LA County park closures will begin June 30, affecting six major regional parks that will now close every Monday and Tuesday due to a $22.2 million departmental budget cut. The move is part of a countywide effort to reduce spending amid fiscal shortfalls and rising operational costs.

The closures affect Castaic Lake, Frank G. Bonelli, Kenneth Hahn, Peter F. Schabarum, Santa Fe Dam, and Whittier Narrows regional parks. These facilities serve thousands of residents from communities like El Monte, South El Monte, Baldwin Park, and surrounding areas. All park amenities, including lakes and recreational facilities, will be closed on the designated days.

Cuts Impact Pools, Programs, and Staff

LA County park closures extend beyond access limitations. The department is shortening its summer aquatic season from 23 weeks to 11, running only from June 2 to August 16. That means fewer opportunities for youth swim programs and family recreation during peak summer months.

Evening programs such as “Parks After Dark,” which typically offer free concerts, movies, and community events across 34 parks, have also been suspended for the season. These reductions are expected to impact part-time staffing, employee benefits, and overtime hours, compounding the effects across local economies.

Local Parks Stay Open and Programs Continue

Despite these changes, most local and community parks—including those in El Monte and neighboring cities—will remain open seven days a week. Youth camps, senior fitness classes, after-school programs, and nutrition services will continue without disruption.

New fee structures are being introduced to offset costs. Admission and parking fees will increase at certain facilities, but free access remains available to non-vehicle users and participants enrolled in state benefit programs such as CalFresh. The county is also offering discounted or waived entry for EBT cardholders.

Closures Reflect Broader Fiscal Pressures

The LA County park closures stem from a larger $88.9 million reduction affecting multiple departments. The County Board of Supervisors cited several contributing factors, including lower federal revenue, post-pandemic budget balancing, wildfire response costs, and the recent $4 billion settlement related to child abuse cases.

While the parks department faces an 8.5 percent cut, it is working to avoid permanent layoffs and preserve vital community services. Officials noted that Mondays and Tuesdays were selected because they consistently showed the lowest park attendance.

Community Relevance and Next Steps

For Mid Valley communities that rely on regional parks for family outings, sports, and cultural gatherings, these closures present new challenges. Residents are encouraged to explore local parks and check updated schedules before making recreational plans.

More information about the LA County park closures, affected sites, and revised hours can be found on the official county parks website: parks.lacounty.gov.

Residents with questions can also contact the LA County Parks customer service line at 1-800-267-2757.