Green space and recreation programs are vital for a dense city like West Hollywood. In addition to helping the City strengthen community and encourage healthy habits, parks and recreation programs provide places to relax and enjoy. Green space and trees also help reduce heat island effects, which are caused by heat buildup in streets, sidewalks, and buildings.

This project will update the City of West Hollywood's General Plan Parks and Recreation Element, which will support the City's goals to keep parks and recreation programs as a center-point of serving the needs of the community.

In urban planning, an "Element" refers to distinct components and features that contribute to the overall character and functions of a city. These elements can be physical, such as parks or streets, or they can be conceptual, such as programs. Elements are part of the General Plan, which is a guiding document in the City.

We'll combine information and priorities gathered from community members during this update process with input gathered during the visioning for the WeHo 40 Strategic Plan (which has been completed) and the Plummer Park Improvement Plan (which is currently underway).

The City of West Hollywood's Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan was last updated in 2011. A lot has changed since then, and it's time to bring it up-to-date. Additionally, the State passed new legislation requiring all cities in California to review and update their local open space plans by January 1, 2026.

This legislation has new requirements. Cities now must have a plan to address:

• Access to open space for all residents, considering social, economic, and racial equity;

• Climate resilience and other co-benefits of open space; and

• Rewilding opportunities.

It's the perfect opportunity to update the City's park and recreational goals and plans for the future.