LA County Nighttime Recreation Program Finds Success, UCLA Study Finds

A free Los Angeles County program that provides a safe space for people during evening hours has achieved its goals by fostering stronger feelings of community and closer connections, according to a report released Wednesday by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

According to the report, 96% of people surveyed said the Parks After Dark program provides a sense of belonging within their communities, and 94% said the program helped them get to know their neighbors better.

“Research shows that parks and public green spaces are crucial for health because they provide places for outdoor recreation and exercise,” Nadereh Pourat, director of the UCLA CHPR’s Health Economics and Evaluation Research Program, said in a statement. “Parks After Dark is designed to increase safety of parks and provide programs that everyone can enjoy.”