Live Oak Park has received the Park Planning Award of Excellence from the California Park & Recreation Society, a statewide organization that supports public parks and recreation professionals. City officials announced the honor this week, calling it a milestone for one of the San Gabriel Valley’s newest community spaces.
The Park Planning Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding park planning efforts that demonstrate innovation, public engagement, and long-term community value. The California Park & Recreation Society, known as CPRS, presents the award annually to agencies and municipalities that advance high standards in recreation and open space development.
According to CPRS, the award highlights projects that reflect thoughtful design and measurable public benefit. More information about the organization and its awards program is available at https://www.cprs.org.
CPRS And The Park Planning Award
The California Park & Recreation Society is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1947. It provides training, advocacy, and resources for park and recreation agencies across the state. Its awards program recognizes excellence in planning, design, programming, and community impact.
The Park Planning Award of Excellence focuses on early project vision and strategy. Judges review how agencies conducted outreach, incorporated community feedback, and addressed long-term needs. Winning projects often reflect partnerships, sustainable features, and inclusive design elements.
City leaders said Live Oak Park stood out for its comprehensive planning process. Officials cited extensive community input, accessible amenities, and flexible open space designed for families, seniors, and youth programs.
What Makes Live Oak Park Special
Live Oak Park serves residents in the central San Gabriel Valley, offering green space in a region where park access remains uneven. The project transformed underused land into a multiuse community park designed to support recreation and neighborhood gatherings.
Planners incorporated shaded seating areas, play structures, walking paths, and open lawns. The design prioritizes visibility, safety, and access for people with disabilities. Native landscaping and water-conscious features reflect California’s climate conditions.
City officials said the planning process included public workshops and stakeholder meetings. Residents shared priorities that shaped the park’s layout and amenities. The final design reflects those discussions and long-term maintenance considerations.
Community Benefits Of The Live Oak Park Award
Local officials said the Live Oak Park Award brings recognition beyond city boundaries. Statewide acknowledgment from CPRS strengthens future grant applications and builds credibility for upcoming park and recreation projects.
The award also signals to residents that their participation mattered. Community members who attended workshops or provided feedback can see tangible results from that involvement.
Parks play a key role in public health and neighborhood cohesion. Accessible open space supports physical activity, youth programming, and informal social connection. City leaders said the award affirms their commitment to expanding high-quality recreation opportunities in the San Gabriel Valley.
As Live Oak Park continues to serve families and visitors, officials said the recognition underscores a shared investment in public space. The Park Planning Award of Excellence highlights what collaborative planning can achieve for local communities.
