Picnic Grounds

The department plans, operates and maintains county parks and recreation areas which include playgrounds, golf courses, gymnasiums, botanic gardens, landscaped areas around county buildings, riding trails, skate parks and bicycle paths. Services include park security, lifeguard services, athletic fields/courts, dog parks, gymnasiums, boxing, swimming instruction, picnic grounds, playgrounds, recreation leadership, lectures, nature study centers in wilderness areas, swimming pools, opportunities for physical fitness, operation of major regional recreation areas, as well as internet courses that provide virtual instruction. There are no geographic restrictions.

The department provides a family-oriented wellness and fitness program, "Healthy Parks" that includes periodic health screenings, prenatal fitness programs, physical fitness programs for youth and adults, nutrition education, and special fitness programs for youth at risk of obesity. Programs vary from park to park; call for information. Parque de los Suenos in East Los Angeles is a universally adapted park for children and youth with disabilities. Specially designed equipment allows youth with physical disabilities to play and practice balance and eye-hand coordination.

Some county parks feature an outdoor fitness zone area with aerobic and skeletal exercise equipment. The equipment provides high impact resistance for exercise alone or in groups.

The department maintains a YouTube page that offers a virtual recreation center with a variety of instructional videos for exercises and activities at home. Please visit Parks From Home Virtual Recreation Center for information.