Policies

RAP recognizes that parks and recreational facilities are an essential and integral part of the communities they serve, and that the names of parks and recreational facilities, and park amenities within them, play a significant role in fostering identities in the surrounding communities. The Naming Policy establishes the criteria and requirements, and sets forth the guidelines and procedures, for the naming and renaming (collectively, “Naming”) of parks, recreational facilities, landmarks and any other assets determined appropriate by RAP (collectively referred to herein as “Park Assets”), which are owned, managed or controlled by RAP. The Naming Policy was adopted by the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners (“Board”) on June 5, 2013 (Report No. 13-161).

All naming proposals shall be subject to the approval of the RAP Board.

All Park Asset Naming proposals must be submit a written proposal to the RAP Board of Commissioners for processing:

1. Via Mail: The naming proposal and additional documentation can be mailed to: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Office of Board of Commissioners, 221 N. Figueroa Street, Third Floor – Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
2. Electronically: Submit the Park and Park Asset Naming Application online.

RAP regularly receives unsolicited proposals from outside entities for the installation of public artwork, murals, monuments, and memorial plaques on City parkland. The purpose of this Public Art Policy is to protect RAP’s assets, define RAP’s role in the public art realm and the goals for such artwork, and establish guidelines and procedures for art submissions. All art installations shall only be approved on a temporary basis (12 months to 5 years) and require approval from the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners (Board). The Public Art Policy was adopted by the Board on October 3, 2024 (Report No. 24-207).

All Public Art proposals must complete and submit the Public Art Application, the required documentation as detailed in the Public Art Application and the Art Waiver Form (found on page 7 of the Public Art Application). These items must be submitted to the RAP staff for processing:

1. Electronically: Applications, Art Waivers and additional information can be submitted electronically on the OpenGov Portal.

The DCA is responsible for the conservation and preservation of all paintings, documents and records in possession of the City of Los Angeles, of historic or artistic value (LAAC 22.112). DCA also spearheads the City of Los Angeles’ efforts in supporting and providing access to quality visual, literary, musical, performing, and educational arts programming; managing vital cultural centers; preserving historic sites; creating public art; and funding services provided by arts organizations and individual artists. The Board of Cultural Affairs Commissioners (CAC) shall approve the installation of the following: “all paintings, mural decorations, inscriptions, stained glass, statues, bas-reliefs and other sculptures, monuments, fountains, arches, gates, and other structures of a permanent character intended for ornament or commemoration” (LAAC 22.109).

The City’s Permanent Art Collection and artwork installed as part of the Percent for Public Art Program/Public Works Improvements Art Program on RAP property are overseen by DCA. All costs related to maintenance and restoration of artwork installed as part of these two programs are the responsibility of DCA. Any requests or inquiries regarding artwork that is part of the City's Permanent Art Collection and the Percent for Public Art Program/Public Works Improvements Art Program should be directed to DCA.

For any questions regarding public art on RAP property, please contact rap-publicart@lacity.org.

The Park Fee Recreation Credit Policy was adopted by the RAP Board on October 19, 2023 (Report No. 23-183). The Park Fee Recreation Credit Policy details specific requirements that residential housing projects must include if they want to be considered for Recreation Credit for privately owned recreational amenities. Per Report No. 23-183, the RAP Board adopted standard Covenant and Agreements and Operation and Maintenance Agreements, which are required to be recorded over the entire project site in order to receive Recreation Credit. These types of recreation credit requests require the administrative approval by RAP staff, approval of the RAP Board of Commissioners and City Council.

1. For Publicly Accessible, Privately Owned Recreation Areas, see the standard Covenant and Agreement and Operation and Maintenance Agreement.
2. For Privately Accessible, Privately Owned Recreation Areas, see the standard Covenant and Agreement and Operation and Maintenance Agreement.

If applying for recreation credit for privately owned and maintained park and recreational facilities and amenities, applicants follow the guidelines as detailed in Recreation Credit Exhibit Instructions (PF-3002-I) and the Recreation Credit Cost Estimate Sheet Instructions (PF-3006-I) when preparing the Recreation Credit Cost Estimate Sheet and Recreation Credit Exhibits for submittal. When preparing the Recreation Credit Cost Estimate Sheet, use the Recreation Credit Cost Estimate Sheet (PF-3010-E) as a template.