Pathways to Increasing Park Access for Older Adults
This report, prepared for Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), explores strategies to enhance park access and usage among older adults in Westlake, Los Angeles, with a focus on MacArthur Park. Despite the park’s potential as a communal space, older adults often face barriers to active participation. Observations and interviews revealed that while many older adults value the park for socializing and relaxation, issues such as safety concerns, limited mobility accommodations, and inadequate amenities hinder their engagement.
The study identifies critical themes impacting older adults’ park utilization, including the need for improved safety measures, enhanced mobility features, gender-inclusive spaces, and effective communication about park programs. Recommendations include upgrading wayfinding systems, modernizing bus stops for comfort, increasing shaded areas, expanding programming at the MacArthur Park Community Center, and improving essential amenities like restrooms and drinking fountains.
These interventions aim to create an inclusive environment that not only benefits older adults but also fosters intergenerational relationships and community well-being. As the City of Los Angeles considers the future of MacArthur Park through initiatives like the Reconnecting MacArthur Park project, implementing these recommendations offers an opportunity to transform the park into a vibrant, accessible space for all age groups, thereby strengthening community resilience amidst ongoing urban changes.
