Park Assessment Report

CITY OF COMPTON PARKS & RECREATION PARK ASSESSMENT MEETING February 3, 2016 Report by: Dr. Aubrey Relf - Interim Deputy Director

Introduction During December 2015 through February 2016 the Department of Parks and Recreation of the County of Los Angeles conducted an unprecedented outreach program with all municipalities and unincorporated areas with the County in order to educate County residents and stakeholders on the state of park assets and to gather input on the need for repair and amenities and new parks. We submitted our finding to County Parks who will then assess and compile the input into a comprehensive report to the LA County of Board of Supervisors (BOS).

The final report to BOS will include a fiscal assessment. The BOS will then determine what actions will be taken.

Community Assessment Agreement The County granted the City of Compton Parks and Recreation Department $2,500 to complete the Park Assessment Community Engagement Meeting. Parks and Recreation received the funds because they completed the online park assessment project and then completed the, “Compton Community Engagement Plan,” application.

February 3, 2016 City of Compton Parks Assessment Meeting The City of Compton Park Assessment meeting took place at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center, 301 N. Tamarind Ave. Compton, CA 90220 from approximately 5:30pm to 7pm. Thirty five (35) residents took part. Coffee, water, Lemonade, fruits, and other healthy snacks were available for the free of charge.

The meeting was presided over by Dr. Aubrey Relf (Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation of the City of Compton). The City of Compton utilized funds received from the county to contract with William C. Velasquez Institute’s (WCVI) Antonio Gonzalez to help facilitate a legitimate public participation process. Dr Relf explained the County Park Assessment process and went through a Compton-specific Power-point presentation while simultaneous translation was provided by a translator with earphones contracted by WCVI. Parks & Recreation staff along with WCVI staff posted sheets of paper (Project Voting Forms) on the wall that entailed several ideas for, “Initial Projects” for park improvement. Residents then added their recommendations for park improvement projects and their ideas were also written on Project Voting Forms and posted on the wall. Community members were each given 10 green dots and they placed dots on the projects that they preferred.

Audience participation was robust with many questions answered by Gonzalez and Relf.

Concern was evidenced by several residents over the tax-implications of more new parks in Compton. Most residents that spoke made numerous suggestions for improving/fixing existing Compton park assets as well as construction of new Parks. Security for park users was emphasized as a paramount goal of park improvements by many persons. After 45 minutes of introduction and discussion the residents spent 30 minutes voting on 25 park proposals prepared by Compton staff and 10 proposals suggested during the community input section of meeting. The meeting was adjourned at about 7pm.

Results of the Voting at Compton Parks Assessment Meeting The 35 Compton assessment participants prioritized improving existing City of Compton park assets. 1) Top of the list was building a soccer field 2) Add restrooms / Add water Fountain / Add Benches to Cesar Chavez Park 3) Add a Tech Center to Tucker Park Community Center 4) Add an indoor swimming pool to Wilson Park 5) Repair or replace padding, slides and play equipment at 5 major parks.

CITY OF COMPTON PARKS & RECREATION PARK ASSESSMENT MEETING February 3, 2016 Report by: Dr. Aubrey Relf - Interim Deputy Director