John M. Argue is the Founder of VerityPoint and Chairman for The Friends of EXPO Center. The Friends of the Expo Center is focused on working with the Los Angeles Parks Foundation to continue the fundraising and programming at EXPO Center. In the article below, John M. Argue explains the background and objectives of this organization.
The Los Angeles Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating, enhancing, and restoring parks throughout Los Angeles. John M. Argue explains that by partnering with the city government, the organization has been able to restore and enhance over 100 existing parks in the L.A. area. Thanks to the non-profit’s efforts and initiatives, individuals, groups, and businesses are better able to access the beauty of L.A.
John M. Argue will share some of the LA Parks Foundation’s history, as well as detailed information about its mission, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming events. For more information about the non-profit, contact them directly through their official website.
John M. Argue on the Background of the LA Parks Foundation
John M. Argue reports that the Los Angeles Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating, enhancing, and restoring parks in Los Angeles, California. The organization was founded in 2008 in collaboration with the local Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks to advocate for local parks and raise funds to preserve their wellbeing.
The mission of the Los Angeles Parks Foundation is “enhance, expand, preserve, and promote public recreation, parks, and open space for the diverse people of Los Angeles.” The organization works to achieve its mission in several ways, including:
- Working with the city government to create and enhance parks
- Restoring and enhancing existing parks
- Raising and providing funds for park projects
- Educating the public about the importance of parks
- Engaging the community in park projects
Through these efforts, John M. Argue says the Los Angeles Parks Foundation has, to date, raised more than $46 million of aid for the city’s parks and green spaces.
The LA Parks Foundation’s Ongoing Projects
As part of their ongoing efforts to support and advocate for L.A.’s parks, the Los Angeles Parks Foundation has embarked on a series of projects to better engage the local community. John M. Argue reports that some of these projects include:
- LA84 Foundation Expo Center Swim Lessons – Local L.A. youth can learn to swim in the stunning Expo Center swimming pool by taking hour-long lessons once a week for a total of 10 weeks.
- Watts Skatepark – By transforming unused space beneath the Imperial Highway, the Los Angeles Parks Foundation has been able to provide a community space for teens and young adults to skate and have fun.
- Commonwealth Nursery Demonstration Garden – Located in Griffith Park, this demonstration garden seeks to leave a lasting mark on the city with its expansive green space.
- Universal Access Playgrounds – John M. Argue says through this project, the Los Angeles Parks Foundation has built dozens of disability-accessible playgrounds throughout the city.
Thanks to these efforts, the people of Los Angeles have been better able to enjoy their city and learn to appreciate their surrounding environment.
Upcoming Events Hosted by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation
John M. Argue explains that as Los Angeles continues to open for events following COVID-19, the Parks Foundation has spearheaded several efforts to bring people outdoors and into the city’s local parks. Some of their most successful upcoming events include:
- 2022 Lotus Festival in Echo Park – Through a joint effort with the Consulate General of India, the Los Angeles Parks Foundation will be hosting a Lotus Festival to commemorate India’s 75th anniversary since gaining independence. The event will celebrate South and Pacific’s Asian culture offers a two-day period in mid-July.
- 2022 Rose Awards – The Rose Awards are an annual celebration of influential women who have left their mark on the city of Los Angeles. It features a small lunch and a ceremony that are both open to anyone willing to buy a ticket. All proceeds from the event go to fund the Parks Foundation.
- 2022 Orange Harvest – In partnership with Franklin Canyon Orange Grove, the Los Angeles Parks Foundation has started the process of harvesting locally grown oranges. These oranges are then distributed to at-risk and in-need communities through several non-profit organizations, such as Food Forward.
To get involved with any of these events, John M. Argue says to contact the Los Angeles Parks Foundation directly for more information.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, people from all walks of life are able to enjoy the city’s parks and green spaces. If you are interested in supporting their efforts, consider attending one of their upcoming events or donating to their cause. All proceeds go to supporting the Los Angeles environment and local communities.
