Parks After Dark - County of LA Department of Parks and Recreation

Parks After Dark Overview

In neighborhoods with high crime rates and economic hardship, the Parks After Dark (PAD) program turns parks into vibrant community centers. Participating county parks stay open late during summer evening hours, when crime rates are the highest and youth have fewer social and recreational opportunities. Participating parks provide a variety of free activities for community members of all ages. PAD began in 2010 at 3 parks and currently takes place at 33 parks across the county. Participating parks provide a variety of free activities for community members of all ages.

Visit Parks After Dark to learn more about the FREE summer season activities at 34 LA County parks.

Activities at Parks After Dark

Sports, Dance, & Fitness

  • LA Sparks Basketball Clinics
  • Basketball – Open Play, 3 on 3, Leagues, Clinics
  • Baseball
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer
  • Golf and Tennis lessons
  • Martial arts
  • Dance class – African, Aztecas, Creative Movement, Krump, Freestyle, Hip Hop, Line, Salsa
  • Zumba®
  • STRONG by Zumba®
  • Bike rides
  • Walking clubs
  • Rec swim
  • Open gym
  • Aerobics – Family, Step, Water
  • Dodge Ball
  • Tennis
  • Tumbling
  • Yoga

Programming

  • Art in the Park
  • Movies in the Park
  • Concerts in the Park
  • Teen Clubs
  • Talent Shows
  • Family Game Night
  • Music classes & karaoke
  • Face Painting
  • Petting Zoo

Classes

  • Car Seat Safety
  • Child Development
  • CPR/First Aid Workshop
  • Home Owner Information
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Parenting
  • Reading
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Computer
  • Ask the Nurse
  • Ask a Sheriff
  • Healthy Eating
  • Self Defense

Resource Fairs

  • Health and Wellness
  • Jobs
  • Legal
  • Social Services
  • Back to School

PAD is led by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with county and community stakeholders. DPH supports PAD through coordinating evaluation, strategic planning, aligning community health education and programming, and technical assistance to support park safety and safe passages. For more information about park programs, click here: parks.lacounty.gov


PAD News

PAD Celebrates 10 Years of Family Fun and Fitness

Read all about it here:
10 Years of Family Fun and Fitness

061319 PAD 10 Years of Family, Fun & Fitness - social media video (updated) from County of LA Parks & Rec on Vimeo.

Our SPOT Program - After School Program for Teens ages 12-18

Our SPOT is an after-school program for teens ages 12-18. Our SPOT is a fun, safe, and supportive place where teens can check-in daily, Monday through Friday all year long.

To learn more and register:
LA County Park & Recreation - Our Spot webpage


PAD Reports

Parks After Dark 2018 Evaluation Brief

PAD - 2018 Evaluation Brief

Read the 2018 PAD Evaluation Brief here.PDF Icon

Parks After Dark 2017 Evaluation Brief

PAD - 2017 Evaluation Brief

Read the 2017 PAD Evaluation Brief here. PDF Icon

promoting Healthy Active Living

2015 Health Equity Award Winner for a Large County Practice

A case study of health equity practice in one of four award-winning California Health Departments.

Read the 2015 Case Study here. PDF Icon

promoting Healthy Active Living

2014 IOM Safe Summer Parks Programs

Safe Summer Parks Programs Reduce Violence and Improve Health in Los Angeles County.

Read 2014 IOM Safe Summer Discussion here.PDF Icon

Health Impact Assessment Report

2014 Rapid Health Impact Assessment Report

The report, Potential Costs and Health Benefits of PAD: A rapid Health Impact Assessment, examines the potential impacts of PAD on safety, physical activity, and cross-sector collaboration. Continuation and expansion of PAD would have positive impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents who live in areas disproportionately impacted by violence, obesity, and economic hardship.

2014 Full Report     2014 Executive Summary PDF Icon

Community Walking Club Walking Shoes and Pathway

2012 Community Walking Club Toolkit

The Community Walking Club Toolkit is designed to provide individuals, organizations, and community groups information on the health benefits of walking, and to encourage and promote the use of physical activity into your daily routine. Each week, you'll receive a health promotion tip on a different topic related to walking.

2012 Community Walking Club Toolkit (Color) PDF Icon
2012 Community Walking Club Toolkit (Black & White) PDF Icon

promoting Healthy Active Living

PAD: 2010 Prevention Violence While Promoting Healthy, Active Living

Want to learn more about how parks can have a pivotal role in addressing violence prevention while combating obesity at the same time? This 2010 Parks After Dark Brief PDF Icon provides information on Los Angeles County residents who were treated for a concussion either as a patient in the hospital or in an emergency department.