Cooling communities through parks and recreation
Extreme heat is one of the most immediate and unequal climate risks facing Los Angeles County. The County’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) has shown that communities most exposed to extreme heat are often those with limited tree canopy, fewer parks, and a higher concentration of heat-absorbing surfaces. These same communities frequently lack access to safe, welcoming places to cool down. As temperatures rise and heat waves become more frequent, the need for practical, place-based solutions has become increasingly urgent.
The LA County Heat Action Plan (CHAP), recently adopted by the Board of Supervisors, responds to this challenge with a coordinated framework focused on three goals: cooling outdoor spaces, creating heat-resilient indoor environments, and expanding heat-safety communications and programs. While the plan spans multiple sectors, parks and recreation systems are deeply embedded in its strategies and actions. Importantly, the CHAP builds on a broader foundation of county efforts, including the Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP), the Parks Needs Assessment (PNA) and Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+), and the Our County Sustainability Plan, which together help guide where and how investments are made.
