4.3 Environmental Burden. Prevent and reduce disproportionate environmental burdens and compounding health risks affecting low-income and minority populations.

LUUD 4.4 Freeway Buffer Greening. Integrate greening buffers and maximize tree canopies within neighborhoods directly adjacent to SR-60 freeway to help improve air quality.

LUUD 4.6 Active Transportation. Prioritize and integrate active transportation strategies into the built environment that increase walking, bicycling, and transit modes of travel, with a focus on improving first and last mile connectivity.

LUUD 5.1 Equitable Access. Expand equitable access to community resources that improve quality of life. Community resources include cultural and natural amenities, health care services, education, commercial services, parks and recreation, and healthy foods.

LUUD 5.2 Services and Amenities. Facilitate safe, convenient, and affordable access to basic services and community-based amenities.

LUUD 7.1 Complete Neighborhoods. Ensure neighborhoods are “complete” neighborhoods by integrating schools, childcare centers, community centers, infrastructure, green spaces and parks, and other public amenities into each neighborhood.

LUUD 7.2 Identity. Foster a sense of community and facilitate engagement by encouraging residents to take pride in their neighborhoods and form neighborhood groups that address issues affecting the area where they live.

LUUD 7.7 Compatibility. Strengthen neighborhood identity with new development that is architecturally compatible with surrounding structures.

LUUD 8.1 Streetscapes. Provide and maintain high-quality public streetscapes in all neighborhoods LUUD 8.6 Parking. Minimize the street presence and visibility of parking facilities from public streets and neighboring properties.

LUUD 17.4 Streetscape. Enrich the streetscape with themed lighting, benches, and trees.

Consider using excess street width and adjacent public rights-of-way to create parklets, greenspace, and places for public art.

LUUD 17.5 Mobility. Improve pedestrian and vehicular mobility and safety with urban design interventions such as additional mid-block crossings, designated pedestrian walk- ways through surface parking lots, and shortened street crossings.

LUUD 17.6 Design Inspirations. Draw from the Cascades fountain, historical structures and historical influences, and landscaping within the public realm as inspirations for public space design treatments, site design and architecture, and landscaping. Use these inspirations to create a cohesive public realm plan for Mid Atlantic.

LUUD 20.1 Community Focal Point. Establish Downtown as the center for local businesses, public amenities, and public space experiences.

LUUD 20.2 Destination. Create a destination that includes uses and spaces for public gathering areas, community events, and local activities.

POLICY DESCRIPTION
LUUD 20.5 Wayfinding. Establish a wayfinding program to assist in identifying location of Barnes Park, Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library, the Garfield Medical Center, and other surrounding landmarks and uses.

LUUD 23.7 Parklets. Considering using side streets that intersect Garvey Avenue for adding parklets to expand outdoor dining options and add public gathering and urban green spaces.

LUUD 27.1 Functional and Flexible. Maintain multi-functional, flexible, and complementary space at Monterey Park’s community buildings and spaces.

LUUD 27.2 Maximize Use. Maximize public facility use by sharing with nonprofit organizations, school districts, and community organizations.

LUUD 27.3 New Facilities. Locate new community facilities in neighborhoods and centers where they will serve populations of the greatest needs. Look for opportunities to create joint-use community space at facilities owned by private organizations such as faith-based groups, service groups, and hospitals.

LUUD 28.1 New Facilities. Locate and design new capital-intensive potable water storage and distribution facilities, particularly storage tanks, in a manner that minimizes visual, cost, and environmental impacts on the surrounding areas LUUD 28.3 Utilities Placement. Continue to require the placement of utilities underground within new development.

LUUD 28.5 Alternative Energy. Accommodate alternative energy infrastructure as new tech- nology evolves.

LUUD 29.1 Trails System. Create and maintain a system of trails, sidewalks, linear parks, and other connections that provide residents of all abilities with opportunities to exercise, enjoy nature, and access recreation facilities within a five-minute walk from home. Activate and encourage discovery along urban trails.

LUUD 29.2 Green Space. Consider the development of new park land or green space through the repurposing of excess street rights-of-way.

LUUD 29.4 Public Spaces. Develop guidelines for commercial and mixed-use development projects to incorporate accessible plazas, paseos, and other public spaces into project design.

LUUD 29.5 Community Gathering Spaces. Design, construct, and program community gath- ering spaces, plazas, and an outdoor stage/amphitheater in the Downtown Core, Garvey Corridor, North Atlantic, and South Atlantic focus areas.

LUUD 29.6 Parkland. Require parkland dedications and/or provision of usable on-site public space for significant development projects involving new residential construction.

LUUD 29.7 Surplus Land. Consider the acquisition of surplus land owned by public agencies for future open space.

LUUD 29.8 Urban Agriculture. Create urban agriculture areas to encourage property owners of vacant parcels to convert them into community gardens through the incentives made available through the Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones Act.

LUUD 29.9 Recreational Space. Enhance street corridors, parkways, and public property between buildings to serve as green space and functional recreation space [e.g., community gardens, parklets, play spaces, public seating].

LUUD 30.1 Flexible Design. Incorporate flexible design characteristics into the renovation of existing and development of new parks and community facilities.

LUUD 30.2 Environmental Responsibility. Continue to build, renovate, and maintain parks and community facilities in a manner that is environmentally responsible.

112 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Resource Element
City of Monterey Park
The City of Monterey Park Resource Element is the
guiding document that identifies a vision for the
conservation and enhancement of the city’s open
space network [as well as other City resources such
as water resources, historic resources, and air
quality]. Completed in 2001, the Resource Element is
currently not in compliance with the latest Land Use
and Urban Design Element. However, this Element is
still the guiding planning and policy document that
guides where future investments into the City’s
resources should be targeted.

Regarding the development of new open spaces,
the Resource Element identified new residential
development projects as a major opportunity for
additional public open space and recreation facilities. Given that established parks are surrounded by developed properties and vacant lots are
scarce, a combination of pocket parks, public
plazas, and multi-use community buildings are
strategies that were as development opportunities. Additionally, the Resources Element identifies that such parks could be built in conjunction with private development projects along Garvey
Avenue or on existing lots within residential neighborhoods. The Element also identifies commercial development projects as another opportunity for
providing public open space, and these quasi-public spaces are envisioned to be landscaped plazas and similar gathering places for people of all ages.

Like other Element’s within the City’s General Plan,
the Resources Element provides policy guidance,
which is valuable both as a framework for current
park planning efforts as well as a glimpse into what
the City had envisioned for Monterey Park over 20
years ago – these policies are identified below:

POLICY DESCRIPTION
RE 1.1 On a regular basis, assess usage of park facilities, and identify physical changes needed to accommodate anticipated use patterns.

RE 1.2 Preserve existing park space.

RE 1.3 Continue to work cooperatively with the school districts to maintain and expand playground use through jointuse agreements.

RE 1.4 Work with East Los Angeles Community College to make the College’s recreation facilities available to Monterey Park residents.

RE 2.1 Encourage future commercial development to incorporate public squares, plazas, or similar spaces.

RE 2.2 Incorporate pocket parks, parkways, and similar recreation spaces into residential neighborhoods.

RE 2.3 Incorporate into the development review process a means for new development to contribute to existing recreational facilities and/or to address maintenance and staffing needs.

RE 2.4 Provide for the expansion of the City Library and other community services as needed to benefit all Monterey Park residents.

RE 4.2 Promote the use of drought-tolerant trees and native plant material in landscapes, especially in City-owned landscapes.

RE 4.3 Encourage use and production of reclaimed water.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 113
Circulation Element
City of Monterey Park
Like the Resources Element, the Circulation
Element of the General Plan was last updated
in 2001, which means that it offers a less-thancurrent perspective on the City’s transportation needs for the future, especially in terms of active transportation. However, the Circulation
Element does define an efficient and adequate
transportation system for Monterey Park
that responds to all regional and local transportation needs, including freeways, streets, bicycle routes, sidewalks, and trails, as well as
supporting diverse modes of travel, including
cars, buses, trucks, trains, bicycles, ridesharing, and walking. Using the traditional Level of Service [LOS] model of understanding roadway
efficiency, quality, and capacity, the Circulation
Element establishes a framework for transportation design for every street in Monterey Park.

The Circulation Element does promote the desire
for greater active transportation facilities and
improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and
transit riders, and the routes shown on Figure C-4
link major park facilities in the City [Cascades Park,
Barnes Park, Garvey Park, and Edison Trails Park]
to the greater park network. It is important to note
that the San Gabriel Valley Regional Bike Plan [page
122] presents a more recent and comprehensive
bicycle network that connects to all of the city’s
existing public parks and the greater region.

The Dial-a-Ride service, which is currently operationalized under the Recreation and Community Services Department, is briefly mentioned as a service that the City was committed to
maintaining, along with other transportation
services offered by the local bus system and
regional transportation agencies. As part of the
planning for this Element, community members
expressed that motorists use local streets to
avoid congestion during peak hours on Atlantic Boulevard, Garvey Avenue, Garfield Avenue, and Pomona Boulevard/Potrero Grande Drive.

Considering the future Monterey Park open
space network, and the connections that form
the network itself, it is important to consider
strategies for safe routes to parks.

114 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Principal Arterial Collector
Minor Arterial 0 0.5 1 mi

CITYWIDE

CIRCULATION PLAN
Source: City of Monterey Park, General Plan – Circulation Element, OpenStreetMap contributors

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 115
City Bicycle Route Class III MTA
Class I MTA 0 0.5 1 mi

BICYCLE

ROUTE PLAN
Source: City of Monterey Park, General Plan - Bicycle Route Plan, OpenStreetMap contributors

116 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Housing Element
City of Monterey Park
As a requirement of the State of California,
the City of Monterey Park updates its Housing
Element regularly every eight years to identify the
availability, affordability, and adequacy of housing based on the city’s current housing supply and demand. It serves as a citywide strategy to
address housing needs across the economic
and social spectrum, with a particular focus on
addressing the needs of low- and very-low-income
communities. Housing need based on various
income levels is determined by a process called
the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. This
assessment considers the existing and projected
housing needs for all income segments based on
a housing constraints and resources, identifying
potential sites suitable to meet housing affordability needs and demands. Additionally, the Housing Element, relevant presents programs, goals, and
policies for the planned period.

The topic of housing insecurity is an important
consideration in comprehensive park planning
as researchers now have a greater interest in
understanding how investment into park and
park-related infrastructure can result in a
phenomenon known as “green gentrification” [see
page 85]. An equitable planning approach for the
future of Monterey Park’s open space network
must consider housing strategies that protect
low-income renters from rising housing costs and
potential housing displacement. Monterey Park’s
Housing Element shows compliance in providing strategies and resources to address housing insecurity for at-risk individuals and families, but
does not include tenant protection policies that
would help against displacement.

The Housing Element also outlines development
standards for new residential development,
which includes requirements for “common” and
“private” open space. This form of privatized open
space helps to relieve the demand on the city’s
existing public park system and is often developed in the form of balconies, plazas, and community rooms. Additionally, thoughtful integration of these open space standards with broader
citywide park planning efforts can help create
a cohesive open space network that supports
community well-being while balancing housing
needs. Such coordination is essential to ensure
that new developments contribute to both housing equity and the city’s goal of enhancing access to green spaces for all residents.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 117
Citywide Zoning and
Development Standards
City of Monterey Park
The City of Monterey Park Zoning Ordinance within
the Municipal Code [Title 21] establishes development standards such as land use, building placement, and open space within the community. Open space requirements within zoning regulations are
essential for preserving public and private green
areas, enhancing community aesthetics, and
promoting environmental sustainability.

Open Space Zoning (O-S Zone) Regulations
The City of Monterey Park’s Open Space (O-S)
Zone regulations emphasize the preservation of
outdoor recreational and open space resources
while preventing inappropriate development.

These regulations promote uses aligned with
recreational, conservation, aesthetic, and public
safety goals, ensuring land remains primarily
dedicated to open space purposes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Flexible Land Use: Permitted uses focus on
public recreational facilities, community
centers, and landscaped areas, with opportunities for conditional uses that enhance functionality and accessibility.

Preservation Priorities: Stringent development
standards limit lot coverage, require significant setbacks, and maintain low structural heights, protecting the visual and functional
integrity of open spaces.

Governance and Oversight: Conditional uses,
particularly those on City-owned land, are
subject to strict approvals, ensuring alignment
with community values and public input.

118 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
By blending flexibility with structured oversight,
the O-S Zone regulations ensure the preservation and enhancement of Monterey Park’s open space network while allowing for thoughtful integration of compatible uses. These standards are critical to achieving long-term goals for recreational opportunities and environmental stewardship within the city. Regarding park planning efforts, the permitted and conditional uses as
well as the development standards for the O-S
Zone are expanded or change to meet the future
park need of the community.

CATEGORY DETAILS
Permitted Uses Public recreational facilities [e.g., parks, trails, playgrounds, sports courts].

Public community centers, enclosed recreational facilities [e.g., gymnasiums, fitness centers].

Public restrooms, landscaped parking areas, public easements, and utility rights-of-way.

Comparable uses approved under City zoning provisions.

Conditional Uses Agricultural and horticultural activities.

Food service or concessions accessory to principal use.

Golf courses, driving ranges, greenhouses.

Government/public facilities and private recreational facilities [e.g., gyms, community centers, commercial uses].

Radio/television towers and transmitters.

Conditional uses on city-owned land require City Council ordinance and may be subject to referendum.

Development Standards Lot Coverage: Maximum of 25% of total lot area [may increase with City Council approval].

Height Limits: Two stories or 35 feet maximum [exceptions may apply with Council approval].

Setbacks: Front [25 ft], Interior Side [10 ft; 25 ft if adjacent to residential], Rear [25 ft], Corner Side [25 ft].

Lot Area: No minimum requirement.

The chart above summarizes the regulations
for permitted uses, conditional uses, and development standards in the O-S Zone in the city.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 119
Minimum Open Space Requirements:

Open space requirements in Monterey Park’s
residential zones are designed to ensure a
balance of private and communal spaces,
enhancing residents’ quality of life and addressing recreational needs as development density increases. In R-1 (single-family) zones, open
space primarily consists of private yards and
setbacks, supporting neighborhood aesthetics
and privacy. In R-2 (two-family) and R-3 (multi-family) zones, private open spaces must measure at least 10 feet by 10 feet and be adjacent to
living areas. Additionally, common open spaces,
required for developments with three or more
units, must provide amenities such as swimming
pools, spas, tot lots with play equipment, picnic
shelters, barbeque areas, and court game facilities. These common areas must be at least 15 feet by 15 feet and are intended to support recreational needs within the development.

These open space provisions play a critical role
in supporting the broader open space network,
especially in higher-density zones like R-2 and
R-3, where demand for public parks intensifies.

By requiring both private and shared amenities,
these standards not only enhance livability for
residents but also help offset the burden on public
recreational facilities as new housing developments increase population density.

As part of the parks master planning effort, it
would be beneficial to explore increasing the
common open space requirements for multi-family developments. Additionally, expanding the definition of open space to include a broader
range of amenities, such as community rooms,
urban agriculture spaces, green alleys, exercise
equipment, and other creative uses, could better
address the needs of diverse residents and align
with contemporary trends in urban living. These
changes would enhance the accessibility and
functionality of open spaces within residential
developments while promoting health, community interaction, and sustainability.

Open Space per Unit [sq. ft.] for 2 or less units R-1 Zone R-2 Zone R-3 Zone Minimum common open space n/a 200 200
Minimum private open space n/a 250 250
Open Space per Unit [sq. ft.] for 3 or more units R-1 Zone R-2 Zone R-3 Zone Minimum common open space n/a 600 400
Minimum private open space n/a 250 250

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONES

120 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Monterey Park Going Green
City of Monterey Park
The Monterey Park Going Green is a sustainability plan that integrates past planning efforts and sustainable best practices to ensure a safe and
healthy future for current and future generations. Completed in 2024, the Monterey Park Going Green is the City’s most recent long-term planning
effort to reduce negative environmental impacts
and promote sustainable development by actively
engaging the community. This plan builds on and
adds to Monterey Park’s long and active legacy in
encouraging and sustainability which started as
early as the early 2000s through, for example, the
creation of an Environmental Commission in 2005.

The plan is centered largely around its recognition of community engagement as a key factor to successfully implement sustainability practices
across the city’s environment, economic sphere
and its inhabitants. Through the City’s Going
Green Campaign, surveys identified that while
many community members have the intention to
lead more sustainable lives, few were aware of
resources available to them that would aid in this
endeavor. Using the findings from this survey,
subsequent community workshops and the framework developed by the ICLEI used to inform the approach to achieving sustainability goals, the plan
was able to take stock of the community’s priorities, provide community members with information about relevant programs and advise the City on programs to pursue. Constant engagement

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 121
with community members at different stages of the development of this plan is in-line with this plan’s strategy to use community involvement and participation to mitigate emissions in Monterey Park and ensure the City’s move towards sustainability, resilience, and environmental consciousness.

Based on repeated robust community and stakeholder engagement, the Monterey Park sustainability plan has identified a number of policies that are relevant to the GROW Master Plan:

POLICY DESCRIPTION
L1-1 Promote active transportation with investments in disadvantaged communities that improve connectivity and ease of walking or biking.

L1-2 Explore the implementation of public and shared transit programs to support increased public transit usage.

L2-3 Consider electrifying a significant portion of the City’s on-road vehicle fleet and off-road equipment fleet in the coming years
L3-1 Explore the transition of a significant portion of City electricity consumption to renewable or carbon-free energy sources.

L3-6 Consider electrifying or decarbonizing all municipal buildings and facilities.

N1-2 Explore options to gradually reduce municipal water consumption over time.

N1-3 Investigate strategies to enhance resilience to potential drought-induced water shortages or fluctuations in utility rate structures.

N2-1 Consider gradually increasing the number of trees in MPK, with annual tree-planting initiatives.

N2-2 Explore options to enhance green infrastructure, with the aim of improving stormwater capacity during peak rain events, incorporating native plants and habitat restoration measures.

POLICY DESCRIPTION
N3-1 Foster positive opportunities for the Monterey Park community to engage with the natural world.

R1-2 Reduce exposure of the community to extreme heat through a combination of cooling centers, low-cost cooling resources, building weatherization, and increased energy resilience.

R2-1 Evaluate capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and prepare for unavoidable disasters.

R2-2 Evaluate the ability of the City and its residents to adapt to climate change impacts.

E1-2 Consider increasing access to technical, financial, and educational resources to facilitate community implementation of sustainable practices.

E2-2 Evaluate health outcomes by providing residents with equitable access to public spaces and health services.

E2-3 Encourage community garden programs at schools, non-profit organizations, and religious entities to increase urban access to local food and green spaces.

E4-1 Consider investing in and prioritizing climate action implementation for historically underinvested communities.

122 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

POLICY DESCRIPTION
BMP 1.2.3 Prioritize opportunities that improve walkability and bikeability by utilizing Complete Streets standards for all Capital Improvement Projects.

BMP 1.2.4 Remove on-street motor vehicle parking to accommodate striped bike lanes, to the extent feasible.

BMP 1.2.7 Develop unique and consistent wayfinding signage for city-based routes, and utilize regional route signage that directs bicycle riders to desirable city destinations [e.g., schools, parks, shopping centers, transit hubs, etc.] and region-wide bicycle routes. Signage shall adhere to the guidelines herein.

BMP 1.2.18 Install and regularly maintain bicycle repair stations and water fountains along off-street shared-use paths.

BMP 1.4.3 Install and support high-quality bicycle parking facilities, including bike corrals, within the public right-of-way and on public property, especially in high demand locations, such as downtown.

BMP 3.2.2 Work with local bike advocacy groups, business chambers, and community-based organizations to help plan routes and educate stakeholders about the benefits of Open Street events.

San Gabriel Valley Regional
Bicycle Master Plan
Various SGV Cities
Like the Greenway Network Strategic Implementation Plan, the San Gabriel Valley Regional Bicycle Master Plan [BMP] represents a strategic
initiative designed to enhance cycling infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation throughout the region. By 2012, various affluent
SGV communities such as South Pasadena and
Temple City had developed local bicycle master
plans, whereas resource-constrained areas with
higher health disparities lacked comprehensive
bikeway planning and facilities.

In response to these disparities, the nonprofit
ActiveSGV partnered with Day One and five San
Gabriel Valley communities—Monterey Park,
Baldwin Park, El Monte, South El Monte, and San
Gabriel—to develop and implement a regional
bicycle master plan. Completed in 2014, the BMP
identifies key corridors to improve existing bike
lanes and design new facilities, which would
improve active transportation safety conditions, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to environmental sustainability throughout San Gabriel Valley. The adoption of the BMP has
allowed the City and the other partner cities to
be highly competitive when applying for State
and Federal grants to implement priority bicycle
projects and programs.

Through a robust community engagement
process throughout the region, the BMP presents goals, objectives, and policies to guide implementation, and proposes a variety of
enhancements such as shared-use paths, bike
lanes, and signed bike routes.

As part of the decision making for these proposed
improvements, Monterey Park’s parks and recreation facilities were identified as important activity centers in the community and where it is important to provide safe and convenient bicycle access to and from homes. Through this vision, every
existing park in the city would be connected to
the larger regional bicycle network. The BMP also
provides a policy framework to guide the implementation of bicycle-related improvements, and the following have been identified as being relevant to the Monterey Park GROW planning effort:

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 123
Class I Existing Class II Existing Enhanced Class II Class III Proposed Class I Proposed Class II Proposed Class III Existing Enhanced Class III 0 0.5 1 mi

PROPOSED

BIKEWAY NETWORK
Source: San Gabriel Valley Regional Bicycle Master Plan, OpenStreetMap contributors

124 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Monterey Park
Climate Action Plan
City of Monterey Park
The City of Monterey Park Climate Action Plan
[CAP] was completed in 2012 and defines a
comprehensive strategy to address greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions related to land use, transportation, building design, energy use,
water demand, and waste generation. This City
roadmap to climate change and sustainability,
prioritizing strategies that will have the greatest
environmental benefit, have the least financial
cost (or even savings), and preserve the character of the community. One of the major quantitative goals of the CAP establishes targets to reduce the City’s GHG emissions to 15% below
baseline 2009 levels by 2020, and sets an aspirational goal of achieving GHG emissions 49% below baseline 2009 levels by 2035.

While this long-term climate action planning does
not directly address the role and opportunities
of Monterey Park’s open space network, its goal
of increasing walking, biking, and transit use is
an important consideration when considering
multi-modal park access. Additionally, the goal
of conserving water and implementing sustainable building practices in public facilities, such as parks, must be part of future park development
and redevelopment work.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 125
San Gabriel Valley Greenway
Network Strategic
Implementation Plan
County of Los Angeles
From a regional connectivity perspective, it is
important to consider how Monterey Park’s open
space network connects with that of the greater
San Gabriel Valley. The San Gabriel Valley Greenway Network Strategic Implementation Plan outlines a roadmap for establishing a comprehensive and interconnected greenway system throughout the region. While not a traditional
park space, a “greenway” transforms streams,
creeks, and flood control channels into a modernized network of bicycle and pedestrian pathways.

While transportation connectivity improvements
to the regional greenway network are not directly
identified for Monterey Park, residents may soon
benefit from this proposed project.

126 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Mixed-Use and
Pedestrian Linkages Plan
City of Monterey Park
In 2004, the City of Monterey Park released the
Mixed-Use and Pedestrian Linkages Plan, which
sets forth plans and policies that will help to
create a “livable community” as described by the
following five principles:
• Mixed-use activity areas in walking distance
of residences.
• A compact urban form with a variety of residential types and densities, combined with retail, employment centers, and public uses.
• A pedestrian-friendly environment that
includes a street/sidewalk network that
connects destinations and emphasizes a
lively street life
• An approach to development that
provides attractive public spaces and
places value on design detail.
• Provision of alternatives to the automobile,
including transit, bicycling, walking, and
centralized parking facilities.

Pedestrian linkages are the connections between
the numerous destinations in a neighborhood,
including homes, commercial development, public
facilities, and parks. When planning for an urban
park network, it is important to identify potential
“linkages” for all modes of travel, especially for
active transportation users such as pedestrians,
bicyclists, and transit riders. In urban neighborhoods, pedestrian linkages are mainly provided by the sidewalk network and associated amenities
like landscaping, street furniture, and wayfinding
or placemaking signage.
• The Plan is focused on the three main
streets of Downtown:
• Garvey Avenue (from Atlantic Boulevard to
New Avenue)
• Atlantic Boulevard (from Hellman Avenue to
Garvey Avenue)
• Garfield Avenue (from Hellman Avenue to
Newmark Avenue)

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 127
For these areas, the Plan specifies development
standards for public gathering spaces, pocket
parks, or open spaces, permitting front setbacks
beyond 10’. The Plan also identifies the potential for a Class II bike lane that could be installed on McPherrin Avenue, which would link several
important bicycle-oriented uses, including
Barnes Park, the Civic Center, Ynez School, and
St. Stephen’s Church and School. The Plan also
identifies privately-owned public spaces (POPOs)
as opportunities to alleviate additional park pressures that are the result from future residential development. Development standards for private
and quasi-public open spaces, such as plazas,
courtyards, and other gathering spaces are
also identified as part of this Plan, emphasizing a
pedestrian-scaled environment.

As part of the community engagement, community members vocalized their need for additional public space in Downtown to allow for public
gathering and recreation. While, the Downtown
area already includes several parks and community facilities, including City Hall, these facilities are not located directly on the major streets that
form the heart of Downtown. Along these streets,
additional open space will need to be provided by
new development. Therefore, the Plan describes
standards and guidelines for new development
in Downtown, including recommendations on the
provision of public open space as a part of new
development. As an incentive for developers to
include certain amenities needed in the Downtown
areas, including open space, up to an additional

0.75 FAR is provided for “mixed use” developments
may be permitted for a mixed-use project that
provides a major public gathering space located
adjacent to sidewalk with ample pedestrian amenities for downtown patrons or other major pedestrian amenities. Regarding private development standards for open space, the Plan specifies the
following for the project areas:

Open Space Development Standards
• Open space and recreation space shall be
provided for each mixed-use project. The
required minimum amount of open space
for a mixed-use project is two hundred (200)
square feet per unit. The minimum open
space may be met through a combination
of common and private open spaces. All
required open space shall be usable.
• The requirement for open space may not be
satisfied through the utilization of parking
areas, driveways, service areas, or unusable slopes.
• 50% of the open space area required may be
provided in private open space such as patios
and balconies; however, such private open
space must have a minimum area of 75 square
feet and a minimum dimension of 7 feet.
• A minimum of 25% of the common open space
shall be planted area with trees, shrubs, and
gardens. Planters and planting containers
may be counted toward this requirement.
• Common open space shall require a minimum
width of 10 feet and be a minimum area of
200 square feet. Common open space may be
located on roofs, podiums, and decks.
• For development of 5 residential units or less,
100% of the open space requirement may be
satisfied by private open space.
• Up to 10% of the common open space may be
provided in an indoor recreational area such
as a gymnasium or a community room.

While the Mixed-Use and Pedestrian Linkages
parks sets a precedent for connecting people
to parks and open spaces, its scope does not
expand beyond three major Downtown corridors.

However, the Plan does outline a vision for open
space in Downtown Monterey Park that is relevant
to the park systems planning work of today.

128 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
South Garfield Transit
Village Specific Plan
City of Monterey Park
Adopted in 2015, the South Garfield Transit Village
Specific Plan provides the development framework that focuses on revitalizing and enhancing the South Garfield Avenue corridor in Monterey
Park, with a particular emphasis on transit-oriented development. This Plan outlines a vision for creating a vibrant and inviting place to walk and
shop, sit and talk with friends, access transit, and
comfortably bicycle around town. With a focus on
mixed-use development, the Plan may propose a
blend of residential, commercial, and recreational
spaces designed to foster a walkable, interconnected neighborhood that encourages public transit use and minimizes reliance on personal
vehicles. Key components of the South Garfield
Transit Village Specific Plan include provisions
for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, improved
transit facilities, and the integration of green
spaces to enhance the overall livability of the area.

As an incentive for developers, the Specific Plan
includes incentives for pedestrian amenities
that can add to the greater open space network.

Throughout the Specific Plan area, the City would
like to encourage pedestrian-oriented spaces
within individual building sites such as plazas,
courtyards, and seating areas. Such features
not only make the pedestrian environment more
pleasant, but they also add to the greater open
space network in Monterey Park. In order for
developers to qualify for the pedestrian amenities
incentive bonuses, a proposed project must meet
the following requirements:
• The minimum lot or development size for projects requesting consideration for the pedestrian amenities bonus must be a minimum of 10,000 square feet.
• A qualifying plaza or courtyard must be
designed as an integral part of the overall project and must be specifically related to the main circulation patterns(s) within the project.
• Leftover pieces of the site, which are not
related to the primary pedestrian circulation
system, may not be counted as qualified areas.
• The minimum dimension of any qualified area
must be 10 feet of hardscape material. Pathways required for normal pedestrian circulation may be included.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 129
These spaces must be designed at ground-level,
with an opening to the sky [except for shade trellises and roof overhangs], and must incorporate seating, enhanced paving materials, shade trees,
and/or trellises and landscaping. All such spaces
must also be easily accessible to the general
public during normal business hours and shall be
barrier free in terms of handicapped access.

For projects meeting the above requirements,
the following development bonuses may be
available, which can help to incentivize its development. For every 200 square feet of useable pedestrian plaza or courtyard provided, on-site
parking requirements may be reduced by one
parking space; provided that a finding can be
made that adequate parking will be available to
the project. Through the development agreement
process, the City may consider other pedestrian
incentive bonuses such as reductions in processing fees, in-lieu fees or utility connection fees, and will fast-track the plan review process for
approved incentive bonuses.

130 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Proposition 68
State of California
Influenced by the success of Measure A, State
of California voters approved Proposition 68 in
2018, which was seen as a major win for many
park advocacy groups and city governments.

Prop 68, otherwise known as the “Parks, Environment, and Water Bond Act of 2018”, was a $4.1 billion statewide bond measure that supported
funding the development of parks, environmental projects, water infrastructure projects, and flood protection measures throughout California.

Like Measure A, Proposition 68 also has a significant equity component so that parks that are currently in the construction phase or acquisition
phase have the opportunity to both have Measure
A funding and state funding. Prop 68 funding is
competitive, and funding is currently allocated in
the following distribution:

With CA Prop 68, local government agencies can
bring major park and open space investments to
high-need communities when leveraging Measure
A funding as well. Future park planning in Monterey Park must consider potential public funding sources such as Measure A and Prop 68 to maintain and enhance their open space network.

Natural Resource Conservation and Resiliency $1,547
State conservancies and wildlife conservation 767
Climate preparedness and habitat resiliency 443
Ocean and coastal protection 175
River and waterway improvements 162
Parks and Recreation $1,283
Climate preparedness and habitat resiliency 725
Ocean and coastal protection 285
River and waterway improvements 218
Ocean and coastal protection 55
Natural Resource Conservation and Resiliency $1,270
State conservancies and wildlife conservation 550
Climate preparedness and habitat resiliency 370
Ocean and coastal protection 250
River and waterway improvements 100
TOTAL $4,100
USES OF PROPOSITION 68 BOND FUNDS
[In Millions]

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 131
Measure A
County of Los Angeles
Built upon the concept of “park equity”, Los Angeles County Measure A was approved by 74% of voters who supported an annual special tax on
property within the county to meet the current
and future park needs, as reflected in the PNA,
with a minimum of 30% of the funds to be invested
in the highest-need communities in Los Angeles
County. Generating more than $90 million per
year for the county’s local parks, beaches, and
open space areas, Measure A is an annual parcel
tax of 1.5 cents per square foot of improved property, and includes both formula-based allocations to PNA Study Areas and competitive grants that
are open to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and schools. Measure A funding is competitive, and funding is currently allocated in the following distribution:

With Measure A, local government agencies can
bring major park and open space investments to
high-need communities when leveraging CA Prop
68 funding as well. Future park planning in Monterey Park must consider potential public funding sources such as Measure A and Prop 68 to maintain and enhance their open space network.

132 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

CONSIDERATIONS &

BEST PRACTICES
Recreational Trends
Recreational preferences across Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley increasingly emphasize outdoor activity, physical and mental wellness, environmental sustainability,
and culturally resonant programming. These
trends are particularly relevant for Monterey
Park, given its unique demographic composition and urban form.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks
and Recreation’s 2023 Strategic Plan highlights
a commitment to equity-driven programming
that adapts to the region’s changing needs.

This includes improving park access, enhancing recreational programming, and providing services that support the county’s most vulnerable populations . Initiatives like “Every Body Plays” offer structured activities and field trips,
ensuring that youth remain engaged and active
throughout the year17 18.

Furthermore, the Parks Needs Assessment Plus
[PNA+] emphasizes environmental conservation,
restoration, and regional recreation, focusing
on expanding access to parks and open spaces
for nature-deprived residents . This approach
aligns with the county’s efforts to remediate
degraded lands, such as brownfields and landfills, transforming them into usable parkland to serve underserved communities 19 20.

Monterey Park’s demographic profile, characterized by a majority Asian population, significant Hispanic/Latino community, and a
substantial proportion of elderly residents,
necessitates recreational programming that
is culturally responsive and inclusive. Given
that 71.8% of residents aged 5 and over speak
a language other than English at home, and

22.5% of the population is over 65 years of age,
programming should cater to linguistic diversity
and the needs of older adults.
17 Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Strategic Plan 2023. Retrieved from https://parks.lacounty.gov/ strategicplan
18 Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Every Body Plays Program. Retrieved from https://parks. lacounty.gov
19 National Recreation and Park Association [NRPA]. [2023, March]. Los Angeles County’s Parks Needs Assessment Plus [PNA+]. Retrieved from https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2023/march/los-angeles-countys-parks-needs-assessment-plus 20 Esri. Mapping Equitable Nature Access in Los Angeles County. Retrieved from https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/ la-county-maps-equitable-nature-access

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 133
Based on community feedback and regional
trends, the following programming avenues
are recommended:
• Culturally Specific Events: Organize festivals
and activities that celebrate the city’s diverse
cultural heritage, including events specific to
Asian and Hispanic/Latino communities.
• Wellness Programs: Implement programs
focused on self-improvement, such as
workshops for skill-building, meditation
sessions, and fitness classes tailored to
various age groups.
• Environmental Sustainability Initiatives:

Establish workshops on community gardening and sustainability practices, aligning with countywide efforts to promote environmental stewardship. • Intergenerational Activities: Develop
programs that encourage participation
across different age groups, such as family
sports leagues, dance lessons, and social
games, fostering community cohesion.
• Youth Engagement: Provide access to after
school sports and leisure activities, ensuring that younger residents have access to safe and structured recreational opportunities.
• Senior Services: Offer health services and
recreational activities tailored to the elderly
population, including low-impact exercise
classes and social gatherings.

By aligning park programming with both demographic realities and community-driven interests, Monterey Park can ensure equitable, inclusive, and active public spaces that serve the
needs of all residents.

134 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Adaptive Reuse
When redeveloping parks, amenities, and municipally-owned structures in Monterey Park, best practices should address the community’s needs,
limited land availability, and the city’s cultural and
environmental context. Efforts should start with a
thorough evaluation of the park system, identifying underutilized spaces and outdated amenities.

Site analyses, user surveys, and equity mapping
can help prioritize investments. Inclusivity and
multi-generational design are essential, ensuring
parks serve residents of all ages and abilities. For
example, playgrounds should feature universal
design, while flexible gathering spaces can accommodate both large family events and smaller cultural gatherings.

Balancing passive and active uses is key to maximizing park utility in Monterey Park’s limited space. Parks should support informal activities like picnicking and yoga alongside formal programming such as sports leagues. Multi-use
spaces, like convertible sports courts, offer flexibility for changing recreation trends. Adding shaded seating, walking loops, and exercise
stations enhances accessibility and promotes
wellness, particularly for older adults. Durable,
low-maintenance materials—such as synthetic
turf, solar lighting, and drought-tolerant landscaping—ensure parks remain functional, attractive, and sustainable year-round.

The adaptive reuse of building structures in
Monterey Park offers an opportunity to revitalize
aging facilities while promoting public safety, fiscal
responsibility, and sustainability. Upgrading existing recreation centers, picnic shelters, or storage buildings into multipurpose spaces for arts workshops, fitness classes, or community events
avoids costly demolition and aligns with environmental goals. Preserving and adapting architecturally significant buildings can honor their character while meeting modern energy, safety, and accessibility standards. Flexible interior designs, like moveable walls or modular furniture, allow spaces to adapt to changing community needs.

Sustainability should underpin all redevelopment efforts, supporting California’s resilience goals. Green infrastructure—such as permeable pathways, bioswales, and native landscaping—addresses environmental challenges while creating low-maintenance spaces. Renewable
energy features, like solar panels on buildings
or carports, can reduce operational costs, while
shade structures, tree planting, and cooling
elements like splash pads improve user comfort
during hotter summers. For parks with limited
land, creative design solutions like vertical or
“stacked” facilities can maximize space. Multi-level
recreation buildings with rooftop gardens or
fitness spaces, along with multipurpose athletic
fields, allow single spaces to serve diverse user
groups. Small parcels or irregular areas can be
transformed into pocket or linear parks with
walking paths, seating, and urban gardens,
enhancing neighborhood connectivity.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 135
Urban Park Network
As the open space network expands, community and private entities must be seen as vital partners towards implementation as municipal
resources for maintaining and programming
existing park facilities are strained. As the City
of Monterey Park Land Use and Urban Design
Element describes, while Monterey Park has wellused parks, establishing new green space will be difficult given the community’s built-out character. In developing a park network in an already built-out community with high land value, the
City of Monterey Park should consider several
best practices to maximize the use of limited
space and resources. One approach is to transform underutilized land uses into parks or green spaces. This could include repurposing vacant
lots, unused parking areas, or other underutilized
spaces to create new parks or expand existing
ones. By creatively reimagining these spaces, the
city can increase its parkland without the need for
extensive land acquisition.

Additionally, the City can explore additional jointuse partnerships with entities such as Southern California Edison and local schools, similar to those already in place with Southern California Edison, Jack Macy Intermediate School and Bella Vista Elementary School. These partnerships can allow the City to leverage existing infrastructure and land resources to create shared recreational spaces. For example, expanding
partnership agreements with Southern California Edison to use their right-of-way for an additional multi-use trail or partnering with schools to open up their playgrounds and fields to the
community outside of school hours can increase
access to recreational opportunities without the
need for new land development.

Furthermore, the City should prioritize creating a connected park network that maximizes accessibility and usability. This can be achieved
through strategic park placement and the development of pedestrian and bike-friendly pathways that link parks and green spaces throughout the
community. By creating a network of interconnected parks, residents can easily access recreational opportunities and enjoy a higher quality of life, despite living in a densely built environment
with high land value.

136 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Parks for Mental Health
The 2023 Monterey Park shooting, a tragic event
that took place during the Lunar New Year celebration, continues to have a significant impact on the Monterey Park community. In light of this tragedy, the city has focused its efforts to prioritize mental health, aiming to assist the community in
its process of coping and healing.

The relationship between parks and mental health
is a subject of growing interest and research.

Several studies have highlighted the positive
impact that parks and natural environments can
have on mental well-being. For the future development of open space, Monterey Park can consider mental health benefits such as:
• Psychological Benefits: Parks offer psychological benefits such as increased happiness, improved self-esteem, lower levels of stress, and a greater sense of well-being.

Being in natural environments can positively affect mood and emotional state21. • Cognitive Benefits: Interacting with nature
in parks can improve cognitive function,
including attention, memory, and creativity.

Exposure to green spaces has been linked
to better cognitive development in children
and may help prevent cognitive decline in
older adults22.
• Physical Benefits: Parks encourage physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, which is known to have numerous
benefits for mental health. Regular physical activity in parks can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Social Interaction: Parks often serve as
community gathering places, promoting
social interaction and a sense of belonging. Social connections are important for mental health and well-being23.
• Community Benefits: Parks and other civic
spaces are becoming centers for mental
health-related services. Such is the case
in Monterey Park with the MPK Hope Resiliency Center formerly located at Sierra Vista Park, where residents can learn
about available programs related to mental
health and well-being. Programs offered
include support groups, counseling,
resource assistance, journaling sessions,
victim services and more24
• Connection to Nature: Parks provide an
opportunity for people to connect with
nature, which has been shown to have a
positive impact on mental health. Nature
exposure can reduce rumination, improve
mood, and enhance overall well-being.
21 Hunter, R. F., Christian, H., Veitch, J., Astell-Burt, T., Hipp, J.

A., Schipperijn, J., & Turrell, G. [2015]. The Effects of Parks on Health: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.
22 National Park Service. [n.d.]. Nature’s benefits: Physical health. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/ naturesbenefits

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 137
Parks & Libraries
The collaboration between the Recreation &
Community Services Department and the Library
Department has already resulted in a variety of
successful joint efforts that reflect Monterey
Park’s strong emphasis on academic achievement
and lifelong learning. Programs such as outdoor
storytimes and StoryWalks have brought literacy into the parks, encouraging families to engage with books in fun, interactive ways. At the Langley Senior Center, library-led performances and educational programs have supported lifelong
learning for older adults, highlighting the value
of combining recreational and intellectual activities. These partnerships have shown how shared spaces and expertise can create meaningful and
accessible programming for residents of all ages.

In recent years, both departments have worked
together to extend programming beyond their
traditional venues, using parks as platforms for
pop-up reading events, community storytelling,
and intergenerational workshops. The inclusion
of outdoor Wi-Fi, modular seating, and flexible
furnishings in park spaces has further enabled
these types of activities, allowing residents to
participate in library programming in a relaxed,
open-air environment without requiring major
structural investments.

Looking ahead, there are additional opportunities
to build on this foundation. Parks can continue
to host library-led initiatives such as book clubs,
homework help sessions, or technology literacy
classes in shaded areas or multipurpose rooms.

Summer reading programs could be paired with
outdoor activities like nature walks, scavenger
hunts, or youth fitness to foster both literacy
and physical activity. For older adults, continued
collaboration can expand offerings like arts and
crafts, health workshops, or technology mentoring. Intergenerational programming—such as storytelling, collaborative art projects, or oral
history interviews—can also strengthen community ties and reflect the city’s cultural richness.

In the longer term, underutilized park structures
could be adaptively reused to support satellite
library services, including book lending kiosks,
mobile tech hubs, or quiet learning zones, expanding library access to more corners of the city. By continuing to integrate educational programming
into parks, Monterey Park can maximize its limited
space, engage diverse user groups, and create
vibrant, multi-purpose public spaces that support
recreation, learning, and community connection.
23 The Trust for Public Land. [2023]. The power of parks to promote health.
24 City of Monterey Park. [n.d.]. Heal MPK: Resources for victims and the community. Retrieved from https://www.
montereypark.ca.gov/1483/Heal-MPK-Resources-for-Victims-and-the-C

138 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Equitable Green Development
To avoid the potential for green gentrification, the
GROW Master Plan will adopt a comprehensive
approach that prioritizes strategies that promote
equity, affordability, and community engagement in its open space planning effort. Residential anti-displacement strategies could include:
• Anti-Displacement Policies: Implement policies to protect vulnerable communities from displacement, such as rent control, tenant
protections, and land trusts that preserve
affordable housing.
• Community Benefits Agreements: Negotiate
community benefits agreements with developers to secure commitments for affordable housing, job training, and other resources
that support existing residents.
• Affordable Housing: Integrate affordable
housing initiatives into park and open space
development projects to ensure that low-income residents can benefit from the improvements without facing displacement. • Economic Opportunity: Create pathways for
Monterey Park residents to access government jobs, volunteer, and entrepreneurship opportunities related to park development,
programming, and stewardship.

By incorporating these strategies into comprehensive, citywide planning efforts, Monterey Park residents can access the benefits of green development while mitigating the risks of gentrification and displacement for generations to come.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 139
Park Maintenance
Creating new parks and playgrounds can be exciting for any community, however, planning for new parks must be balanced with the ongoing maintenance needs of existing parks and the staffing challenges that come with managing a park system. One of the primary challenges of planning for new parks is securing adequate funding.

While there are various funding sources available,
such as grants and bonds, these funds are highly
competitive and dependent on various factors.

Additionally, the cost of acquiring land for new
parks can be prohibitive, especially in densely
populated urban areas like Monterey Park where
land prices are high.

Any future park development plans in Monterey
Park, and any of its associated costs, must also
take into consideration maintenance tasks such
as upkeeping green spaces, managing irrigation
and utilities, repairing facilities, as well as more
intensive maintenance efforts such as renovating playgrounds and sports fields. The desire for more recreational programming should also
consider the additional staff it would take to lead
the programming efforts. Adequately funding
and staffing maintenance and programming
efforts is crucial to ensuring that parks remain
safe, attractive, and functional. Seasonal fluctuations in park use can also create staffing challenges, requiring parks departments to adjust staffing levels to meet demand.

To address these challenges, communities can
take several steps to balance park planning, maintenance, and staffing needs. One approach is to prioritize maintenance funding and staffing to
ensure that existing parks remain in good condition. This may involve reallocating resources from new park development to maintenance efforts or
seeking additional funding sources specifically
earmarked for maintenance. Additionally, the City
of Monterey Park can continue to conduct regular
assessments of park facilities and infrastructure
to identify maintenance needs and developing
long-term maintenance plans to address them.

140 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Park Partnerships
Establishing formalized partnerships with
non-traditional entities such as community-based
organizations, advocacy and service-based
groups, corporate sponsors, and local businesses
is critical for enhancing the funding, programming, maintenance, and advocacy of parks in Monterey Park. These partnerships can provide
additional resources, expertise, and support,
helping to address challenges such as limited
municipal budgets, high maintenance costs, and
the need for diverse, inclusive programming. By
leveraging the strengths of external partners,
parks can become more dynamic and sustainable
community assets, better reflecting the needs
and aspirations of Monterey Park residents.

School Districts
In Monterey Park, the relationship between the
public school system and the City’s parks infrastructure is deeply interconnected, shaped by both geography and decades of shared use.

Schools serve as neighborhood anchors, and in
many cases, their campuses, particularly fields
and gymnasiums,function as extensions of the
City’s park system. This is especially true in areas
with limited park acreage, where school sites
help fill a gap in access to open space and recreational programming. Over the years, the City of Monterey Park has formed joint use agreements
primarily with the Alhambra Unified and Montebello Unified School Districts to allow public use of facilities such as fields, courts, and open play
areas during non-school hours. These partnerships have been critical in ensuring that residents, especially youth, have access to safe and convenient recreation spaces.

However, many of these agreements were
created decades ago and no longer align with
current community expectations, maintenance
needs, or liability standards. They often lack clarity on key issues like scheduling protocols, funding responsibilities for upkeep, or coordination during periods of construction or renovation. In
practice, this can lead to conflicts over access,
uneven facility quality, and confusion about who is
responsible for repairs or improvements. As the
City plans for the future of its park system, the
Monterey Park Parks System Master Plan identifies the need to revisit and modernize these agreements as a priority action item. Clear, updated partnerships can strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve resource sharing, and lead to better-maintained spaces that meet both school
and community needs.

School athletic programs also have a significant and ongoing impact on city park services.

High school swim teams, for example, frequently
use public pools for practice, especially when
on-campus facilities are insufficient or undergoing upgrades. This usage creates added demand on limited space, contributes to wear and tear,
and intensifies scheduling challenges during
peak seasons. As another example, youth sports
leagues, often coordinated in part through schools
or community organizations, further increase
competition for facilities. Without coordinated planning and communication, this can lead to frustration among residents, staff, and user groups. By reengaging with each of the four school districts
and developing a shared framework for managing
joint facilities, the City can reduce these tensions,
improve efficiency, and better support both
academic and recreational programming.

Looking ahead, the GROW Monterey Park offers
an opportunity to create more intentional partnerships that align with broader City goals around equity, health, and community building. For example, updated agreements could prioritize shared capital investments in multi-use facilities, incorporate climate resilience improvements like shaded gathering areas or permeable surfaces, and
ensure language access and equitable participation in programming decisions. They can also help unlock grant opportunities that require interagency collaboration or demonstrate joint benefits. Ultimately, building stronger relationships with local school districts will not only expand
recreational opportunities for residents—it
will also reinforce the schools’ roles as central
community assets, creating a more integrated
and resilient park and recreation system citywide.

Southern California Edison
Southern California Edison (SCE) has played a
significant role in enhancing public recreation in
Monterey Park through its long-standing partnership with the City. Since 1965, the City has held a license agreement with SCE to utilize the

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 141
land beneath its transmission lines, leading to
the development of Edison Trails Park. This park
offers residents a natural hillside trail experience
within an urban setting, providing scenic views
and a tranquil environment. The collaboration
between SCE and the City has transformed utility
corridors into valuable community assets, demonstrating the potential of multi-use spaces25.

However, the partnership has faced challenges.

In 2013, SCE introduced new vegetation management requirements, citing safety concerns. These changes mandated the removal of trees within
50 feet of transmission towers and trimming of
branches within 25 feet of poles or wires, with a
height restriction of 15 feet for all trees. The City
and residents expressed concerns over these
stringent measures, fearing the loss of mature
trees and the park’s aesthetic value. After negotiations, a compromise was reached, allowing for selective trimming rather than widespread
removal, thus preserving the park’s natural
beauty while addressing safety protocols26.

Building on the success of Edison Trails Park,
there is an opportunity to expand recreational
spaces along SCE’s transmission corridors in
Monterey Park. Other communities have successfully transformed utility rights-of-way into linear parks and trails, balancing infrastructure needs
with public use. For instance, the City of Montebello’s Edison Trails Study proposes a 10-acre linear park trail corridor across SCE-owned parcels,
enhancing connectivity and providing recreational opportunities. By exploring similar initiatives, Monterey Park can further utilize SCE’s transmission corridors to develop additional
green spaces, promoting health, connectivity, and
environmental stewardship.
25 News Flash. (n.d.). https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/ Archive/ViewFile/Item/174?utm
26 ibid.

142 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Water District
The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
[SGVMWD] has been a longstanding partner
in Monterey Park’s efforts to promote water
conservation and environmental education. A notable example of this collaboration is the Demonstration Garden at 720 Metro
Drive, developed in partnership with the City’s
Public Works and Recreation & Community
Services Department. This garden showcases
drought-tolerant landscaping and serves as
an educational resource for residents, illustrating practical water-saving techniques and sustainable gardening practices. The garden
was officially opened to the public in 2017, marking a significant step in community engagement around water stewardship27.

Looking forward, there is potential to expand
partnerships with the Metropolitan Water
District of Southern California, particularly
concerning the Garvey Reservoir. While the
reservoir primarily functions as a water storage facility, its surrounding areas could be considered for passive recreational uses, such
as walking trails or educational signage, without compromising its primary purpose. Similar initiatives have been successfully implemented
elsewhere in Southern California. For instance,
the Hollywood Reservoir in Los Angeles features
a 3.5-mile loop trail that allows public access while
maintaining the reservoir’s operational integrity.

Similarly, the Silver Lake Reservoir offers a
pedestrian path that balances recreational use
with water management needs. In Anaheim Hills,
the Walnut Canyon Reservoir is surrounded by
a loop trail, providing residents with scenic walking opportunities adjacent to the water facility.

Integrating such features around the Garvey
Reservoir could enhance community access
to open spaces and promote environmental
education. Collaborative planning between and
the City and the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California could explore the feasibility of developing low-impact trails or educational installations that highlight water conservation
efforts. Such initiatives would not only provide
recreational benefits but also reinforce the
importance of sustainable water management
practices among residents.
27 News Flash. (n.d.). https://www.montereypark.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=351&ARC=529&utm

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 143
Community & Private Partnerships
Monterey Park has a strong foundation of partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, businesses, and other external partners that
enhance the City’s parks system. One key example is the City’s partnership with the Chinatown Service Center, which operates the MPK Hope
Resiliency Center—a hub for mental health and
wellness services formerly housed in a City facility. This collaboration underscores how partnerships can extend the function of public spaces to meet broader community health and wellness needs. Community-based organizations and advocacy groups are especially important
in this regard as they bring deep connections
to underserved populations and offer local
expertise. These groups are well positioned to
deliver culturally relevant programs in park
spaces, such as language-specific fitness classes,
community art workshops, intergenerational
activities, and youth mentorship programs.

They also play a critical role in building grassroots support for park improvements, helping to promote public participation and long-term stewardship—particularly when park projects are tied to broader equity or resilience goals.

In addition to nonprofits, partnerships with
businesses and corporations present opportunities to bring in new resources, programming, and visibility to the parks system. Corporate
sponsors can support capital improvements
or special events in exchange for branding or
recognition, helping to offset costs for amenities such as playgrounds, shade structures, or fitness zones. Local businesses—whether
restaurants, fitness studios, or creative firms—
can also help activate parks through one-time or
recurring events that attract diverse audiences
and encourage ongoing community use. These
public-private partnerships create shared
value: businesses build community goodwill, and
parks become better maintained, more vibrant,
and more responsive to residents’ needs. By
formalizing partnership structures and clearly
defining roles, the City can continue to scale
these efforts, leveraging cross-sector collaboration to transform parks into inclusive, resilient, and well-loved public spaces.

144 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Park Funding
To create a reliable funding stream, the City of
Monterey Park can explore dedicated mechanisms, such as impact fees from developers, targeted parcel or sales taxes, and consistent
municipal budget allocations for park maintenance. Development impact fees are intended to mitigate the impact of new development on the
need for additional park space and amenities,
ensuring that new development contributes
to the enhancement of the city’s park system.

These funding sources would ensure parks
remain operational without compromising other
City priorities.

Additionally, state and federal grants that prioritize equity or multi-year funding for park sustainability can help supplement these resources.

There are a range of funding sources available to
the City of Monterey Park for future park development and maintenance, including Proposition 68, Measure A, Measure W, Measure R, state grants, federal grants, local bonds, public-private
partnerships, impact fees, and community fundraising. By leveraging a combination of these available funding sources, Monterey Park can develop a funding strategy for its growing park system.

Beyond Proposition 68 and Measure A, which
are described on pages 130 and 131, Measure
W and Measure R are also Los Angeles County
initiatives that can help to support the development of the city’s open space network. Measure W, a stormwater parcel tax measure approved
by Los Angeles County voters, generates funding for projects that capture, treat, and recycle stormwater. Monterey Park could potentially
access Measure W funds for park development
projects that incorporate green infrastructure
elements to manage stormwater runoff. Measure
R, another voter-approved initiative in Los Angeles County, provides funding for transportation projects that enhance connectivity and access
to parks. Monterey Park can use Measure R
funds to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, facilitating easier access to parks and recreational facilities. Similarly, Measure M,
approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2016,
provides funding for transportation projects,
including improvements to streets, sidewalks,
and bike paths that enhance access to parks.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 145
Beyond local funding sources, there are state
and federal sources of public funding to be
aware of as well. California offers various grant
programs for park and recreation projects,
such as the California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program, Recreational Trails Program, and the California Habitat Conservation Fund. These grants can provide funding for park improvements, land acquisition, and recreational facilities, enhancing the overall quality of Monterey Park’s park system. The federal
government provides grants through agencies
like the National Park Service and the Land and
Water Conservation Fund. These grants support
projects that enhance outdoor recreation
opportunities and protect natural resources,
providing Monterey Park with additional funding
options for park development.

The City of Monterey Park can also consider other
common, non-public sources of park funding such
as public-private partnerships, park impact fees,
and philanthropy. These partnerships ensure
that park maintenance is not solely dependent
on municipal budgets. Collaborating with private
organizations, businesses, and foundations can
provide additional funding for park development.

These partnerships can include sponsorship
agreements, donation programs, and joint development projects, allowing Monterey Park to leverage private resources for park improvements.

Collaborating with private entities, nonprofit organizations, and the community can also address the lack of community stewardship over the development and care of our public parks.

Businesses could sponsor park features,
while nonprofits could assist with fundraising for specific projects. Community volunteer programs, including structured clean-up and landscaping days, foster a sense of shared
responsibility and reduce operational costs. This
could include events, donation drives, and crowdfunding campaigns, fostering a sense of community ownership and support for park projects.

Strong political leadership and public support
are critical for advancing park funding initiatives.

Monterey Park can prioritize equity by directing resources to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring all residents benefit from well-maintained parks. Public awareness campaigns and transparent reporting on park maintenance success can bolster trust and encourage community backing for dedicated funding measures. By embracing these strategies,
Monterey Park can secure the long-term sustainability of its parks system while addressing the needs of its diverse population.
provide more support for
fundraising & creating
memberships
“
“
charge for
performances at
Barnes Park by
selling tickets
“
“
advertise opportunities
for sponsorships and
donations clearly on the
City’s website
“
“
Open House One: Some of the CommunityGenerated Park Funding Ideas

146 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

CONTEXT COMMUNITY VOICE

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 147

148 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

OVERVIEW
The City of Monterey Park led a community-centered approach to planning for its park network and system. This section summarizes the public outreach strategy as well as the findings that directly impacted the decision making at various points throughout the three-phase planning process. Before initiating
public outreach in early 2024, the Project Team
conducted a preliminary existing conditions
analysis to contextualize the park network
using available public data and research.

Simultaneously, a study of the current community stakeholder landscape was done in this preliminary phase to understand the relational
dynamics between various organizational entities, stakeholder groups, and community leaders, helping to refine an effective community engagement strategy.

Community
Voice

PRE-PLANNING DISCOVERY

JAN - MAR JAN - AUG
socioeconomic / demographic study
Identify communities in Monterey Park that are
underrepresented and are most vulnerable to
planning decisions.

Spatially analyze the community characteristics
of Monterey Park and identifying areas of
greatest park and recreation need.
- urban park network
- equitable park development
- parks and mental health
- programming
- maintenance & funding
- similar demographics
- similar size & population
- local preference
- innovation & equity
Review local/regional plans & policies, relevant
public projects, and statewide policies & funding
Research into:
physical & public health study
planning & policy research
best practice & case study research
department
engagement
public
workshop
public
survey
pop-up &
community
events (7)
canvassing &
surveying (6)

Engagement Timeline
CITY OF MONTEREY PARK: GROW PARKS SYSTEM MASTER SCHEDULE With this initial basis of understanding, the Project Team was able to determine an equity-centered approach to community engagement by uplifting historically marginalized and under resourced populations. Based on the existing conditions analysis, it was determined that our target populations were youth (under 18 years old), seniors/elders (over 65 years old), and low-income renters living in Monterey Park.

In addition to being targeted as part of the engagement process, the responses from these populations were disaggregated and uplifted in the data analysis.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 149

PRIORITIZATION REFINEMENT ADOPTION

SET - NOV DEC - APR MAY - JUL
social media
campaign
department
engagement
public
workshop
community
meeting
public
workshop
public
hearings
focus
groups (6)
roundtables &
interviews (4)
park
audit (5)

Pop-Ups
& Events
Canvassing
& Park
Survey Events
7 6
150 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Following the preliminary data analysis, the
Project Team began a three-phase public
outreach process, starting with the “Discovery”
phase. In this first phase, the Project Team
evaluated the existing conditions of the
Monterey Park park network through a spatial
data analysis, literature research and review,
site visits meeting with community leaders
and City partners. The City of Monterey Park
worked with the nonprofit consultant, City
Fabrick, to develop a project branding and
social media messaging campaign that was used
to create promotional and marketing materials
in Chinese, Spanish, and English.

What is your age?
Under 5 years

5 to 17 years

18 to 24 years

25 to 34 years

35 to 44 years

45 to 64 years

65 to 84 years

85 to 99 years

100 years and older
What categories best
describe you?
Select all that apply.

Asian

Black or African American

Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish
origin

Native American or Alaska
Native

Native Hawaiian or Pacific
Islander

White

Other: ______________
Please provide your
best form of contact
(email or phone
number) if you wish
to be updated and
entered into the $50
opportunity drawing.

Thank you!
What priorities should
guide the planning and
design process?
Only One Choice Per Rank
1 = Most Important
8 = Least Important
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Equity
Increase park
access to
underserved
communities

O O O O O O O O
Safety
Improve safety
inside and getting to
the park

O O O O O O O O
Education
Consider the park a
chance to learn about
nature and history

O O O O O O O O
Safety
Improve safety
inside and getting
to the park

O O O O O O O O
Culture
Enhance the
cultural programs
being offered and
spaces for them

O O O O O O O O
Quality
Use designs and
materials that are
low-maintenance
but high in quality

O O O O O O O O
Sustainability
Plan and design
parks for the health
of the environment

O O O O O O O O
Upgrades
Enhance existing
facilities before
considering new
parks

O O O O O O O O
In terms of creating new
parks in Monterey Park,
would you like to see
fewer, larger parks and
open spaces VS more
but smaller ones?

More Mini-Parks (ex: )

A Few Neighborhood Parks (ex: )

A Community Park (ex: )

A Regional Park for the Entire City (ex: )
What are the most
important park
amenities that you
would like to see for
Monterey Park?
Choose up to 5.

Amphitheater /
Outdoor Stage

Athletic / Sports Field
(ex: soccer, baseball)

Community Gardens

Cultural / Community Center

Dog Parks

Gymnasium

Indoor Athletic Courts
(ex: basketball, pickleball,
volleyball, racquetball)

Nature & Trees

Open Spaces
/ Multipurpose Field

Outdoor Athletic Courts (basketball, pickleball, volleyball)

Outdoor Exercise Equipment

Picnic Areas

Playgrounds

Restrooms

Senior Center

Skate Park

Splash Pad / Water Feature

Swimming Pool

Teen Center

Trails and Pathways

Wi-Fi Connectivity
What are the most
important park
programs that you
would like to see for
Monterey Park?
Choose up to 5.

Adult Sports Leagues

Community Events
(ex: festivals, shows,
social gatherings

Fitness and Wellness
Programs

Swim Lessons
/ Aquatic Programs

Teen Activities

Youth After School
/ Summer Programs

Youth Sports Leagues

Cultural and Arts Programs

Dance and Performing Arts
Programs

E-Games and E-Sports

Environmental Sustainability
Programs

Multi-generational Programs

Outdoor Recreation
Programs

Senior Programs

Youth Programs (Non-Sports)
Is there any other
information you
would like the City
of Monterey Park
to know as they start
their park planning?
The City of Monterey Park is creating its first ever
Parks System Master Plan which will guide future
park development for the next ten years.

As a community-driven Plan, the City of Monterey Park wants to ensure that your voice is part of the planning decision-making process over the next few months. We hope to connect with you and the Monterey Park community soon!
What is your first name?
What is your last name?
How are you connected
to Monterey Park?
Check all that apply.

I live here (rent my home)

I live here (own my home)

I live here (experiencing
homelessness)

I used to live here

I go to school here

I work here

I own a business here

I come to eat, drink,
and socialize here

I come to visit family
and/or friends

I visit parks, libraries,
and/or other public facilities

Other: _________________
What district do
you live in?

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4

District 5

I do not live in Monterey Park
What is your favorite
park in Monterey Park?

Barnes Park

Bella Vista Park

Cascades Park

Demonstration Garden

Edison Trails Park

Garvey Ranch Park

George Elder Park

Highlands Park

La Loma Park

Langley Senior Center
/ Beth Ryan Park

Pine Tree Park

Sequoia Park

Sierra Vista Park

Sunnyslopes Park
Monterey Park Parks System Master Plan
Phase One
Discovery
1,896
Survey Participants Open House One
154
Participants

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 151
During this time of communications
development, the Project Team began to
establish and build upon existing relationships
with City staff, local community organizations
and neighborhood groups. Additionally, the
Project Team conducted a Community Visit
and Assessment on January 29th, 2024
to kick-off the engagement process. This
early engagement involved affirming initial
data findings and research assumptions
by tapping into the lived experiences of
community members. This first phase of
public engagement helped to refine the
Project Team’s understanding of the common
goals and objectives for the Monterey Park
open space network and park system; this
feedback, as well as the data and best practice
research, helped to inform the Master
Plan’s “Vision, Goals, and Objectives” and
“Needs Assessment” for future park design,
development, and programming/partnerships.

PARK SURVEY & POP-UPS
For the GROW Master Plan, the City of
Monterey Park, with support from City Fabrick
and identified community partners, initiated
the comprehensive public engagement
process with the launch of a community
survey, available in Simplified and Traditional
Chinese, Spanish, and English. This survey
was designed for both print and online, and
captures the community’s preferences,
needs, and aspirations related to Monterey
Park’s public parks and programs. The
survey, promoted through social media, the
City’s website, Cascades newspaper, park
canvassing, pop-up events, and partner
listservs, served as a baseline tool for
collecting quantifiable data. To encourage
participation, the survey included an
opportunity drawing and was supported by
professionally designed visuals and marketing
materials to maximize reach.

The goal for the survey was to achieve a sample
size of 500 participants, a number calculated
to ensure statistical significance for the city’s
population. A statistically significant sample
size means the survey results accurately
represent the views and needs of the broader
community with minimal margin of error,
increasing confidence that the findings reflect
the population as a whole. This benchmark
was far exceeded, with a total of 1,886 people
participating in the public survey. This robust
response greatly enhanced the reliability of
the data, providing a strong foundation for
understanding community priorities and
informing the Plan’s recommendations.

The resulting data provided critical insights
and helped establish initial contacts for
deeper engagement through subsequent
workshops and roundtables.

In addition to promoting the survey online,
the Project Team implemented a dynamic
engagement strategy to provide the public
with multiple opportunities to offer feedback
through the survey. Park surveying days,
pop-up events, Department-hosted events/
programs, and a public open house allowed
participants to evaluate existing park conditions
and contribute ideas for improvement.

Park Surveying & Pop-Up Days:
• Spring Egg Hunt - 3/28/2024
• General Park Survey Day #1 - 4/20/2024
• Cherry Blossom Festival/Earth Day -
4/27/2024
• Cinco De Mayo/Monterey Park Birthday
Festival - 5/9/2024
• General Park Survey Day #2 - 5/11/2024
• SGV Pride Parade and Festival - 6/1/2024
• Independence Day Celebration -
6/29/2024

152 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
I visit parks, libraries,
and/or other public
facilities
52% I live here
(own my home)
54%
44%
I come to eat, drink,
and socialize here
30%
I come to visit
family and/or
friends
21%
I live here (rent
my home)
11%
I work
here
40%
I shop and run
errands here
Overview Of
Survey Participants
1 Barnes Park
2 Garvey Ranch Park
3 Sequoia Park
4 George Elder Park
5 Highlands Park
6 La Loma Park
The Community’s
Favorite Park In The City
Renters Youth (ages 24 and under)
1 Barnes Park
2 Garvey Ranch Park
3 George Elder Park
1 Barnes Park
2 Garvey Ranch Park
2 Sequoia Park
3 George Elder Park
3 Edison Trails Park
Seniors (ages 65 and older)
1 Barnes Park
2 Garvey Ranch Park
3 Sequoia Park
3 Sierra Vista Park

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 153
What People Like The Most
About Their Favorite Park

SWIMMING POOL

PICKLEBALL COURTS

WALKING ROUTE

SPACIOUS SIZE

LOCATION CLEAN

GREENERY

BASEBALL FIELDS

FACILITIES

SERENE AND QUIET

OBSERVATORY

COVERED PICNIC AREAS

COMMUNITY

BASKETBALL COURTS

FARMERS MARKET
SAFETY

SPORTS FIELDS
HILL

ATMOSPHERE

OUTDOOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

PARKING LOTS
FUN

SENIOR CENTER
VIEW

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
TENNIS

PLAYGROUNDS

PROXIMITY

154 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Top Priorities That Community Believes
Should Guide The GROW Planning Process
Fewer, Larger Parks &
Open Spaces Versus
More, Smaller Ones
Enhance the cultural programs being offered and spaces for them 302 PEOPLE
Equity Increase park access to underserved communities 336 PEOPLE
Health Improve and expand the availability of healthy activities 360 PEOPLE
Quality Use designs and materials that are low-maintenance but high in quality 361 PEOPLE
Sustainability Plan and design parks for the health of the environment 378 PEOPLE
Safety Improve safety inside and getting to the park 457 PEOPLE
Upgrades Enhance existing facilities before considering new park 492 PEOPLE
Education Consider the park a chance to learn about nature and history 298 PEOPLE
Culture
A Few Neighborhood
Parks (one to ten acres)
A Community Park
(10 to 20 acres)
A Regional Park for the
Entire City (20 acres or more)
More Mini-Parks (less
than one acre in size)
34%
34%
16%
17%

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 155
Most Important/
Desired Park Amenity
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600
468
PEOPLE
548
PEOPLE
415
PEOPLE
395
PEOPLE
355
PEOPLE
331
PEOPLE
322
PEOPLE
298
PEOPLE
277
PEOPLE
263
PEOPLE
Restroom
Nature & Trees
Outdoor Athletic courts (basketball, pickleball, volleyball) Indoor Athletic Courts (basketball, pickleball, volleyball, racquetball) Swimming Pool
Picnic Areas
Playground
Open Spaces/Multipurpose Field
Athletic/Sports Fields (ex: soccer, baseball)
Trails and Pathways

156 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Most Important/
Desired Park Program
Restroom
0 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
605
PEOPLE
703
PEOPLE
584
PEOPLE
515
PEOPLE
403
PEOPLE
317 PEOPLE
313 PEOPLE
310 PEOPLE
287
PEOPLE
329
PEOPLE
Community Events (ex: festivals, shows, social gatherings) Outdoor Recreation Programs
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Cultural and Arts Programs
Swim Lessons/Aquatic Programs
Youth Sports Leagues
Youth After School/Summer Programs
Adult Sports Leagues
Senior Programs
Multi-Generational Programs

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 157
Most Important/Desired Park Amenity
& Program by Target Populations
Renters Youth (ages 24 and under) Seniors (ages 65 and older) Renters Youth (ages 24 and under) Seniors (ages 65 and older) 1 2
3 Restroom
Outdoor Athletic courts
(basketball, pickleball,
volleyball)
Swimming Pool
1 2
3 Community Events
Fitness and Wellness
Programs
Swim Lessons
/Aquatic Programs
1 Restroom
2 3
Nature & Trees
Swimming Pool
1 2
3 Restroom
Swimming Pool
Nature & Trees
1 2
3 Restroom
Outdoor Athletic courts
(basketball, pickleball,
volleyball)
Nature & Trees
1 2
3 Community Events
Fitness and Wellness
Programs
Swim Lessons
/Aquatic Programs
1 2
3 Community Events
Cultural and Arts
Programs
Swim Lessons
/Aquatic Programs
1 2
3 Fitness and Wellness
Programs
Senior Programs
Community Events
Most Important/
Desired Park Amenity
Most Important/
Desired Park Program

158 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

STAFF ENGAGEMENT
Following the launch of the park survey,
key staff from the Recreation & Community
Services Department were engaged in a
two-part workshop to gain an institutional
understanding of Departmental operations,
challenges, and opportunities. The
workshops provided a comprehensive
platform for staff to reflect on current
practices, share insights, and collectively
plan for a sustainable and inclusive future for
the City’s parks and recreational services.

These sessions were designed to foster active
participation, build a shared understanding
of the Master Plan’s objectives, and establish
clear implementation priorities.

The first session, conducted virtually on April
15th, 2024, introduced staff to the foundational
elements of the Master Plan, highlighting
its equity-driven, community-led approach.

Participants engaged in activities that prompted
them to critically review the Department’s
mission and goals, identify areas for growth,
and reflect on how their individual and collective
roles contribute to the overarching vision of the
Department. This session also included updates
on ongoing engagement initiatives, such as
park surveys and community events, ensuring
that staff were informed and aligned with the
broader planning efforts.

The second, in-person session [hosted on
April 19th, 2024] delved deeper into strategic
planning through interactive exercises, such as
SWOT analyses and priority-setting activities.

Staff worked collaboratively to identify
the Department’s strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats, linking these
findings to actionable goals. A key activity
involved prioritizing strategic focus areas based
on current and aspirational goals, fostering
meaningful discussions about operational
improvements and resource allocation. These
exercises not only clarified immediate priorities
but also empowered staff to envision a more
connected and resilient parks system.

Key outcomes of the workshops included
a refined mission statement, an enhanced
implementation framework, and a stronger sense
of shared ownership among staff. Additionally,
the sessions helped build team cohesion, aligning
staff across various roles toward a unified
purpose. By facilitating these workshops, City
Fabrick supported the Department in creating a
foundation for thoughtful, community-centered
growth while addressing operational challenges
and fostering a collective commitment to serve
Monterey Park residents effectively. These
efforts underscore the Department’s dedication
to enhancing the quality of life through wellmaintained parks, dynamic programming, and equitable service delivery.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 159
Park Development
Reimagining Park Spaces:
• There is a need to rethink how existing park
spaces are used to accommodate future
events and demands, ensuring parks remain
relevant and functional for diverse activities.

Navigating Tradeoffs:
• Park development often requires difficult decisions and compromises, such as removing or consolidating amenities or
programs to meet evolving demands. While
challenging, these tradeoffs can lead to
more impactful outcomes and better alignment with community needs.

Programs and Events
Desirable Programs:
• Community feedback consistently highlights gratitude for the quality and range of programs offered.
• Recreational programs and special events
remain highly popular and morale-boosting,
particularly after the pandemic. These activities foster a sense of belonging and community pride among staff and residents. • Family programs are essential due to the
community’s large number of families. These
programs foster inclusivity and connection.
• Free programs help eliminate cost barriers,
ensuring access for all residents.
• Senior programs reflect the cultural needs of
the older adult community, promoting engagement and activity. • Summer swim lessons, once held on weekends pre-pandemic, are still requested by the community but face staff limitations.
• After school activities are a priority, though
the city faces challenges in addressing the
needs of four school districts, requiring additional resources to ensure equitable service. • Regular recreational programs remain essential, especially for youth and seniors experiencing post-pandemic challenges like social isolation and behavioral issues. Expanding
facilities would enable more programming to
meet these needs.

Desirable Events:
• Family-oriented events, including the Spring
Egg Hunt, Monster Mash Halloween, and Snow
Village, remain popular community traditions.

Important
Takeaways

160 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
• Cultural celebrations like the Cherry Blossom Festival and Lunar New Year highlight the city’s diverse heritage.
• Staff and residents place significant importance on cultural events and practices, which strengthen community identity and pride.
• There is an opportunity to expand
programming for adults aged 21-35, such
as hosting movie nights or food-and-drink
events. The City currently hosts an annual
Electric Park music event.

Challenging Programs and Events:
• Staffing limitations make event setup and
management difficult.
• Licensed after-school programs need
scaling to serve low-income families, with
opportunities for partnerships to subsidize
childcare costs.
• Contract classes face challenges in recruiting
and retaining instructors due to insurance
and other requirements.

Future Program Opportunities:
• Expanding youth sports, teen programs, and
pickleball leagues to meet community demand.
• Increasing accessibility and inclusivity
for individuals with disabilities or mental
health needs.
• Introducing innovative wellness programs like
yoga, meditation, and sound baths.

Staffing and Volunteers
Staff Strengths:
• Staff innovation and creativity are crucial
in meeting goals of respect, participation,
and compassion.
• The team excels in teamwork, innovation,
creativity, and community care, with a
shared commitment to improving the quality of life for every Monterey Park resident.

Upholding the Department’s values of public
participation, respect, and compassion
ensures the success of its initiatives.
• Staff members find fulfillment in directly
engaging with and serving Monterey Park
residents. They especially value witnessing their positive impact on youth and older adults, which reinforces their dedication to
the community.
• Many team members have long tenures with
the City, providing deep institutional knowledge. Despite their experience, they remain open to new ideas and innovations, especially
in response to the post-pandemic landscape.

Staffing Needs:
• Part-time employees are vital as they are
the department’s public face, providing
customer service and maintaining community connections. • Limited staff capacity poses a risk to the quality and frequency of events. To maintain high morale and ensure successful execution of
impactful programs, addressing staff workload is critical. • The loss of experienced instructors post-pandemic has created a need to recruit and retain passionate, skilled professionals.
• Reliable mid-level positions are needed to
incentivize retention and foster professional growth.
• A sense of accomplishment arises when
program participants transition into roles as
volunteers, part-time staff, or even full-time
employees. Establishing a Community Ambassador Program could further institutionalize this progression and nurture local leadership.
• Residents express gratitude for staff
efforts, acknowledging successful programming, events, and capital improvements.

Recognizing and celebrating these “community victories” is vital for maintaining morale and public trust.

Volunteer Contributions:
• Volunteers play an essential role in supporting events and programs, filling gaps where staffing is limited.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 161
• Bilingual translator volunteers enhance
program accessibility for diverse populations.
• Youth-focused volunteer programs,
provide growth opportunities and ensure
event sustainability.

Maintenance
Current Maintenance Issues:
• Addressing aging infrastructure is a top
priority for staff. Efforts to repair or
upgrade facilities like playgrounds, roofs,
and other park amenities are either ongoing or planned. Maintenance of high-quality infrastructure, already superior to neighboring cities, is essential to meet
community expectations.
• Addressing facility safety concerns and
creating inclusive outdoor spaces remain
ongoing priorities.
• Barnes Gym flooring has significant damage
due to water and needs to be replaced.
• Facilities, including restrooms, basketball
courts, and roofing, require attention to
improve safety and usability.
• Bella Vista Park lacks nighttime lighting,
creating a potential safety opportunity for
solar-powered solutions. Added lighting will
provide an opportunity to expand park hours.

Pool Challenges:
• Maintenance costs for the George Elder
Park city pool have risen due to increased
chemical prices since COVID-19.
• Both the Barnes Pool and George Elder Pool
is aging and future repairs will be needed to
maintain operations.

Pickleball Maintenance:
• Evaluating whether pickleball courts are a
lasting need or a passing trend is critical to
resource allocation.

Maintenance Opportunities:
• Staff and community members value sustainability efforts to maintain parks for future generations. Exploring sustainable practices
and solutions is key to ensuring the longevity
of park resources.
• Partnering with local organizations can
support funding and facility upkeep.
• Training staff to handle minor maintenance issues can reduce dependency on external resources.
• Expanding in-house maintenance knowledge
to help address immediate, simple repairs.

162 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Funding Opportunities
Funding Strategies
• Maintaining existing facilities is the top
priority to support future program and
park improvements.
• Increased fees for facility reservations and
rentals can help offset costs.
• Partnering with local school districts,
water districts, or sponsorships can
secure additional resources.
• Collaborative grants with nonprofits or
community groups can bring diverse funding
streams to the city.

Collaboration and Partnerships
Programs
• Expanding partnerships with sports organizations like the NBA and MLB can provide unique engagement opportunities.
• Collaborations with groups like Nature for
All, Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA can
strengthen program offerings.
• Partnering with educational institutions can
enhance access to arts and sciences.
• Residents’ are vocal and provide constructive engagement that reflects their strong pride in Monterey Park.

Maintenance
• Working with organizations like Scout BSA can
encourage volunteer-led cleanups and Eagle
Scout projects.
• Local high school clubs and summer camp
volunteers can assist with facility upkeep and
community programs.

Development
• Incorporating recreational features into housing developments can increase community usability and pride.
• Exploring innovative options like disc golf
courses or interactive park elements can
diversify offerings.

Community Victories
• The Cherry Blossom Festival’s 25th year
marks a milestone of cultural celebration.
• The community mural project funded by
the LA Rams demonstrates success in
arts programming.
• Completion of seven playgrounds in the
past year ensures all residents live within
a mile of a park.
• Resilient community spirit following recent
tragedies has increased pride and focused on
mental health well-being.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 163

164 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 165

OPEN HOUSE ONE
The first public open house for the GROW
Master Plan was a success in participation,
showcasing the importance of engaging the
community in new and interactive ways. Unlike
traditional town hall meetings, this event
offered a dynamic and welcoming environment
with multiple stations with interactive activities
designed to foster meaningful dialogue. Held
on Sunday, July 28, 2024, the open house was
a key opportunity for residents to provide
feedback on the city’s parks and recreation
system. By targeting youth, older adults,
low-income families, and active transportation
users, the event reflected a commitment to
inclusivity and equity.

In total, 154 attendees registered for the
open house. Given its open and interactive
nature, even more unaccounted community
members stopped by throughout the event to
participate. The event was widely promoted
in Chinese, Spanish, and English through
social media, email listservs, neighborhood
canvassing, and flyers distributed at parks,
ensuring accessibility for Monterey Park’s
diverse population. Attendees were treated to
free snacks and refreshments, with the added
incentive of prize giveaways, creating a lively
and inviting atmosphere for all.

Participants engaged with various stations,
each offering unique ways to share input and
ideas. At the Intro Station, staff introduced the
project, highlighting key findings from “Phase
1 - Discovery”, including Monterey Park’s park
space statistics compared to regional and
national medians. The “Park Ideas” Station
encouraged attendees to contribute their “big
park ideas” through an interactive wishing
tree and prioritize potential projects using
colorful sticky notes and dots. Meanwhile, the
“Come Spend Some Green” Station offered
a participatory budgeting activity, where
attendees allocated “Monterey Park dollars”
to their preferred park improvements before
enjoying a complimentary boba drink.

The “Interview” Station added a personal touch,
inviting participants to share their perspectives
on parks and recreation in Monterey Park
through written and video interviews. These
insights provided invaluable qualitative data to
complement the quantitative survey results.

Staff at every station ensured participants felt
heard and valued, creating an inclusive space
where everyone’s voice mattered. The open
house successfully achieved its goals of sharing
information about the GROW Master Plan
initiative and deepening understanding of the
community’s needs, paving the way for the next
phase of this important project.

166 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

MAINTAIN OUR EXISTING PARKS

AND MAKE REPAIRS AS NEEDED

BUILD NEW PARKS FOR RESIDENTS THAT

HAVE LITTLE TO NO ACCESS TO PARKS

IMPROVE MOBILITY AND ACCESS TO

ND FROM (AND WITHIN OUR PARKS)

CONTINUE TO HOST AWESOME

COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS

REDESIGN PARKS TO ADD MORE

DESIRABLE AMENITIES AND PROGRAMS
Park System Planning:

Community Priorities
55%
9%
32% 30%
39%
45%
45%
46%
46%
8%
60%
20%
20%
39%
6%
Short-Term Priority
Medium-Term Priority
Long-Term Priority

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 167
Park Activities Improvements
Pickleball / Tennis Improvements
Park Facility Improvements
(bathroom, lighting, tables, etc.)
Greenery Improvements
Transit Improvements
Outdoor tennis or
pickleball
Replace barnes park
pool & building]
Clean &
safe restrooms
More nature
& trees
Recreation center &
indoor gymnasium
Multipurpose/
athletic field
Picnic areas
Playgrounds
Outdoor
basketball
Big Ideas:

Park Wishing Tree
Big Ideas:

Park Budgeting Activity
40%
34%
17% 14%
12%
8%
5%
4% 3% 2%
29%
13%
11%
8%

Park Priorities
Short-Term
• Importance of maintaining our existing
parks as opposed to spending resources
developing new ones.
• Participants also felt that it was important to host
community events and recreational programs.
• Redesigning parks to add more desirable
amenities and programs was important as
well to some participants, which could look like
a phased approach to redevelopment.
• Building new parks seemed to be not important to the participants, which could be because of the limited land availability and
funding to acquire and develop new parkland.

Medium-Term
• Open House participants expressed that in the
medium-term, redesigning our existing parks to
meet current needs should be the main priority.
• Building new parks, improving accessibility,
and hosting events / programs were uplifted
as medium-term priorities. Building new parks
and improving park accessibility are costly
and can take longer to plan for and implement.

Long-Term
• The most popular long-term idea was to maintain
our existing parks and make repairs as needed.

Given that this was both a short- and long-term
priority, maintaining high-quality parks and facilities is important for future planning efforts. • Redesigning our existing parks was also a
highly favored long-term community priority.
• There was some interest in developing new
parks for park-poor communities as a longterm goal, along with hosting high-quality events / programs.

Big Ideas
High Priority (Most Mentioned)
• Add new pickleball courts & lines.
• Refurbish and upgrade existing pickleball
courts (e.g., Bella Vista).
• Paint pickleball lines on all tennis courts in
Monterey Park.
• Separate dedicated pickleball courts from
tennis courts.
• Consider indoor pickleball courts.
• Add splash pads for kids.
• Repair and reopen Barnes Park swimming pool.
• Expand aquatics programs with lessons and
recreational swim hours.
• Upgrade pool facilities with themed designs
(e.g., swimming themes, children’s art).
• Renovate and upgrade all restrooms in
parks to be larger and more accessible for
kids and grandparents.

Medium Priority
• Add tire swings and other unique play equipment.
• Include different types of exercise equipment
at Sierra Vista Park and other locations.
• Provide more shaded areas near playgrounds.
• Upgrade all park lighting to LED for
evening safety.
• Install solar lighting in playground and
seating areas.
• Add yellow markings or speed bumps for
safer crossings.
• Create hiking paths with scenic views (e.g.,
Garvey hill vista).
• Provide more hiking and walking trails.

Important
Takeaways
GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 169

170 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Lower Priority (Specific but Less Frequent)
• Host more arts and education events (e.g.,
plays, talent shows).
• Create outdoor public Wi-Fi zones.
• Encourage community gardening, urban agriculture, and educational programs. • Reintroduce senior-focused events like “Lion
Club” gatherings.
• Develop native plant gardens to attract
butterflies and birds.
• Replace weeds with drought-resistant
plants like Lantanas.
• Plant more trees and bushes along park edges
for aesthetics and fencing.
• Maintain and refurbish tennis courts while
adding hybrid pickleball lines.
• Upgrade baseball fields and consider adding
volleyball, badminton, or handball courts.
• Include indoor table tennis options or classes.
• Add dog parks.
• Limit the number of dogs in some areas.

Additional Suggestions
• Add more seating and picnic areas in parks.
• Install removable covers for performance areas.
• Ensure better maintenance and cleanliness of parks, including addressing homelessness concerns.

Desirable Park Amenities
Outdoor Tennis or Pickleball
• With 139 responses, this category is overwhelmingly the most requested amenity, showing a strong community interest in
expanding or enhancing outdoor sports facilities like tennis and pickleball courts. • Residents are advocating for more courts
across various parks, including:
• Garvey Ranch Park: Suggestions include using
existing flat land near tennis courts or other
spaces for new pickleball courts.
• George Elder Park: Some propose creating
discrete pickleball courts rather than overlaying lines on tennis courts. • Barnes Park: Many request repairs and additional pickleball courts here. • Hybrid Courts: Several residents support
painting pickleball lines on existing tennis
courts to share space, provided tennis players agree to the arrangement. • Dedicated Pickleball Spaces: Some advocate
for separating pickleball and tennis entirely by
building standalone pickleball courts to avoid
conflicts with tennis players.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 171
• Preservation of Tennis Courts: A vocal
segment of the community opposes adding
more pickleball lines to tennis courts, especially at Barnes Park and George Elder Park, citing the overuse of current courts for tennis
instruction and recreational play as well as
a desire to preserve at least one dedicated
tennis court at Barnes Park.
• Some tennis players feel their needs are being
overshadowed by the push for pickleball.

Barnes Park Pool and Building Replacement
• The second most mentioned amenity, with 70
responses, indicates a significant demand
for improving or replacing the pool and
related facilities, emphasizing the importance of aquatic activities. • Many comments emphasize the need to repair
or replace the Barnes Park pool as a 50-meter
Olymic-sized facility, highlighting its importance to the community and the lack of comparable facilities nearby. • Alternatively, there is interested in replacing
the pool with a smaller pool with a splash pad
for recreational use as well as an idea for an
indoor, heated pool and therapy pool.
• Regarding availability and access, particpants
request more lap swimming hours to accommodate fitness swimmers and expanded recreational swim hours, ensuring the pool
serves a broad audience.
• Mark Keppel High School’s championship
team has been without a home pool for over
four years.
• Community members highlight the importance of providing a pool for practice and competition to support the team and inspire
youth athletes.

Clean and Safe Restrooms
• Garnering 58 responses, clean and safe
restrooms are a high priority, highlighting
a basic but crucial need for improved park
infrastructure.
• Many comments express dissatisfaction with
the current state of restrooms, emphasizing
that they are often dirty and poorly maintained.
• Specific mention of La Loma Park highlights the
distance and inaccessibility of restrooms for
individuals with mobility challenges, making it
difficult for all users to access these facilities.
• Community members suggest restrooms
should be cleaned multiple times a day to
ensure they remain sanitary and usable.
• Some comments call for new or remodeled
restroom facilities, recognizing that the current
infrastructure is outdated and inadequate.
• Requests include more running water to
improve functionality and hygiene.

172 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
More Nature and Trees
• With 49 responses, the community values
natural elements like trees and landscaping,
showing a desire for green spaces and environmental enhancements. • Many community members expressed disappointment over the removal of ficus trees, especially along Atlantic Boulevard, and requested replanting efforts to restore the canopy.
• There is a strong desire for more shaded
areas in parks, particularly through the
addition of shade-providing trees like oaks.
• Concerns were raised about certain activities (e.g., gambling and smoking) at Sierra Vista Park, with suggestions to plant
shorter trees to discourage such behavior.
• Requests for more California native
plants and milkweed aim to support biodiversity and encourage the growth of the butterfly population.
• Community members suggest adding
bushes in specific areas, like along Sierra
Vista Park and residential streets, to
enhance the natural environment.
• A call for a cohesive, citywide tree plan
suggests planting aesthetically pleasing and
sustainable species, such as Palo Verde and
Agave, which have been positively received in
areas like Garvey Pass.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 173
Recreation Center & Indoor Gymnasium
• This category, receiving 40 responses,
reflects interest in indoor recreational facilities for activities throughout the year. • A strong demand for dedicated indoor pickleball courts, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and the need for year-round play
regardless of weather.
• Requests for spaces specifically designed for Tai
Chi, accommodating seniors and those seeking
meditative or low-impact physical activities.
• Interest in adding indoor table tennis facilities,
particularly for children, to provide additional
recreational options.
• A desire for Wi-Fi connectivity in the park and
recreation center to support digital inclusion
and provide a modern amenity for park users.

Multipurpose/Athletic Fields
• Gaining 20 responses, multipurpose fields
are moderately popular, showcasing an
interest in flexible spaces for sports and
community activities.
• Request for a dedicated space for seniors,
ensuring outdoor fields accommodate their
needs for recreation and relaxation.
• Improvement and renovation of existing
baseball fields to better serve local teams
and the community.
• Suggestion to add more athletic fields at
Sierra Vista Park (Rural Drive side) to enhance
sports and fitness opportunities.

Other Priority Amenities:
• Picnic areas (16 responses), playgrounds
(12 responses), and outdoor basketball (8
responses) we also noted as desirable amenities.
• Regarding picnic areas, there is a desire to
replace damaged picnic tables, particularly in
spaces like La Loma Park. Desire to add electricity & charging ports in picnic areas to enhance their usability for events and gatherings.
• Regarding playgrounds, George Elder Park
playground is noted as a high-use space with
unclear plans for equipment replacement.

Requests include adding shade structures
for sun protection, ensuring equipment is
maintained or replaced as needed, and adding
shading in open areas to make spaces more
comfortable during hot weather.
• Additional requests include installing benches
and seating for parents and other park users
who need rest areas and splash pads at playgrounds, offering a fun and cooling activity for children and families.

174 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
The second phase of the Master Planning process, called Prioritization, focused on deepening engagement with the Monterey Park community. This phase built on the foundation established during the Discovery phase and concentrated on prioritizing potential ideas for the park network while identifying viable solutions. The Project Team conducted a range of activities to ensure diverse voices were heard and integrated into the planning process. These activities included roundtables and interviews with key stakeholder groups, such as local leaders, advocacy organizations, and user groups.Additionally, park audits allowed the team to gather park data that helped to standardize park need and opportunities. Lastly, a second Open House ensured that the broader Monterey Park community was also able to provide feedback in prioritizing ideas for implementation.

The outcome of this phase was instrumental in shaping the future of the park network. Through careful analysis and synthesis of community feedback, the Prioritization phase produced several implementation strategies designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities identified during the planning process. These strategies laid the groundwork for actionable plans, ensuring that the park network would reflect the community’s collective vision while addressing gaps and enhancing equity within Monterey Park’s open space system.

Phase Two
Prioritization
Open House Two
56+
Participants
Roundtable
Participants
Park
Audits
33 17

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 175

PARK AUDITS
The GROW Master Plan Project Team conducted
17 comprehensive park audits as a foundational
step in understanding the city’s current park
conditions, identifying needs, and uncovering
opportunities for improvement. Park audits
are a systematic process of observing
and evaluating park facilities, amenities,
accessibility, and overall usability. These audits
are critical in gathering detailed information
about the physical conditions of parks, as well
as how they are used by the community.

By documenting elements such as park
cleanliness, signage, seating, play areas, and
landscaping, the team was able to establish a
baseline understanding of Monterey Park’s
open space assets, reflected “Park Evaluations”
subsections on page 16-47.

To capture a holistic picture of park usage, the
team intentionally visited at different times of
day, days of the week, and weather conditions.

This approach allowed the team to observe
variations in park activity, community
engagement, and operational needs. For
instance, morning visits highlighted how
parks are utilized for exercise and leisure,
while evening visits captured family
gatherings and organized sports.

Findings from the park audits directly
informed the development of the Parks
Matrix, a detailed tool that synthesizes data
on each park’s amenities, conditions, and
opportunities for enhancement. This matrix
served as a critical resource in identifying
gaps in the park system, prioritizing areas for
investment, and aligning future improvements
with the needs of Monterey Park’s diverse
community. By conducting these audits with
consistency and diligence, the Project Team
ensured that the planning process for the
GROW Master Plan was rooted in a clear and
comprehensive understanding of the city’s
existing open space network.

Park Audit Days:

The audits were conducted over
multiple visits to ensure a
thorough assessment of
each park. The Project Team
visited the city’s parks on the
following dates:
• July 24, 2024
• July 25, 2024
• July 27, 2024
• August 22, 2024
• August 24, 2024

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 177

ROUNDTABLES
As part of the second phase of the planning
process, the Project Team conducted a series
of targeted roundtables to engage with key
groups identified as critical to the successful
implementation of this Plan. The purpose of
these roundtables was to build on findings from
the first phase of engagement—community
surveys, open house events, and park audits—
by generating focused discussions on real-life
challenges, priorities, and opportunities for the
city’s park system.

The roundtables were specifically designed
to connect with stakeholders who play a
significant role in shaping and sustaining
Monterey Park’s parks and recreation
resources. These target groups included
various City Departments, tennis & pickleball
advocates, various City commissioners,
aquatics advocates, and organized
sports groups. By bringing these groups
together, the roundtables sought to deepen
understanding, gather critical feedback, and
address the practical realities of the Parks
Master Plan’s implementation.

Each roundtable session began with a brief
presentation, providing participants with
an overview of the Parks Master Plan, the
planning and engagement process to date,
and key findings from earlier engagement
efforts. This ensured participants had a shared
understanding of the context before diving into
more interactive discussions. The consultant
team, City Fabrick, facilitated the sessions,
delivering prompts that were carefully crafted
based on Phase One community feedback
and framed to reflect real-world challenges,
priorities, and cost-benefit tradeoffs.

The interactive roundtables were designed
to accommodate participants’ varying
schedules and availability, with both
in-person and virtual options. The format
fostered meaningful dialogue, leading
to tough but essential conversations.

Stakeholders discussed opportunities,
trade-offs, and resource constraints,
offering candid feedback and practical ideas
for improving Monterey Park’s open space
network and operations. These discussions
also created an opportunity for participants
to build empathy and understanding across
perspectives, strengthening relationships
between community leaders, City Staff, and
interest groups.

Tuesday, 10/29/2024 | 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
The City Departments roundtable gathered
representatives from various City of Monterey
Park Departments to discuss challenges and
opportunities with the Recreation and Community Services Department. Following a virtual presentation about the planning effort and
findings from the first phase of engagement,
the main topics of conversation included park
maintenance, safety improvements, and potential partnerships. The key takeaways from this conversation are presented to the right:

Restroom Maintenance
• Responding to the fact that survey respondents desired better-maintained restroom facilities, roundtable participants recommended starting a public education campaign to share accountability for
the upkeep of restrooms and encourage
community to clean up after themselves.
• Acknowledgment that there is limited staff
capacity to maintain restrooms resulting in
these services being contracted out.
• Recommendation to install educational
signage at park restrooms to keep them clean,
highlighting shared responsibility.

Cleanliness
• Related to issues of illegal dumping,
cigarette butts, and dog waste, especially at parks like Sierra Vista Park and Garvey Ranch Park, roundtable participants recommended more trashcans with more-frequent pick-ups, along
with educational signage (in multiple
languages) to encourage greater stewardship and information to report areas that need maintenance.
• Recommendation for the creation of a
program to better engage and educate
community members around the shared
responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of parks and providing the materials to do so.
• Recommendation to better promote the
Monterey Park GoMPK app, which is another
way for regular park users and visitors to
report issues, even installing signage that
encourages park users to this app.

Personal Safety
• Recommendation to improve park safety through
better lighting at parks, multilingual emergency
signage, and community programs that provide
personal safety resources and guidance.
• Recommendation to extend lighting hours
and improve visibility to address late-night
park use, vandalism, and safety concerns
for both visitors and park maintenance
crews working after hours.
• Recommendation to install signage for
reporting suspicious activity to deter criminal behavior and promote a sense of security among park users.

City Departments
Roundtable Takeaways
178 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 179
• Recommendation to hold community meetings and increase park events hosted by city departments to enhance resident
safety and foster stronger community
connections through visible engagement.

Park Design for Safety
• Recommendation to implement CPTED
design, safety phone towers (drawing inspiration from university campuses), and energy-efficient lighting in dimly lit pathways and high-traffic areas to improve visibility and prevent crime, benefiting both park visitors and maintenance staff, especially during nighttime. • Recommendation to improve walking and
biking accessibility to parks by enhancing
transportation safety and creating safer
pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.

Partnerships
• Recommendation to collaborate with the
Library Department to develop and formalize more programs for children, teens, and adults, emphasizing skill-building activities.
• Recommendation to rotate classes and
events among different parks, not just
Barnes Park, offering diverse programs like
environmental projects, safety training, and
emergency preparedness in collaboration
with groups such as the Eagle Scouts, Keep
California Beautiful, the Police Department,
and the Fire Department.
• Recommendation to partner with local
nonprofits, vendors, and community groups
to host fundraising efforts, tree planting
events, and beautification projects across
all parks in Monterey Park to promote civic
engagement and equity.
• Recommendation to host regular community
meetings at various parks throughout the
city to share community updates and foster
stronger connections between residents
and City resources.

180 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Aquatics Community
Roundtable Takeaways
Saturday, 11/2/2024 | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Aquatics Community roundtable was
held in person and brought together Monterey Park residents and community leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges related
to the revitalization of the Elder and Barnes
Park pools. Following a presentation about
the planning effort and findings from the first
phase of engagement, there was a facilitated
discussion on potential improvements. The
main topics included the possibility of re-establishing an Olympic-sized pool at Barnes Park, funding strategies, and community programming. Participants highlighted the importance of water safety education, partnerships with
local schools, and revenue-generating opportunities such as facility rentals and sponsorships. While competitive swim events were a key focus, attendees emphasized the need to
balance diversified programming and funding
realities. The key takeaways from this conversation are presented to the right:

Pool Redevelopment and Programming
• Offer a variety of aquatic programs, including
water aerobics, physical therapy, and swimming
lessons for children, to ensure accessibility and
water safety for different ages and abilities.
• Balance swim meets with other community
programs to serve a diverse range of users,
including children, teens, adults, and the elderly.

Barnes Park Pool
• There were strong opinions to redevelop
and reopen the Barnes Park pool and building meaning that Elder Park pool becomes a recreational water park and Barnes Park pool
becomes a state-of-the-art Olympic-sized facility for competitions and rentals. • Understanding the funding challenges that this
may imply, there is vocal support for the redevelopment of the Olympic-sized pool at Barnes Park to attract large-scale competitions, increase
tourism, and generate revenue through event
ticket sales, sponsorships, and partnerships
with local businesses and corporations.

Alternative Pool Concepts
• If full redevelopment of the Olympic-sized
facility is not financially feasible, there was
a discussion to consider instead a smaller-sized pool with additional water features that can accommodate various ages, abilities, program interests, and skill levels. • Acknowledgement that conversion of the
Barnes Park pool complex into recreational
space may be a lower-cost alternative to a
pool and building redevelopment at Barnes
Park, though it may not serve the needs of
the competitive swimming community.

Revenue Generation
• Explore multiple funding sources, including
membership passes, facility rentals, concession stands, and partnerships with local schools and organizations.
• Pursue corporate sponsorships with businesses such as Costco and hotels in Monterey Park to help fund pool redevelopment.
• Recommendation to engage local alumni and
former swim team members, such as Manta
Rays alumni, to support fundraising efforts
for the new pool.
• Consider community-driven fundraising efforts,
including partnerships with local businesses and
outreach to residents, to help meet funding goals.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 181
Tennis/Pickleball
Roundtable Takeaways
Thursday, 11/7/2024 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Pickleball and Tennis Community roundtable was hosted in person, and brought together Monterey Park residents and advocates to
discuss challenges and opportunities related
to court access and shared use. Following a
presentation about the planning effort and findings from the first phase of engagement, there was a facilitated discussion on current issues
and potential improvements. The main topics
of conversation included the tensions between
both pickleball and tennsus due to limited space,
safety concerns, and the need for additional
dedicated courts. Participants explored potential
solutions such as shared courts, improved regulations, and the development of new pickleball courts. While tensions remain, attendees emphasized the importance of creating a fair and organized system that allows all players to enjoy the game. The key takeaways from this conversation
are presented to the right:

Court Expansion and Space Allocation
• Participants from both sports desired to
Increase the number of courts and provide
more space between them to address overcrowding and safety concerns. • Discussion around exploring opportunities
to repurpose space at Barnes Park, including the area near the closed pool, inside the closed pool, and the closed gym for additional pickleball courts. • Recommendation to develop more pickleball courts at Garvey Ranch Park to alleviate demand on shared courts.

Shared Use and Safety Considerations
• Recommendation to establish clearer regulations for court use to reduce tensions between pickleball and tennis players,
particularly at Elder Park.
• Recommendation to develop a structured
system for court access to replace the informal, inconsistent rules currently in place, particularly at Elder Park
• Recommendation to enhance safety
measures by ensuring adequate separation
between courts to prevent injuries, especially for advanced tennis players whose serves may land in pickleball play areas.
• Need to encourage mutual respect between
sports communities by addressing tensions
and ensuring fair access to playing time.
• Acknowledgment that shared courts are not
truly equitable as pickleball players regularly use tennis courts, while tennis players do not use designated pickleball spaces.

Funding and Resource Allocation
• Pickleball advocates expressed that the
City should assess the feasibility of maintaining two pools in Monterey Park, as some community members believe it may not be
sustainable given redevelopment and ongoing maintenance costs. • Desire from both sports groups to maximize existing park resources by utilizing available space efficiently, such as repurposing areas adjacent to courts for additional recreational use.

182 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Organized Sports Groups
Roundtable Takeaways
Saturday, 11/23/2024 | 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
The Organized Sports Group roundtable
virtually gathered representatives from local
sports organizations to discuss challenges and
opportunities for improving organized sports
programs in Monterey Park. Following a virtual
presentation about the planning effort and
sharing findings from the first phase of engagement, the main topics of conversation included facility maintenance, program expansion,
safety enhancements, and funding opportunities. The key takeaways from this conversation are presented to the right:

ADA Accessibility & Park Access
• Discussion on the need for improved ADA
accessibility at parks, particularly at Garvey
Ranch Park, where a higher senior population
and sports participants would benefit from
switchbacks for safer access to lower areas.
• Recommendation to implement switchbacks
to facilitate easier movement for seniors and
individuals carrying heavy sports equipment.
• Proposal to establish designated walking
trails and improve connectivity between park
amenities to enhance accessibility.

Field Maintenance and Safety
• Acknowledgment of maintenance issues at
Sequoia Park and Garvey Ranch Park, including lumpy grass, gopher holes, and dog waste, which pose safety hazards for park users.
• Recommendation to replant the field and
improve upkeep to prevent injuries, particularly for baseball, football, and soccer players. • Suggestion to install dog waste dispensers to
maintain cleanliness and prevent waste from
accumulating on sidewalks and fields.
• Recognition of poor lighting as a safety
hazard for both sports participants and
general park users. Recommendation to
install energy-efficient LED lighting to extend
safe park use after dark.
• Suggestion to implement emergency “blue
button” call stations, similar to those on
college campuses, to improve security at
parks; questions on the feasibility and cost
of such improvements.

Facility Improvements & Expansion
• Recommendation to construct additional
indoor basketball courts to meet increasing
demand and address permit challenges.
• Suggestion to install bat and helmet racks
for better equipment organization, following
examples from other communities.
• Advocacy for increased shade structures at
baseball fields to enhance spectator comfort and
encourage greater community engagement.

Funding & Cost Offsets
• Recommendation to seek corporate partnerships with organizations such as MLB, NBA, and the Dodger Foundation to sponsor
events and facility improvements.
• Suggestion to host sports clinics and training
sessions with ticketed enrollment to generate
funds for park enhancements and maintenance.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 183
Commissioners
Roundtable Takeaways
Saturday, 11/23/2024 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The Commissioners roundtable met virtually
on two occasions (to address participant availability issues) to discuss challenges and opportunities related to youth programs, senior access, and community participation. Following a
presentation on findings from the first phase of
engagement, the discussion focused on expanding youth environmental programs, improving senior access to park resources, and increasing
volunteer participation. Key takeaways included
the need for habitat restoration programs at
Garvey Ranch Park, better outreach and transportation options for Spanish-speaking seniors, and clearer roles for volunteers to encourage greater community involvement. A schoolbased volunteer program was also proposed to engage parents and foster civic engagement
across generations. The key takeaways from this
conversation are presented to the right:

Youth Programs and Environmental Initiatives
• Discussion around having youth programs
focused on environmental education and
habitat restoration.
• Recommendation to introduce initiatives
that engage youth in enhancing park biodiversity, such as planting native species near the Historical Museum at Garvey
Ranch Park.

Senior Accessibility & Participation
• Participants discussed how seniors, particularly Spanish-speaking residents in the southern part of the city, face transportation and language barriers limiting their access to Langley Center programs.
• Recommendation to improve outreach
efforts to ensure seniors are aware
of available transportation options
and provide multilingual resources to
increase participation.
• Discussed the need for a more inclusive
environment at Langley Center to better
serve diverse senior populations.

Community Engagement & Volunteerism
• Recommendation to create clear role
descriptions and provide accessible
information on flyers to encourage
volunteer engagement.
• Discussion to develop school-based volunteer opportunities to involve parents and foster long-term civic engagement.

Funding & Sponsorship Opportunities
• Concerns over funding sources for park
improvements and community programs.
• Recommendation to explore partnerships
with local businesses and organizations,
offering sponsorship opportunities in
exchange for public recognition in parks.

184 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

OPEN HOUSE TWO
On January 25, 2025, the City of Monterey Park hosted a public open house at Sierra Vista Park to conclude the second phase of community engagement for the GROW Master Plan. The event provided an opportunity to share updates on the planning process and its potential impact on the City’s parks and recreation system while encouraging community members to stay involved.

The open house targeted feedback from youth, older adults, low-income families, and active transportation users to ensure diverse community input. Interactive boards and activities allowed participants to share their perspectives on the distribution of amenities across the park network and explore opportunities to enhance connectivity between parks.

The feedback gathered deepened the City’s understanding of community needs, helping to inform the next steps of the GROW Monterey Park initiative. The event was well-attended, with approximately 50 participants actively contributing their insights. The following represents what the public shared:

Maintenance
& Cleanliness
Access to
Park Amenities
Improve or Adapt
Underused Land
28%
38%
25%
25%
28%
14%
14%
17%
15%
15%
28%
14%
14%
7%
10%
10%
10%
Upgrade/Maintain Existing Facilities
Waste Management (pets, trash, etc.)
Improve Restroom Cleanliness
Surveillance
Community Partnerships
Improve Sports Facilities & Amenities
Improve Park Access for the Elderly
Incewase Seating and Shade
Improve Cleanliness
Community Center Access
Restroom Upkeep
Improve Design & Space Utilization
Add/Improve Sports Facilities
Add Walking Trails
Acquire Privately Owned Land
Community Gardens
Rest Areas
GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 185

Park Amenities & Expansion
Activity Results
186 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

• Improve and regularize park upkeep with attention to maintenance of restroom facilities. • Foster increased collaboration with community groups to increase localized participation in park operations and space activation.
• Improve operation of sports facilities at
parks by reworking operation hours and
establishing an online reservation system
• Identify underutilized components of park
systems and convert their use for more
requested and relevant functions.
• Explore the implementation of a fee-based
model for the use of select park amenities,
specifically sports facilities.
• Upgrade and redesign pool facilities (Barnes
Park) to cater to wide variety of users.
• Explore possibility of acquiring private
property for public use to increase available space for amenities. • Improve communication with the local
community to better inform residents about
park programming and other updates. Additionally, create spaces for community meetings, workshops, and gatherings. • Improve ADA accessibility across all parks.
• Redesign park systems to cater to
elderly community members and their
use of park spaces.

Important
Takeaways
GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 187

The third and final phase of the Master Planning
process, called Refinement, focused on
finalizing and polishing the prioritized strategies
developed in the earlier phases. During this
phase, the Department, key stakeholders, and
the general public collaborated to refine the
strategies into actionable and implementable
recommendations. To engage the community,
City Fabrick hosted a public open house event
as part of a celebratory gathering. This event,
widely promoted through various media and
outreach channels, provided a platform for
community members to review and provide
feedback on the proposed ideas. It also served
to build excitement and momentum for the
Plan’s eventual adoption and implementation.

The recommendations developed during
the Refinement phase were designed to be
action-oriented and aligned with the Plan’s
established Goals and Objectives. These
recommendations included clear assignments
of responsibility, feasible timelines for
implementation, and specific strategies for
achieving desired outcomes. A key deliverable
from this phase was the production of a highly
visual and accessible final document. This
document was carefully crafted to ensure
that it could be easily understood by both City
staff and the public, maximizing its utility as a
reference and guiding tool.

Beyond its practical applications, the Master
Plan developed during the Refinement phase
was intended to serve as a powerful advocacy
tool. By clearly outlining strategies and
assigning accountability, the Plan encouraged
stewardship among various stakeholders and
fostered a shared sense of responsibility for
its successful implementation. Ultimately, the
Refinement phase ensured that the Master Plan
was not only a strategic roadmap for enhancing
Monterey Park’s open space network but
also an instrument for driving long-term
engagement and equity within the community.

Phase Three
Refinement
190 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
101+
Open House Three
Participants
Roundtable
Participants
Community Workshop
Participants
19 87+

OPEN HOUSE THREE
On April 12, 2025 the City of Monterey Park hosted its third and final public open house for the GROW Parks Master Plan. Held as a culminating event in the citywide planning process, the public open house offered a unique opportunity for residents and community members to review and reflect on the collective input gathered throughout the project. Display materials summarized key findings from previous engagement activities, such as surveys, workshops, and pop-ups, showcasing the range of community priorities, ideas, and aspirations that have helped shape the draft vision for the City’s park system. These engagement activities allowed Monterey Park community members to clarify their priorities using the provided data, helping to sharpen the focus and enhance the effectiveness of planning efforts.

In addition to community feedback, the materials presented also incorporated insights and guidance from City staff, highlighting the City’s internal goals, operational needs, and planning priorities. The event featured a series of interactive engagement banners, which invited attendees to respond to the draft ideas and share additional input on projects, programs, and policies under consideration. This final round of public feedback plays a critical role in ensuring the GROW Master Plan is aligned with both community desires and the City’s long-term objectives for its parks and recreational spaces.
192 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

• Explore the usage of the parks as outdoor
learning hubs, introducing educational
programs to children, teens, and adults.
• Foster greater community engagement
at additional parks throughout Monterey
Park to promote more family fun events and
programs for residents in different areas.
• Explore the expansion of new adult sports
leagues in collaboration with local organizations encouraging physical health benefits, community cohesion, social development
and skill building.
• Improve existing parks by addressing maintenance and layout refinements for long-term sustainability rather than expansion or the
creation of new parks.
• Explore the implementation of resiliency
hubs in various Monterey Parks for disaster
preparedness and community recovery.
• Explore the redesigning of the Monterey
Park Community Center to implement cooling/heating centers, backup power sources, emergency storage, water stations, and
communication infrastructures to support
long-term community resiliency.
• Improve collaborations with youth organizations to help foster more programs for younger Monterey Park residents ensuring the youth have a voice in shaping their communities.
• Improve cultural programming for youth and
adults to encourage meaningful connections
through shared cultural experiences.
• Redesign current park layouts to implement
meditation space, providing water elements
for a peaceful environment.
• Improve lighting and landscape maintenance
for better visibility and decreased crime.

Important
Takeaways
GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 193

ROUNDTABLES
As part of the third phase of stakeholder
engagement, the Project Team hosted
a second series of virtual roundtable
discussions. These sessions built upon the
insights gathered during the earlier phases
of engagement intended on engaging key
groups and stakeholder representatives to
take a closer look at emerging draft ideas and
community priorities. Through a series of
interactive activities using Mural, these groups
incorporated community input and identified
priority park amenities.

Each session began with a presentation that
provided updates on the Parks Master Plan
process, including key takeaways from the
previous two phases. Participants were then
guided through an interactive activity where
they shared input on the feasibility, refinement,
and level of support for various proposed
park projects, programs, and policies. These
discussions surfaced a wide range of ideas
and practical considerations, helping to align
the vision for Monterey Park’s parks system
with operational realities and community
needs. The feedback collected during these
roundtables has been instrumental in shaping
the strategies and recommendations that will
appear in the final Parks Master Plan.
194 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
City Commissioners
Roundtable Takeaways
Monday, 4/28/2024 | 6:00PM - 7:00 PM &
Tuesday, 5/6/2025 | 6:00PM - 7:00 PM
The Commissioners roundtable met twice virtually to address the prioritization and implementation of policies, programs, and projects for Monterey Park. Following a virtual presentation
about the finalizing and polishing of the prioritized strategies, phase three aims to refine this plan into actionable and implementable recommendations. Key takeaways included improving upgrades and enhancements of current policies
such as implementing more outdoor learning
hubs, incorporating cultural and educational
programs, and addressing current concerns
that may cause a decrease in park engagement.

Outdoor Learning Hubs
• Discussion on using parks as extensions
of the classroom by introducing educational programs for children and teens, supported by signage, interpretive trails,
and interactive activities.
• Recommendation on using the Monterey
Park Museum and Observatory as a helpful
resource for educational programs.
• Recommendation to implement a themed
playground to foster learning on local
ecosystems, native plants, history, and
sustainable practices.

Family Fun Series
• Participants discussed the high level of
events at Barnes Park and advocated for
the need of more family events at the other
parks such as movie nights, game nights,
and outdoor concerts in the local parks and
community centers.
• Recommendation on using surveys to see what
specific family-centered programs the community would want more of.

Expand Adult Social & Cultural Recreation
• Discussed the need to expand and create new
adult sports leagues either though the city or
with collaboration of an organization, including basketball, flag football, softball, pickleball, soccer, etc.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 195
Department Staff
Roundtable Takeaways
Thursday, 5/1/2024 | 9:00AM - 10:00 AM
The Recreation and Community Services roundtable met twice virtually to discuss and prioritize policy, program, and project upgrades and enhancements for Monterey Park. Following a
presentation on the previous Open Houses, a park
priority list was presented to staff showcasing
engagement results on the planning and design
process. The results showcased a higher need for
enhancing existing facilities, improving safety inside
and around the parks, and implementing more
sustainable design within the parks. Key takeaways
included prioritizing the maintenance of existing
facilities, utilizing recreation centers as resiliency
hubs, youth engagement initiatives, and fostering programs that aid in bridging generations and addressing mental and health wellness needs.

Prioritizing Maintenance of Existing Facilities
• Recommendation to prioritize improvements
of existing parks in Monterey Park—rather
than expansion—including addressing maintenance issues in the community rooms at George Elder and Garvey Ranch Park.
• Discussion on maintaining and improving existing
park facilities to ensure long-term sustainability to
support future program and park enhancements.

Recreational Centers as Resiliency Hubs
• Participants discussed the need for resiliency
hubs in multiple locations for the community
to congregate in case of a disaster, including
improving existing community and recreation
centers for disaster preparedness.
• Recommendation to support long-term
community resiliency in providing maintenance to current Community Centers within the Monterey Parks by implementing cooling/heating centers, backup power sources, emergency storage, water stations, and
communication infrastructures.

Youth Engagement Initiatives
• Recommendation to partner with more youth
organizations to offer more programming
ensuring younger residents have a voice in
shaping public spaces.
• Discussion to integrate public art, murals,
and interactive installations into the city
through park activities that help engage children and adults of the community.

Bridging Generations
• Participants acknowledged the success of
the Intergenerational Culture & Knowledge
Exchange Program and suggested creating
additional programs like it to foster meaningful connections between older adults and youth through shared cultural experiences,
storytelling, and skill-building activities.
• Recommendation to introduce recreational
and cultural programming for adults aged
21-35 which aims to implement fitness
classes, cultural workshops, and food festivals for adults.

Mindfulness and Wellness
• Recommendation to create more space for
meditation within the parks that have water
nearby to provide a relaxing environment for
yoga and other mental health programs.
• Recommendation to expand the park
behind the Langley Center for more
outdoor space and a peaceful atmosphere
for organizations that offer mindful and
mental health programming.

196 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Executive Team
Roundtable Takeaways
Thursday, 4/23/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The City of Monterey Park Executive Team met
once virtually to discuss future park development,
programs, and operations of Monterey Park. Following a presentation on community priorities, data from previous engagement activities displayed the
need for sustainability, safety, and quality upgrades
for the existing parks. Improvements focused on
expanding recreational offerings for community
events, fitness and wellness, and swim lessons, with
aquatic, cultural, and arts programs identified as
top priorities by community members. The main
topics of discussion included enhancing park safety
by addressing strategies to combat crime, implementing outdoor learning and nature exploration for students, expanding youth sports groups and
environmental programming, and bridging generations to continue intergenerational culture.

Mindfulness & Wellness Enhancing Park Safety
Through Crime Prevention & Design Strategies
• Participants discussed the need for better
lighting and landscape maintenance for
improved visibility for park users and law
enforcement, promoting natural surveillance.
• Recommendation to incorporate a volunteer
park patrol program in collaboration with the
Police Department Citizen Patrol to address
safety concerns proactively.
• Recommendation for more renovations and
maintenance improvements for all park
restrooms, accessibility, and safety.
• Recommendation to enhance all park lighting
to energy-efficient LED fixtures throughout
the parks for better visibility during evening
play and decreased crime.

Outdoor Learning and Nature
Exploration for Students
• Recommendation to expand library hours
to include more recreational programming
providing local students with opportunities to
study and engage in educational activities in
the City’s parks and open spaces.
• Recommendation to focus on maximizing spaces
for programming before building more facilities
by collaborating with local schools, libraries, and
environmental organizations.
• Participants discussed the lack of staff and
the need for more full time positions to hire
more individuals community-based organizations such as Nature for All, Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA.
• Recommendation to implement gardening
programming and promote environmental and
sustainability initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship for residents of all ages.

Expanded Youth Sports, Teen Activities, and Pickleball Leagues • Recommendation to expand program offerings
at Barnes Park, including dance programs that
promote cultural education and engagement.
• Recommendation to introduce additional teen
programming at the Langley Center by sharing space with senior programs, fostering intergenerational engagement and participation from residents of all ages.

Bridging Generations
• Participants discussed the availability of the
Senior Center after hours to utilize for intergenerational programs. • Recommendation to promote Tai Chi programs
for youth participants and allocate dedicated
space at the Langley Center for teen dance
groups who currently lack adequate facilities.
• Recommendation to explore more options for
programming at the library to foster meaningful
connections between older adults and the youth.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 197

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
On the evening of May 5th 2025, the City of
Monterey Park hosted a community workshop
at Bruggemeyer Library. The workshop, which
was made available virtually, was attended
by approximately 87 community members,
including all City Councilmembers. The
event included a presentation outlining the
current park planning process, a summary
of community engagement conducted to
date, and ongoing park improvement efforts,
culminating with an opportunity for attendees
to provide input.

This workshop served as an important
opportunity to listen directly to community
priorities as the City continues shaping a longterm vision for its park system. A key theme that emerged from participants was the strong
support for saving and revitalizing Barnes
Park Pool, emphasizing its historic and social
importance, especially for local competitive
swim team and high school swim programs.

There is growing frustration that the City
has neglected Barnes Park Pool, allowing it to
deteriorate and now planning to fill it with dirt
due to safety and liability concerns—creating
fear that it will be lost permanently. Many felt
that Barnes Pool has not been prioritized, even
though it is centrally located and meaningful to
generations of residents. Multiple community
members shared personal testimonies of
swimming at Barnes and how its loss affects
local competitive teams and morale. Some
residents also expressed distrust in the
planning process, especially the public survey
and prioritization metrics that appear to favor
pickleball and courts over aquatics. Residents
want to see actionable financial strategies
and commitments, including bold moves like
a municipal bond, phased improvements, and
better use of existing funds and partnerships.

The participants also raised broader park
concerns, including missing swings at
Elder Park, dislike of a recently installed
play infrastructure, and a desire for more
hiking trails. A resident who attended the
recent parks funding emphasized the
urgent need for local investment in trees
and gardening spaces, framing this as
essential to environmental resilience and
community well-being. They shared that
federal inaction on climate and public health
calls for local solutions. They advocated for
localized resource management, regenerative
practices like composting, and the creation
of park spaces that serve as living, healing
environments. Their message urged a shift
from passive aesthetics to active, sustainable,
and communal hope.

STORYTELLING CAMPAIGN
As part of the GROW Parks Master Plan, the
City of Monterey Park launched a storytelling
campaign to collect and share personal
stories from parkgoers at all three public
open houses and throughout the broader
engagement process. These stories captured
how residents use parks in their daily lives,
what spaces mean to them, and the role parks
play in building community. By showcasing
these stories on social media, the City kept
community members engaged during the
final phase of the process and leading up
to the City Council meeting. The campaign
highlighted that parks are not just physical
spaces, but living places shaped by the people
who use and care for them.
198 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

200 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

CONTEXT OPPORTUNITIES

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 201

202 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
The GROW Monterey Park
parks system master plan
represents a pivotal step in
shaping the city’s recreational
future, addressing key
challenges while identifying
opportunities to enhance
the quality, accessibility, and
connectivity of park amenities
and programs.

Despite the limited availability of vacant land
and high development costs, Monterey Park is
uniquely positioned to leverage its robust existing network of parks and recreation facilities.

With all residents currently within a 15-minute
walk of a park, the challenge—and opportunity—
lies in evolving this network to ensure that every
amenity is of high quality and equitably accessible.

This planning effort integrates a comprehensive
review of existing conditions data, best practices,
policy and planning frameworks, funding strategies, and, most importantly, robust community engagement to chart a path forward that reflects
the aspirations of its residents.

The ultimate challenge for Monterey Park is the
opportunity to plan for the short-, medium-,
and long-term. In the short-term, the focus is on
enhancing connectivity and accessibility within the
existing park system. Strategies include leveraging
and expanding the Dial-A-Ride program, managed
by the Department of Recreation and Community
Services, and to strengthen multimodal transportation connectivity between parks. Concurrently, upgrading existing amenities, improving maintenance practices, and fostering a strong volunteerto-staff pipeline will be key priorities to elevate the immediate user experience.

In the medium-term, the emphasis shifts toward
maximizing the potential of existing park spaces
rather than creating new parks. This includes
identifying opportunities for shared or underutilized land uses to host desirable park amenities and expanding programming to meet the evolving
needs of the community. Partnerships and collaborations with local organizations, other City departments, and stakeholders will be critical to delivering innovative programs and services.

Long-term opportunities revolve around substantial investments to address park equity and expand park access, particularly in park-poor
areas. Strategies include park expansion, land
acquisition, and joint-use agreements to activate
underutilized spaces for community recreation.

This phased approach allows Monterey Park to
build on its strong foundation while continuously
adapting to emerging needs, ensuring that its
parks system remains a vibrant and inclusive
resource for generations to come.

OVERVIEW

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 203

204 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Monterey Park envisions a parks system that is
inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected to the
needs and aspirations of its residents. Rooted
in the city’s strong tradition of neighborhood
parks and community programming, the GROW
Monterey Park Plan reflects a shared desire to
elevate the quality of existing parks while creating more opportunities for wellness, connection, and environmental stewardship. This vision is shaped not only by a comprehensive review of
existing conditions and best practices, but also
by robust community input that speaks to both
practical needs and long-term hopes for the
city’s public spaces.

Residents consistently expressed a desire for
improved accessibility, enhanced safety, and more
equitable access to high-quality amenities. From
ADA improvements and expanded trail connections to increased seating, restrooms, and better lighting, the community has identified clear and
actionable steps to make parks more welcoming
and functional for all. There is also strong interest in activating underutilized spaces, such as old buildings, vacant parcels, and overlooked corners
of existing parks, to support a wider range of
programming, including cooling centers, community gardens, and event spaces. These ideas speak to the creativity and adaptability of Monterey
Park’s residents, and their commitment to making
parks central to everyday life.

At the same time, the community emphasized
the importance of parks as places of wellness
and intergenerational connection. Many voiced
support for amenities such as outdoor fitness
equipment, pools, splash pads, and shaded gathering areas—features that can support seniors, children, and families alike. Residents also underscored the need for nature in the city: more trees, views, natural trails, and pollinator gardens that
contribute to mental health, environmental education, and a sense of place. These desires reflect a broader vision of parks not just as recreational
spaces, but as vital infrastructure for community
health and resilience.

Ultimately, the vision for Monterey Park’s parks
system is one of thoughtful evolution. It is a
commitment to build upon the city’s strong foundation, where every resident already lives within a 15-minute walk of a park, by enhancing the
quality, diversity, and inclusiveness of the experience each park provides. Through a combination of physical improvements, expanded programs,
and community-driven partnerships, Monterey
Park aims to create a parks system that grows
with its people, enriches its neighborhoods, and
endures for generations to come.

COMMUNITY VISION
Connection
Connecting parks,
neighborhoods, and green
spaces through safe, accessible,
and scenic pathways.

Key opportunities include creating
park pathways with bike lanes, shaded
walkways, and improved sidewalks;
developing a Hillside Ridge Trail with
scenic overlooks; expanding transit
options like shuttles and Dial-ARide for seniors and residents with limited mobility; and identifying park
expansion to enhance connectivity
and access across the city.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 205

206 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Next Generation
Upgrades
Monterey Park has a robust network of parks,
but many facilities require modernization to meet
current standards and community expectations.

Opportunity lies in renovating outdated infrastructure, such as restrooms, aquatic centers, and playgrounds, to enhance usability, cleanliness, and
universal accessibility. Upgrading sports fields, lighting, seating, and Wi-Fi connectivity will help create more welcoming and better-functioning spaces for
everyday use. Prioritized investments also include
the refurbishment and hybrid striping of tennis and
pickleball courts, along with evaluations of baseball
fields to improve safety and playability.

Parks
for Wellness
To promote lifelong health, the City can expand wellness-focused amenities that cater to all ages and abilities. Opportunities include developing indoor
pickleball courts, fitness zones, hydration stations,
and nature-based walking loops such as the Reservoir Trail. Additional wellness strategies include Tai Chi and meditative movement spaces and the
redevelopment of aquatic facilities to include yearround indoor pools, therapy pools, and splash pads—encouraging active living in all seasons.

Everyday Safety &
Long-Term Resilience
Residents voiced a strong desire for safer and
more secure park environments. Opportunities
include upgrading lighting systems to LED, improving restroom conditions, and increasing visibility and signage. Retrofitting community centers as resiliency hubs will further strengthen emergency preparedness and climate adaptation.

Shaded seating, cooling areas, and well-maintained paths ensure that parks remain safe, comfortable, and accessible for all users.

Equity &
Access Expansion
With all residents already living within a 15-minute
walk of a park, the next step is ensuring that
every park is equally high-quality and responsive to community needs. Targeted investments in underserved areas—such as ADA upgrades,
seating, and additional restrooms—can reduce
access barriers. Strategic partnerships, like joint
use agreements with Mark Keppel High School
and ELAC, can unlock new recreational and
educational opportunities, particularly for youth,
seniors, and residents with limited mobility.

OPPORTUNITY TYPOLOGIES
Resilience
The city’s mountainous
terrain and valleys present
a key opportunity to build
a multifunctional green
infrastructure system.

High-runoff areas can be managed
by placing green infrastructure and
watershed parks at the base of slopes
to capture and filter rainwater.

Additionally, valley greenbelt corridors
using bioswales, rain gardens, and
permeable paths can help absorb
stormwater and reduce downstream
flooding and pollution.

To support sustainable
transportation, these green corridors
also incorporate bike racks and
EV charging stations, encouraging
eco-friendly access while reinforcing
environmental goals.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 207

208 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Sustainability &
Green Infrastructure
Monterey Park’s natural topography provides an
opportunity to incorporate green infrastructure
throughout its parks and corridors. Expanding
watershed parks at runoff-prone areas, integrating rain gardens and bioswales, and establishing the Valley Greenway network will address stormwater issues while creating ecological, educational, and recreational value. Permeable trails, tree planting, native landscaping, and passive recreation elements like scenic overlooks further enhance
environmental sustainability.

Culture &
Community Activation
Community programming is essential for creating active, vibrant public spaces. Opportunities include activating parks with multilingual signage,
amphitheaters, art classes, outdoor classrooms,
and seasonal events such as cultural festivals, nature pop-ups, and concerts. Expanded community programming can also support
language-specific workshops, intergenerational
exchange, and inclusive learning spaces. Youth
leadership, wellness education, and after-school
programs can enrich park spaces as hubs for
lifelong learning and cultural expression.

Connected
Parks & People
Improving access between parks and neighborhoods is a key opportunity for system-wide impact. Enhancing walkable routes through the
Safe Routes to Parks program, adding shaded
rest areas, and expanding the Dial-A-Ride and
shuttle services will improve mobility, particularly for seniors and youth. The Park Connection Network, including park pathways and the Hillside
Ridge Trail, will create a city-wide spine for movement, recreation, and access to nature.

Shared Ownership
& Stewardship
Sustaining a vibrant park system depends on
local involvement. Expanding volunteer programs,
organizing clean-up events, regular park audits,
and programming with others empowers residents to care for and shape their parks. Parks can also serve as platforms for community voice
and pride through pop-up programs, neighborhood events, and partnerships that amplify local culture and environmental stewardship.

Program
Activating parks with inclusive
amenities and diverse programs
creates spaces that promote
wellbeing, cultural expression,
and lifelong engagement.

This includes adaptable features
like shaded gathering areas,
ADA-accessible trails, community
rooms, and multilingual signage.

Resilience and safety infrastructure—
such as clean restrooms, emergency
call stations, and clear wayfinding—
ensure accessibility for all.

Community-driven programming
like stewardship events, youth
leadership, and cultural pop-ups
further encourage local participation,
lifelong learning, and intergenerational
connection.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 209

210 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Long Beach Parks, Recreation,
and Marine Strategic Plan
LOCATION: City of Long Beach
ADOPTION DATE: 2022
SUMMARY:

The Long Beach Strategic Plan for the Parks,
Recreation, and Marine Department aims to
address park management, park accessibility,
and address systematic inequalities in open
space while promoting equity among marginalized communities. The Strategic Plan included community voices through outreach efforts
through multiple rounds of community and
stakeholder surveys, workshops, and events.

By promoting park equity, the Long Beach
Strategic Plan is committed to improving the
community’s safety, institutional reform in
policing, and allocation of resources.

The PRM Strategic Plan aims to transform the
historically inequitable distribution and use
of parks and recreational spaces. To achieve
park equity, the Plan outlines several goals
related to increasing safety and access to
existing parks and open spaces, promoting
health equity across the city, building innovative and lasting partnerships, and creating a financially secure and resilient operations.

The Plan also outlines a strategy for increasing park development and programming to park-poor areas of the city, particularly West,
North, and Central Long Beach.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Park equity as a central concept to this
Strategic Plan and implemented an equitable planning and outreach process to engage with underserved communities
historically marginalized from the decision making process. • The strategic planning process was built
upon both data and community engagement, with thousands of community members participating in a variety of strategies in four languages. • Reimagines underutilized uses as potential
public recreation opportunities to better
serve the community; such as joint-use
agreements with local schools.
• Identifies strategies to increase and
formalize community partnerships and
interdepartmental coordination to meet
ever-growing park programming needs.
• Emphasis on developing pathways for
increasing volunteerism, which could be
pathways to part-time and full-time employment as well as opportunities to advance their professional careers.
• Considers parks and green space as
essential aspects to community climate
resiliency and adaptation.

CASE STUDIES

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 211
Santa Ana Parks Master Plan
LOCATION: City of Santa Ana
ADOPTION DATE: 2022
SUMMARY:

The City of Santa Ana Parks Master Plan (PMP)
provides a 10-year roadmap for enhancing
the city’s parks, recreation facilities, trails,
and open spaces to improve access, equity,
and quality of life for residents. Through an
18-month, community-driven process with
over 2,000 residents, city staff, and stakeholders, the plan prioritizes park system improvements, sustainable asset management, and diverse recreational options. Key actions
include increasing funding through park
impact fees, exploring new funding sources
like voter-approved tax measures, enhancing
partnerships with local schools, and expanding parkland through strategic acquisitions and trail development, such as the proposed
Golden Loop.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Diversifies funding, generate revenues,
and support the capital and operational
investment needed to enhance the park and
recreation system.
• Strategies to expand joint-use agreements,
including collaboration with public school
districts, private schools, faith-based organizations, and community organizations to expand shared-use sites and facilities
through cooperative agreements to maximize recreation options. • Updates the joint-use agreement with SAUSD
to explore options to ensure public access to
sports fields and outdoor facilities especially
in park deficient and unserved areas.
• Interest in allowing developers a reduction in on-site open space requirements by giving credits for park land for public use.
• Partners with community organizations
to offer programs that are accessible to
residents who live in areas underserved by
open space and recreational facilities.
• Identifies enhanced lighting, cameras, or
other security features that would enhance
the safety or perceived safety of parks,
trails, and other public spaces.
• Interest in allowing developers a reduction in on-site open space requirements by giving credits for park land for public use.
• Partners with community organizations
to offer programs that are accessible to
residents who live in areas underserved by
open space and recreational facilities.
• Identifies enhanced lighting, cameras, or
other security features that would enhance
the safety or perceived safety of parks,
trails, and other public spaces.

212 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Cerritos Open Space
and Recreation Element
LOCATION: City of Cerritos
ADOPTION DATE: 2004
SUMMARY:

The City of Cerritos Open Space & Recreation
Element outlines strategies to preserve and
enhance open space areas to meet residents’
recreational needs and promote public health
and safety. As part of the City’s General Plan,
this Element encompasses plans for various
public resources, including neighborhood,
community, and regional parks, community
centers, trails, golf courses, aquatic facilities,
open space easements, and other accessible outdoor and indoor facilities. Open space resources are categorized into three key
areas: Outdoor Recreation, Day Residents,
and Public Health and Safety. The City intends
to keep these efforts aligned with community needs through regular plan reviews and community feedback from residents and
business owners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Uplifts the importance of collaborative agreements between the City of Cerritos and the school district to enhance community open
space and recreation resources by maximizing shared use of school facilities, meeting local needs through resource-sharing efforts.
• Develops cooperative arrangements with
adjacent jurisdictions and park departments for providing a coordinated set of recreational programs that provide a
broader range of recreational programs
than are already available.
• Coordinates with various civic and private
groups to provide an overall recreation
program that is well coordinated and responsive to the needs of the community.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 213
Arcadia Recreation
and Parks Master Plan
LOCATION: City of Acadia
ADOPTION DATE: 2017
SUMMARY:

The City of Arcadia’s updated Recreation
and Parks Master Plan provides a strategic
framework through 2037 to enhance residents’ quality of life by expanding and maintaining parks, recreation facilities, and leisure programs for all ages. Much like Monterey
Park, Arcadia is a mostly suburban community
with a population around 60,000, featuring a
predominantly Asian American demographic
and a strong commitment to supporting public
health, accessibility, and inclusive community spaces. Key objectives of the plan include enhancing park facilities with improved lighting, ensuring ADA compliance, expanding jointuse agreements with schools, and broadening programs in early childhood, sports, and
academics to address the needs of a diverse
and growing population.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• The City had engaged with the public
through conducting 21 interviews with
selected community leaders, civic organizations, and representatives of agencies the City had partnered with.
• Development and/update of plans/schematics
of all existing parks and recreation
• Study and analysis of current public demand
for parks, recreation, and cultural facilities
• Developments of Programs and Services
• Expansion of preschool programs
• Expansion of sports and academic programs
• Expansion of joint-use with schools for greater
accessibility
• Improvement of transportation opportunities
• Signage and banners of both English and
Chinese at public parks

214 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Bellflower Parks
and Recreation Master Plan
LOCATION: City of Bellflower
ADOPTION DATE: 2024
SUMMARY:

The nearby City of Bellflower developed its
Parks Master Plan to create a more accessible, diverse, and well-maintained park system that meets the evolving needs of the community. Rooted in community input and datadriven analysis, the plan reflects residents’ priorities and provides a roadmap for the
next decade of parks and recreation improvements. By incorporating feedback from public engagement efforts, surveys, and demographic studies, the plan identifies key initiatives to enhance park access, introduce new programs and services, and ensure the longterm health and sustainability of Bellflower’s recreational spaces. Additionally, the plan
emphasizes equity, environmental stewardship, and strategic partnerships to maximize resources and improve overall park quality.

These initiatives will guide future investments,
ensuring that Bellflower’s parks remain
vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs
of its growing and diverse population.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• To involve the community, the City of Bellflower held pop-up events and workshops, collecting 723 surveys from residents on
evaluating the city’s park and recreation
facilities.
• Respondents of the survey had reported
the most significant facilities and services
include community/neighborhood parks,
trails, pathways, and open space areas.

Additionally, the respondents found improvising amenities (restrooms, picnic areas) important priorities.
• Prioritize the future of parks the City has
interest in acquiring private land or partnering with other entities to improve park access.
• Create a distinct place within Bellflower
parks and recreation facilities showcasing the city’s diversity, culture, and history; while ensuring the parks are designed with
sustainability.
• Strategies potential funding sources for
specific park projects from state grants. In
addition to funding programs, traditional
funding and financing tools would be used to
advance parks projects.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 215
Culver City Parks Plan
LOCATION: City of Culver City
ADOPTION DATE: 2023
SUMMARY:

The Culver City Parks, Recreation, and
Community Services Department developed a
comprehensive Parks Plan to shape the next
generation of parks and recreational facilities
with a strong focus on equity, accessibility,
and community well-being. Through an extensive engagement process involving residents, city departments, and local organizations, the
plan reflects community-driven priorities and
identifies opportunities for enhancing park
spaces, expanding recreational programming,
and improving overall accessibility. The Parks
Plan outlines strategic recommendations for
infrastructure upgrades, facility enhancements, and new programming that address the evolving needs of Culver City’s diverse
population. Additionally, it explores funding
opportunities, partnerships, and innovative
strategies to support long-term implementation and sustainability. By guiding future investments in parks and recreation, the
Parks Plan ensures that Culver City’s public
spaces remain inclusive, well-maintained, and
vibrant for generations to come.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Culver City had outreached to its community through pop-ups, online posting, and analog flyers. This outreached had
surveyed 857 Culver City residents on the
uses of parks and facilities.
• To increase resident access to parks, Culver
City is suggested to a MOU with Culver City
Unified School District. Blacno Park is a joint
use between the school the city.
• In exploring funding sources, the City had
found potential funding options in county,
state, and federal levels.
• At the county level, Culver City could potentially
find funding in developer fees, park bonds,
and county measures. While at the state and
federal level grants would be awarded.
• To create revenue from the parks, it is
suggested that the parks have rental fees for
commercial uses and create events for food
and beverage partners. However, parks must
be remained free and open to the public.

216 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
San Gabriel Parks and
Open Space Master Plan
LOCATION: City of San Gabriel
ADOPTION DATE: 2018
SUMMARY:

The San Gabriel Community Services Department developed an Open Space Master Plan to establish a long-term vision for improving and
expanding open spaces in the city. This plan
aims to enhance accessibility, equity, and recreational opportunities for all residents, ensuring that parks and public spaces serve the diverse
needs of the community. Through an extensive community engagement process, including surveys, workshops, and stakeholder meetings,
residents provided input on their priorities,
highlighting the need for expanded park amenities, improved maintenance, and additional programming. The findings emphasized that
further development of community resources
is necessary to address gaps in access, particularly in underserved areas. The plan outlines strategies for increasing parkland, improving
existing facilities, and integrating sustainable
and inclusive design principles to create a more
resilient and welcoming public space network.

By guiding future investments and policy decisions, the Open Space Master Plan ensures that San Gabriel’s parks and recreational spaces
continue to evolve in response to community
needs and environmental challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• San Gabriel had held six focus group meetings with residents and staff for community input in addition to a public presentation.
• A community survey was sent to a random
sample of San Gabriel residents with a total
of 581 complete responses.
• Respondents had commented on a desire
for a beautification and enhanced maintenance of parks and facilities • The City maintains five outdoor parks, for
a total of 19 acres of parkland. Joint-use
agreements are in place at two elementary
schools, but not all facilities provide open
access for residents.
• With the current park deficiencies in San
Gabriel, future opportunity sites had been
identified throughout the city for the creation
of pocket parks, further joint-agreements,
acquiring more spaces, and further installation for walkability and transportation. • From community surveying, meetings, and
service analysis it is recommended for San
Gabriel to address issues of: expand open
space and parks, expand bike paths and trail
connectivity, maintain and improve facilities and amenities, improve ADA accessibility at all facilities, build on opportunities to increase partnership within the community

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 217
Uptown Open Space Vision Plan
LOCATION: City of Long Beach
DATE OF ADOPTION: 2018
SUMMARY:

The Uptown Open Space Vision Plan serves
as a strategic and guiding document for the
Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine
Department, shaping the future development of public open spaces in the Uptown area. This vision plan establishes a comprehensive framework for creating, enhancing, and sustaining green spaces, ensuring they
are accessible, well-maintained, and responsive to community needs. It provides a roadmap for expanding recreational opportunities, improving connectivity between parks, and
integrating sustainable design principles to
promote environmental resilience. By outlining key priorities, such as park expansion, multi-benefit green infrastructure, and equitable access to recreation, the plan helps guide decision-making, funding strategies, and
future implementation efforts. Ultimately, the
Uptown Open Space Vision Plan plays a critical
role in shaping a healthier, greener, and more
vibrant public realm for Long Beach residents.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Guide the public investment of open space
and greenway projects for the City of Long
Beach as well as public and private partners.
• Demographics: 11 neighborhoods, 58%
Hispanic, 19% black, 12% Asian, 10% non-Hispanic whites • Highly extensive engagement process that
involved thousands of residents over a
multi-phase outreach process.
• Identified over 170 unique open spaces,
mostly underutilized land uses
• Strategies to Improve active transportation
in a variety of places.
• Introduce bike boulevards on various
neighborhood streets to connect parks.
• Add Class II bike lanes on several streets.
• Enhance active transportation connection
to the LA River Trail.
• Improve active transportation east-west
connections of the LA River and I710.
• Incorporate an urban forests to address
environment and public health hazards.

218 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

CONTEXT IMPLEMENTATION

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 219

220 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
The City of Monterey Park
has developed and adopted
a number of foundational
policies and plans that inform
and support GROW Monterey
Park, the City’s Parks System
Master Plan. This plan seeks to
guide the equitable expansion
of publicly accessible open
spaces and community
amenities throughout the city.

GROW Monterey Park brings together these
relevant projects, programs, and policies
and organizes them according to Open Space
Opportunity Types. These Implementation
Measures can be pursued comprehensively
through citywide initiatives or advanced
through targeted actions specific to each
Opportunity Type.

The Implementation Measures are intended
to support the realization of the open space,
park, and connectivity projects proposed in
this Plan. For instance, rather than approaching each site individually, the City may consider broader strategies—such as creating a standard framework or agreement with institutional or private landowners—that
streamline partnerships and establish consistent design and programming expectations.

These frameworks would create clarity and
efficiency for all parties involved.

This section is organized by Opportunity Types,
each representing a distinct category of open
space development with unique opportunities and challenges. By classifying Implementation Measures in this way, GROW Monterey Park lays the foundation for coordinated policy
development, interagency collaboration, and
strategic community partnerships. In addition,
this section outlines approaches to financial
sustainability, offering general funding strategies aligned with each Opportunity Type and supporting long-term park system growth.

OVERVIEW

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 221
The GROW Master Plan is intended to serve as a
living, guiding document that supports the longterm vision for parks, recreation, and open space in the City of Monterey Park. Grounded in community-identified priorities, key data findings, and alignment with the City’s broader strategic goals,
the plan outlines a phased approach to implementation that can adapt over time. Its recommendations are designed to be flexible and responsive, advancing as funding becomes available for projects, programming, operations, and maintenance.

By prioritizing equity, access, and sustainability,
the GROW Master Plan provides a clear roadmap
for enhancing the city’s public spaces and recreation offerings in a way that reflects the voices and needs of Monterey Park residents.

The following section presents a comprehensive
set of recommendations that includes suggested
projects, programming, and policy initiatives, organized by priority. These priorities are informed by extensive research and meaningful engagement with the Monterey Park community and City Officials. The recommendations are intended to
improve and expand the city’s parks system and
recreational facilities by enhancing accessibility,
increasing safety, promoting health and wellness,
and fostering greater inclusion. By centering the
needs and values of residents, these proposed
actions aim to create sustainable, intergenerational, and high quality public spaces that celebrate the diversity of Monterey Park and meet the long
term needs of its growing population.

ACTION PLAN

222 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Projects
The City of Monterey Park plans to implement a wide range of park improvements across its entire park system, with a strong emphasis on enhancing accessibility, safety, and community wellness. These initiatives are intended to encourage active and healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Proposed upgrades include the renovation of existing sports facilities, the enhancement of outdoor fitness zones, and the integration of new public safety features such as lighting and visibility improvements to ensure that public spaces are welcoming and secure.

In addition to these system-wide improvements, signature proposed projects demonstrate the city’s commitment to expanding the availability of open space and enriching recreational experiences. These projects will provide residents with increased opportunities for nature access, exercise, and leisure, while also enhancing the city’s environmental resilience.

Recognizing the cultural richness and diversity of Monterey Park’s communities, the City also aims to implement inclusive design strategies, including multilingual signage and dedicated spaces for culturally relevant programs such as Tai Chi, family gatherings, and intergenerational play.

These improvements are thoughtfully categorized across various levels of priority, allowing for a phased and strategic approach to implementation. Collectively, the proposed efforts strive to build a parks and recreation system that reflects community values, fosters social connection, and meets the evolving needs of Monterey Park’s residents now and into the future.

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 223

224 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Timeline Project Name & Statement Project Rationale
[Varies] Citywide Park Amenity Upgrades and Additions:

This effort aims to improve the quality, safety, and usability of existing parks across the city by enhancing or replacing core amenities based on direct community input. This effort prioritizes the modernization of park infrastructure—such as restrooms, sports courts, picnic tables, lighting, water fountains, shade structures, building repairs, and ADA accessibility improvements—to meet current community needs and create more welcoming, functional public spaces.

Through extensive community engagement, residents overwhelmingly expressed a desire to invest in and upgrade the existing park system before expanding the park network. Rather than calling for entirely new parks, participants emphasized the importance of bringing current parks up to a higher standard, repairing what’s worn, replacing what no longer serves, and adding amenities that reflect how parks are actively used today. These desired upgrades vary by location and are detailed in the park profiles in the Introduction section of this Plan. This citywide approach ensures that every neighborhood benefits from targeted, community-informed improvements that enhance comfort, accessibility, safety, and programming potential.

Short-Term Restroom Renovation and Maintenance Improvements:

Proposal for a a citywide renovation and maintenace update of all park restrooms to improve accessibility, safety, and ease of maintenance. The project aims to expand restroom facilities to better accommodate children, seniors, and families while incorporating best practices in restroom design to enhance cleanliness, security, and long-term sustainability.

Upgrading park restrooms is essential to improving accessibility, safety, and overall park user experience for Monterey Park residents; this was the top park idea that came from the community engagment. Many existing restroom facilities are outdated, undersized, and not designed to accommodate families, seniors, youth, and individuals with mobility challenges. By improving the upkeep of our existing park restrooms (incorporating best practices such as ADA-compliant layouts, family-friendly features, and touchless fixtures), the City can create more safe and accessible park experiences that encourages longer park visits and promotes a greater sense of community pride. Additionally, promoting cleanliness through clear signage (highly visual, multiple City langauges), installing security cameras outside for added safety, and using durable, low-maintenance materials will help ensure that these restrooms remain welcoming and functional for years to come. Investing in modernized restroom facilities aligns with the City’s commitment to providing high-quality public amenities that enhance comfort, usability, and public health in Monterey Park’s parks. The community identified that the maintanence of public restrooms is a top priority, and that there is potential to identify a vendor(s) that can provide restroom upkeep services multiple times per week at each park.

Short-Term Citywide Tennis and Pickleball Court Upgrades:

Maintain and refurbish existing tennis courts while exploring the opportunity for dedicated pickleball courts to accommodate growing demand for both sports. The city will look to resurface tennis courts and upgrade existing pickleball facilities, such as those at Bella Vista Park. Where space and design allow, dedicated pickleball courts may be developed to reduce conflicts between users.

Pickleball have experienced tremendous growth nationwide, and the San Gabriel Valley has become a hub for the sport, with Monterey Park—particularly Barnes Park—serving as a key gathering place for players of all ages. As more residents take up pickleball for its accessibility, social nature, and health benefits, demand for quality courts has surged. Tennis courts in the city are heavily utilized and in need of resurfacing. By resurfacing the tennis courts and providing dedicated pickleball courts at Barnes, Sierra Vista, and Bella Vista Parks, the City can ensure that courts remain in excellent condition while reducing scheduling conflicts. Investing in these upgrades will support Monterey Park’s role as a regional destination for tennis and pickleball, strengthen community recreation options, and enhance the long-term usability of park facilities.

Short-Term Indoor Pickleball Courts:

To meet the growing demand for year-round pickleball play, explore the development of indoor pickleball courts. These facilities would provide a weather-proof option for players of all skill levels, ensuring access regardless of heat, rain, or other outdoor conditions. The courts could be incorporated into an existing or new multi-use recreation center, maximizing space efficiency while supporting the city’s role as a regional hub for pickleball.

Pickleball has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, particularly in the San Gabriel Valley, where Barnes Park and other locations attract large numbers of players. However, the lack of indoor courts limits opportunities for play during extreme weather conditions or when outdoor courts are unavailable.

By investing in indoor facilities, the City can provide a more consistent playing experience, reduce strain on existing outdoor courts, and support a growing community of players who rely on the sport for social and physical activity. Additionally, engagement with nearby residents will be essential in determining the best location, hours of operation, and facility design to ensure minimal impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Addressing noise concerns, parking availability, and scheduling coordination with other recreational programs will help create a facility that benefits the entire community while maintaining harmony with adjacent land uses.

POTENTIAL

PROJECTS

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 225
Responsible Party Partner Parties
People
Powered? Cost Range Upgrades Safety Sustainability Quality Health Equity Culture Education Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
[Varies]
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Neighborhood
Groups
- Community-Based
Organizations
- Park Advocacy
Groups
Priority Recommendation = (Top 5 from Community Survey)

226 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Timeline Project Name & Statement Project Rationale
Short-Term Highly Visual Graphics & Multilingual Signage:

Implement highly visual, multilingual signage throughout parks and public spaces to ensure accessibility, clarity, and cultural inclusivity for all Monterey Park residents and visitors. This includes park rules, wayfinding, interpretive signs, and program information designed with clear icons, illustrations, and translations in the city’s most spoken languages.

Monterey Park is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse cities in the region.

Community engagement revealed a need for clearer communication in parks—especially for seniors, non-English speakers, and new users unfamiliar with available resources or expectations. Residents asked for signage that is easy to understand, visually intuitive, and reflective of the community’s language diversity. Whether directing someone to a restroom, sharing rules for a sports court, or explaining a new program, clear and inclusive communication builds trust, improves user experience, and affirms cultural belonging.

Short-Term Citywide Pet Waste Dispenser Project:

Expand the installation of dog waste bag dispensers at all major park entrances and along popular walking routes throughout Monterey Park.

This initiative promotes responsible pet ownership, keeps parks clean and enjoyable for all users, and supports a safer, more welcoming experience for families, seniors, and pet owners alike.

Community members have repeatedly highlighted the need for cleaner parks and more resources for dog owners—especially in high-traffic parks and along walking trails. A common concern was the lack of pet waste dispensers at key entry points, leading to uncollected waste that affects cleanliness, sanitation, and overall park enjoyment. By installing clearly visible dispensers at entrances and along paths, the City encourages responsible pet care while reducing the burden on maintenance staff. This simple, low-cost improvement helps keep lawns, trails, and play areas free of waste, creating a more comfortable and hygienic environment for all.

Short-Term Sierra Vista Park Playground:

Sierra Vista Park is an essential recreational space in Monterey Park, serving a diverse and growing community. This project proposes upgrading the playground to serve users of all ability levels , ensuring diverse and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities.

Additionally, the playground will incorporate a unique theme that aligns with Monterey Park’s broader network of city parks, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for families.

LA County and the Monterey Park community has identified Sierra Vista Park as a priority for improvements, particularly given its role in serving a high-need community. Enhancing the playground with accessible and inclusive features supports the city’s commitment to equity and recreational access for all residents. A themed design will not only make the playground more inviting but also strengthen its connection to the city’s overall park system, encouraging broader community engagement. This project will provide lasting social, physical, and mental health benefits while addressing the critical need for high-quality, inclusive play spaces in Monterey Park.

Medium-Term Safe Routes to Parks:

Collaborate with the Public Works Department to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections to parks, particularly in areas with limited vehicle access. Many Monterey Park residents rely on walking, biking, or public transit to reach public spaces. Enhancing infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and wayfinding signage will improve safety and promote active transportation. Prioritized improvements should include sidewalk upgrades citywide and implementation of Complete Streets along Monterey Pass Road—an important corridor for multimodal access. Additionally, a map of the safe bike routes across the city should be developed and widely shared to help residents navigate safe, bike-friendly routes to parks and community destinations. This approach supports broader climate and mobility goals while ensuring equitable, safe, and convenient access to parks for all residents.

Many Monterey Park residents rely on walking, biking, or public transit to access public spaces.

Improving pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit infrastructure, such as crosswalks, lighting, bicycle parking, and wayfinding signage, will enhance safety and encourage active transportation to parks. This approach also aligns with regional climate and mobility goals.

Medium-Term Outdoor Fitness Zones:

Install free-to-use outdoor fitness equipment and designate walking loops to promote physical activity.

Providing free-to-use fitness equipment and walking loops encourages physical activity, such as stretching, muscle-building, and cardio, which is essential for physical health. These installations promote exercise opportunities for residents who may face financial or time constraints that limit access to gyms or fitness centers.

POTENTIAL

PROJECTS

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 227
Responsible Party Partner Parties
People
Powered? Cost Range Upgrades Safety Sustainability Quality Health Equity Culture Education Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Recreation & Parks
Commission
- Community-Based
Organizations
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Recreation & Parks
Commission
- Community-Based
Organizations
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Community
Development
Department
- Community-Based
Organizations
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department

228 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Timeline Project Name & Statement Project Rationale
Medium-Term Joint Use Agreement with Mark Keppel High School:

Pursue a formal Joint Use Agreement (JUA) with Mark Keppel High School and the Alhambra Unified School District to expand community access to recreational and educational facilities. This partnership will allow shared use of designated spaces such as athletic fields, gymnasiums, and classrooms to enhance recreational programming, community services, and youth development opportunities for Monterey Park residents.

A formal JUA will ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and funding mechanisms for maintenance, scheduling, liability, and operations.

Given Mark Keppel High School’s proximity to Monterey Park, this agreement would provide residents with greater access to recreational and educational spaces without requiring significant new infrastructure investments. This collaboration will help increase the availability of sports fields and courts for youth and adult recreational programs, provide indoor and outdoor spaces for after-school activities and cultural programming, and support technology and skill-building workshops. Additionally, a JUA will allow the City and the Alhambra Unified School District to maximize public resources by ensuring efficient use of existing facilities while minimizing duplication of services.

The City will work closely with the school district to develop a mutually beneficial agreement that prioritizes community access while respecting the school’s primary function as an educational institution.

Medium-Term Cool Monterey Park - Retrofit Community Hubs for Climate Resilience:

Retrofit existing community and recreation centers to serve as Resiliency Hubs—safe, accessible spaces that support residents during climaterelated emergencies such as extreme heat, power outages, or other disasters. These hubs will provide essential services including cooling and heating centers, backup power, emergency supply storage, clean water stations, and communication infrastructure. As part of the citywide Cool Monterey Park initiative, these hubs will anchor a broader network of heat relief resources, including shaded splash pads, tree-covered rest areas, and a formalized cooling center policy. Barnes Park will serve as the first pilot site, followed by other high-priority locations in areas with dense residential populations and large senior communities.

As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme heat and other climate-related hazards, Monterey Park must take proactive steps to protect its most vulnerable residents—especially seniors, families, and low-income households who may lack access to air conditioning or safe outdoor areas during heat events. Community and recreation centers are ideally positioned to serve as Resiliency Hubs due to their accessibility, central locations, and trusted role in neighborhoods. Retrofitting these facilities with backup power, cooling systems, water stations, emergency supplies, and communication infrastructure will enhance the City’s ability to respond during emergencies while fostering year-round education on disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and community resource-sharing. Community engagement has highlighted the urgent need for indoor cooling spaces, shaded areas, and water-based features.

Parks such as Barnes Park, Sierra Vista Park, and George E. Elder Park were identified as key locations for expanded cooling infrastructure. The Cool Monterey Park initiative proposes a multi-layered strategy—combining Resiliency Hub retrofits, shaded splash pads, expanded tree canopy, and a citywide cooling center policy—to deliver immediate heat relief and long-term climate resilience.

Medium-Term Improved Green Infrastructure and Watershed Parks:

Improve stormwater management within its park system by integrating green infrastructure solutions that address runoff in hilly and impervious areas. Given the city’s natural topography, many parks experience significant water runoff during rainfall, leading to erosion, localized flooding, and water quality issues. To mitigate these impacts, the City will prioritize the installation of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pathways, and other nature-based solutions within City-owned parks. These interventions will be strategically placed in areas most affected by runoff to capture, filter, and slow rainwater before it enters the drainage system, reducing pollution and enhancing groundwater recharge.

By implementing green infrastructure in Monterey Park’s public parks, the City will not only improve water management but also create multiple environmental and community benefits. These improvements will help stabilize soil, reduce maintenance costs associated with erosion damage, and enhance the ecological function of park landscapes. Additionally, incorporating green infrastructure will provide shade, improve air quality, and create more visually appealing and functional park spaces for residents. The City will engage community members in the planning and stewardship of these projects to foster public awareness and long-term sustainability. Furthermore, Monterey Park will seek partnerships with regional water agencies and pursue grant funding to support the design, installation, and maintenance of green infrastructure within its parks. Regular monitoring will ensure the long-term effectiveness of these systems, reinforcing the City’s commitment to sustainability, resilience, and high-quality public spaces for all residents.

POTENTIAL

PROJECTS

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 229
Responsible Party Partner Parties
People
Powered? Cost Range Upgrades Safety Sustainability Quality Health Equity Culture Education Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- School Districts
- Neighborhood Groups
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Community
Development
Department

230 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Timeline Project Name & Statement Project Rationale
Medium-Term Park Lighting and Safety Upgrade:

Upgrade all park lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures and expand lighting coverage throughout the park to enhance safety, visibility, and usability—particularly in key areas such as pathways, sports courts, playgrounds, and parking lots. The project includes adding new lighting where needed, integrating select fixtures with security cameras, and improving lighting for evening use of sports courts.

These enhancements will support extended park hours, increase recreational access, and address safety concerns for all park users.

Through recent community engagement efforts, residents expressed ongoing concerns about park safety—especially the lack of adequate lighting and limited emergency response options. Families, seniors, and evening park users emphasized the need for better visibility and accessible security measures to feel safe using parks after dark. Many existing lighting systems rely on outdated, inefficient fixtures that fail to provide sufficient illumination, contributing to visibility issues and higher energy costs. Upgrading to modern LED lighting will significantly improve brightness, visibility, and energy efficiency across key areas such as pathways, playgrounds, parking lots, and sports courts—enhancing both user comfort and player safety. The project also includes expanding lighting to currently underlit areas and integrating select light fixtures with security cameras to deter vandalism and support emergency response.

By increasing public confidence in park safety, this initiative will encourage more evening use, support social interaction, and promote equitable access to parks for all residents. It aligns with Monterey Park’s goals of sustainability, public safety, and enhanced recreational access—creating a more welcoming and secure environment for community members of all ages.

Medium-Term Tai Chi and Meditative Movement Spaces:

Identify and develop designated spaces in parks for Tai Chi and other meditative, low-impact physical activities. These spaces could include smooth, even surfaces for safe movement, shade-providing trees, and calming natural elements such as gardens or water features.

Thoughtful placement of these areas will ensure accessibility for seniors and community members seeking gentle exercise and relaxation. Establish a reservation system for these spaces. These spaces could be tied in with the Nature Therapy and Mindfulness and wellness (programs).

Tai Chi is a deeply rooted practice in Monterey Park, particularly among older adults who rely on it for balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. However, existing park spaces do not always provide ideal conditions for practice, with uneven terrain, limited shade, and competition for space. Dedicated Tai Chi areas will create welcoming environments where residents can engage in mindful movement while benefiting from improved accessibility, shade, and natural surroundings. Community engagement will be key to determining the best locations for these spaces, ensuring they are easily accessible while minimizing conflicts with other park uses. Nearby residents should be consulted to address concerns related to noise, placement, and potential impacts on existing park activities. By incorporating community input, the City can develop spaces that support wellness while enhancing the overall park experience for all users.

Medium-Term Citywide Park and Recreation Center Wi-Fi Connectivity:

Explore the expansion of Wi-Fi connectivity across all City parks and recreation centers to support digital inclusion and provide a modern amenity for park users. This initiative will ensure that residents of all ages have reliable internet access in outdoor and community spaces, enabling opportunities for learning, recreation, and connection. The project will explore partnerships with internet service providers, grant opportunities, and infrastructure improvements to deliver strong and secure public Wi-Fi.

Expanding Wi-Fi access in parks and recreation centers will help bridge the digital divide by providing free internet access to residents, particularly students, job seekers, and seniors who may lack reliable connectivity at home. Parks can serve as outdoor learning hubs, where students can complete homework, access educational resources, and participate in virtual learning programs. Recreation centers can support digital literacy workshops, workforce development training, and community engagement efforts. Beyond education, public Wi-Fi will allow residents to access City services, stay connected with family and friends, and enhance park experiences through interactive programs and mobile-guided activities. Implementing this amenity aligns with modern urban park planning strategies and ensures that Monterey Park’s public spaces remain relevant and accessible in a digital age. Thoughtful planning, including community input and security measures, will be critical to ensuring a reliable, equitable, and beneficial network for all park users.

POTENTIAL

PROJECTS

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 231
Responsible Party Partner Parties
People
Powered? Cost Range Upgrades Safety Sustainability Quality Health Equity Culture Education Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Police Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Neighborhood Groups
- Community-Based
Organizations
- Park Advocacy
Groups
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Community
Development
Department
- Community-Based
Organizations
- School Districts

232 GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Timeline Project Name & Statement Project Rationale
Medium-Term Baseball/softball Field Evaluations and Upgrades:

Assess and improve existing baseball fields citywide to better serve local teams and the broader community. This initiative will focus on enhancing field conditions through increased daily to weekly maintenance, adding equipment to support infield upkeep, and improving organization of maintenance tools. It will also enhance spectator comfort by upgrading benches, fencing, and lighting—ensuring facilities are safe, wellmaintained, and welcoming for all users.

Well-maintained baseball fields are essential for player safety, team development, and community engagement. Upgrading fields—including replanting turf, improving upkeep, and preventing injuries for baseball, football, and soccer players—will enhance playability and longevity. Acknowledging ongoing maintenance issues at Sequoia Park and Garvey Ranch Park, such as lumpy grass, gopher holes, and dog waste, addressing these hazards will improve safety and usability for players and parkgoers.

Additionally, advocating for more shade structures will increase comfort and encourage greater attendance at games and events. Installing bat and helmet racks, following best practices from other communities, will promote better organization and facility cleanliness. These upgrades will strengthen Monterey Park’s commitment to quality recreational spaces, benefiting athletes, families, and sports organizations citywide.

Medium-Term Grow Native Monterey Park:

Promote the use of native and drought-tolerant plant species across all Monterey Park parks and public landscapes. This initiative will prioritize habitat restoration, sustainable landscape practices, and climate resilience by incorporating native plants in new park projects, retrofits, medians, parkways, and community gateways.

Through recent community engagement, residents consistently voiced a desire for greener, more sustainable parks that support both environmental stewardship and long-term maintenance efficiency. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring significantly less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native species. Their use enhances biodiversity, supports local pollinators, and improves habitat for birds and beneficial insects. By incorporating native species citywide—including in medians, rights-ofway, and along major corridors—Monterey Park can reduce irrigation costs, increase climate resilience, and create a more unified ecological identity across public spaces. This initiative also aligns with regional sustainability goals and complements green infrastructure strategies such as stormwater management and urban heat mitigation. A coordinated effort to introduce native planting palettes in all park projects and city landscapes will demonstrate environmental leadership and respond directly to community priorities for a greener, healthier city.

Medium-Term Citywide Trail Network - Walk, Connect, Explore:

Develop a cohesive citywide trail network by enhancing existing walking loops and nature trails in parks, installing clear mileage signage, and mapping out trail connections across Monterey Park. This initiative promotes walking for recreation and transportation, encourages healthy habits, and positions trails as both local amenities and connectors between neighborhoods, parks, schools, and city destinations. As part of this effort, the Citywide Trail Network will integrate larger regional trail experiences—such as the Scenic Hillside Trails & Overlook Project— offering residents access to both everyday walking loops and destination trails that celebrate Monterey Park’s natural topography and views.

Community feedback highlighted strong interest in walking trails, especially those with clear mileage markers that encourage daily movement, goal setting, and social walking habits. Parks like Barnes Park and Highlands Park already serve as informal walking loops, and adding clear, standardized signage—for example, “4 laps = 1 mile”—would help residents of all ages engage in accessible, low-cost exercise. In addition to enhancing existing park trails, Monterey Park can utilize trails as an alternative mobility network, linking parks, schools, neighborhoods, and commercial areas. This supports regional climate and health goals by encouraging non-vehicular travel, reducing emissions, and increasing physical activity. A publicly available trail map, combined with wayfinding and trail signage, will help residents navigate and fully utilize the network. Creating a more connected, legible, and inviting trail system across the city addresses both recreation and transportation needs, while advancing equity and wellness.

Medium-Term Citywide Solar Canopy Project:

Install solar panel systems above parking lots in parks and public facilities to generate renewable energy, provide shaded parking, and contribute to the city’s climate goals. These solar structures will support energy needs for park operations, EV charging stations, and potential emergency power backup, while making underutilized paved areas more productive and environmentally responsible.

As part of Monterey Park’s broader commitment to sustainability, installing solar panels over parking lots offers a practical, high-impact strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Community feedback has consistently supported green infrastructure and climate resilience, with residents calling for more visible action on clean energy and smarter use of space. Parking lots, which are often wide and exposed, present an ideal opportunity to integrate solar energy without taking up additional space. This initiative aligns with regional and state sustainability targets and positions Monterey Park as a leader in environmentally responsible park and facility design.

POTENTIAL

PROJECTS

GROW MONTEREY PARK PARKS SYSTEM MASTER PLAN 233
Responsible Party Partner Parties
People
Powered? Cost Range Upgrades Safety Sustainability Quality Health Equity Culture Education Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
- Police Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Community
Development
Department
- Public Works
Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department
Recreation and
Community Services
Department
- Public Works
Department