Community Input Direct community input is an important source of information that can be used to guide decisions about development priorities. As mentioned in the discussion of needs assessments, the community can provide information about the types of uses that are most important to them. Needs assessments in a neighborhood targeted by R2G-LA for green field creation would provide more specific information about desired programming. Furthermore, community input could be a valuable source of information about particular red fields that are most in need of transformation. This could be due to observed public safety risks, perceived devaluation of neighborhood property values, sources of disruption in the community, etc. It could also gauge the community’s perception of properties that would have the most profound impact on the community, due to accessibility, visibility, or proximity to other uses. In addition, community support and buy-in is important for the success and acceptance of green fields by the community. During the design phase, participatory design strategies can be used to engage the community in programming decisions. Community forums or focus groups may be useful tools for participatory design. Some of the green field solutions developed in this document are outside common ideas of what parks can be, and community members may not realize that these types of park solutions are possible, or understand their importance as part of a green space network. Therefore,
the facilitators of community outreach events can take suggestions from the community while also educating the public about the benefits of various green field solutions.
Neighborhood Master Planning Neighborhood master planning is a tool to plan for the proper distribution of green field types within a neighborhood. At this stage, suitability studies can be combined with prioritization studies such as needs assessments. In this way, a neighborhood plan can be developed that would ensure that the distribution of green field types would take into account other nearby green fields, so that a balance of various facilities within the neighborhood is achieved. Without this process, over-building certain prioritized programming (e.g. active recreation uses) at sites in close proximity to each other might result in under-utilized green fields and wasted money. Overall, green fields should function as a network of neighborhood parks by which the needs of a community are met through diverse programming at different sites. This planning process is especially recommended in the case of converting many red fields to green fields at once within a neighborhood. Careful planning, organizing and consideration of community needs are essential to the development of a strategic green field network. Furthermore, neighborhood master planning can facilitate coordination with other community projects and existing efforts.
Figure 9–1.  R2G-LA tour of Westlake with local planner Enrique Velasquez (center) and steering committee members
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Red Fields to Green Fields Los Angeles