The Los Angeles Post

LA COUNTY PARKS ADDS THREE NEW OUR SPOT TEEN CENTERS

by · Published · Updated

Ribbon cutting ceremonies for dedicated after-school programs coming to

South Los Angeles and Hazard

 

LOS ANGELES (February 4, 2025) The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks), in partnership with the County of Los Angeles Probation Department, is proud to announce the grand opening of three new Our SPOT Teen Centers. Our SPOT is a free after-school program for teens ages 12-18, providing a fun, safe and supportive place where teens can check-in daily, Monday through Friday, from 3-7 p.m., all year long. Locations, dates, and times for the ribbon cutting ceremonies are as follows:

  • Eugene A. Obregon Park – February 12 at 4 p.m.
  • Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park – March 6 at 4 p.m.

While a new Our SPOT Teen Center is opening at Jackie Robinson Park as well, a ribbon cutting ceremony is not happening at this time.

The Probation Department provided $620,000 in funding, which brought the total number of centers across the County from 13 to 16. This crucial funding allowed LA County Parks to renovate existing spaces at our park facilities and purchase equipment to appropriately accommodate the needs of this program. Renovations include the addition of snack bars at each new location, along with new lighting, flooring, paint, electrical work, carpentry, and ceilings. It also allowed for the purchase of new TVs, gaming stations, carpets, furniture, and lockers.

“It’s more important than ever before that teens have a place to express themselves, channel their creativity, build confidence, and connect with one another,” said Kathryn Barger, Chair of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “I’m thrilled that our youth will have access to this incredible program close to home in Sun Village. Our Antelope Valley communities deserve this thoughtful, effective, and fun source of support.”

“These new Our SPOT Teen Centers are more than just safe spaces – they are beacons of opportunity and hope for our youth, particularly in communities that have faced significant challenges,” said Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor for Los Angeles County’s First District. “In a time when our young people are grappling with increased isolation, mental health struggles, and limited support, these centers provide not only a safe environment but also a platform for personal growth, creative expression, and leadership development. By investing in these programs, we are reaffirming our commitment to empowering the next generation, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to build a brighter and more resilient future.”

“Programs like Our SPOT are crucial for providing safe spaces where our youth can find stability and mentorship while learning new skills and having fun with their peers,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “I look forward to youth in the 2nd District and throughout the county engaging in this program at their county park to help build a brighter future.”

LA County Parks chose these new locations using the Teen Program Inventory, Park Needs Assessment, and Office of Violence Prevention Scores, focusing on high-need areas with a high-percentage of at-promise youth.

“During the pandemic, Los Angeles County experienced an increase in teen suicides, an increase in teen substance use, an increase in teen social isolation, and limited safe spaces for teens to gather. Research suggests that social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among youth. Our response to these issues have become all the more important after the devastation from the Eaton Canyon Fire” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. “We’re responding by partnering with the Department of Probation to ensure our youth have the resources they need to heal.”

“The Los Angeles County Probation Department is proud to partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation to create a safe and supportive after-school space for youth in some of LA County’s most vulnerable communities,” shared Probation Chief Viera-Rosa. “Through this collaboration, youth will be provided with impactful programs, resources, and mentorship, equipping them with valuable life skills and positive guidance within their own neighborhoods.”

Programming for Our SPOT takes a strength-based approach to address these issues. We engage youth from our communities to explore their unique and collective lived experiences through various forms of recreation programming, visual arts sessions, social action activities, and educational field trips. Focus is placed on aiding teens in setting meaningful goals to accomplish individually and collaboratively through peer-to-peer leadership, art, special gatherings, and park engagement. Activities include:

  • Podcasting Workshops
  • Visual Arts Workshops
  • Poetry and Creative Writing Workshops
  • Yoga Classes
  • Intramural Sports Leagues
  • Music Production & Song Writing Workshops
  • Mindfulness and Meditation Exercises
  • Film, TV and Broadcasting Workshops
  • Contemporary Dance and Hip Hop Workshops
  • Self-Defense Classes
  • Traditional African Drum Workshops
  • A Fun Place to Just Chill

LA County Parks views these ribbon cutting ceremonies as proof of our continued commitment to uplift our at-promise youth, making the investment earlier in their lives to help set them on the road to success and health. For more information regarding Our SPOT Teen Centers, please visit https://parks.lacounty.gov/ourspot.