Our parks and open spaces represent the best of our communities. CD10 has ramped up efforts to ensure that community members have safe, equitable, and accessible outdoor spaces especially for our communities of color.
“It is our responsibility, as public servants, to make sure that residents have safe, equitable, spaces. Over my entire career, I have been committed to creating public spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring to all community members and will continue to do so,” said Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas.
Over the past few months, CD10 has partnered with several community organizations and key stakeholders to highlight this issue. Recently, CD10 joined the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks to host the Vineyard Recreation ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“These investments, in simply things like playgrounds, are the ones that matter: They are investments in the health and well-being of our youth. This is the clean, safe and welcoming infrastructure we need to ensure our kids thrive. I know this will be a spot where many special memories will be made, and I am honored to celebrate this small, but vital milestone,” said Councilmember Ridley-Thomas.
Some of the play area improvements at Vineyard Recreation Center includes the replacement of existing play equipment, installation of new fitness equipment, and resilient surfacing and shade sails. Additional amenities include new trash receptacles, benches, a hydration station, travel path and parking lot improvements.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, this month Councilmember Ridley-Thomas participated in the National Wildlife Federation’s Creating Safe Spaces National Town Hall. The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest and most trusted conservation organization, working across the country to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice.
“If we want to see investment in communities of color, we need to make sure that leaders are prepared to engage their stakeholders on what the true needs are in their backyards. I look forward to working with my community to continue this work,” stated Councilmember Ridley-Thomas.
To watch the full town hall click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFkpNiXVeNU
For more information and updates on your local park visit: www.laparks.org/