The Los Angeles Post

LA County Parks, in Partnership with County Departments, Expands Our SPOT Teen Center Programs and Hours at 16 Locations

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Teens Now Have Greater Access to Free Activities, Hot Meals, Academic Support, Career Pathways, and More

 

LOS ANGELES (August 28, 2025) — The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks), in partnership with various LA County departments, proudly announces the expansion of the Our SPOT Teen Center free programs and extended hours at all 16 teen center locations across LA County Parks. This expansion is part of the Summer Beat initiative, offering teens and youth even more opportunities to connect, have fun, and thrive throughout the summer and beyond.

Our SPOT is a dynamic, high-energy after-school teen program designed to serve BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth in underserved LA County communities. These safe, welcoming centers support teens academically, socially, and emotionally through engaging and meaningful programming. With this expansion, LA County is increasing access to free sports, hot dinner meals, mentoring, wellness activities, and homework assistance, particularly during critical after-school and evening hours.

These enhanced services, plus extended Our SPOT hours from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, are possible with the support of several Los Angeles County partners – Department of Youth Development, Department of Probation, Department of Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, and the Department of Mental Health. This initiative enhances youth development and evening diversion services in high-need areas including the San Gabriel Valley, East LA, South LA, and the Antelope Valley.

“Teens deserve safe spaces where they can be themselves, build skills, and feel seen,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation. “With the expansion of Our SPOT, we’re not only extending hours, but we’re also expanding possibilities. This is about investing in youth, uplifting communities, and creating equitable access to opportunity through meaningful programming, mentorship, and support.”

“Supporting vital initiatives like Our SPOT is a powerful way to ensure LA County youth have the opportunity to flourish and build a better future for our communities,” said David J. Carroll, Director of the LA County Department of Youth Development. “By incorporating our youth development partners into the Our Spot program, we increase access to resources available to youth throughout the county. We know that when young people have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, their outcomes improve, and their justice system involvement decreases.”

“The Probation Department is proud to partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation and other LA County departments on the expansion of Spot Teen Centers. Collaborations like this are vital for the youth of Los Angeles County,” expressed Chief Probation Officer Viera-Rosa. “Positive programming keeps young people engaged, helps them stay on the right path, and supports them in avoiding or not returning to the system. Working together, we can shape lives, rebuild futures, and create safer communities.”

“Providing enriching environments for youth during critical after-school hours is a proven prevention strategy that reduces the risk of substance use and supports healthy development,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Substance use among youth negatively impacts the growing adolescent brain and can result in poorer academic, social, and health outcomes. As we face the worst overdose crisis in history, creating safe, youth-centered spaces is more important than ever. The expansion of Our SPOT Teen Centers strengthens our collective efforts to give teens across LA County access to the tools, resources, and relationships they need to build healthy, successful futures.”

Key Expansion Features Include:

  • Hot Meals Through the Supper Program: Participants will receive free nutritious meals served Monday through Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Over 76,000 meals are projected to be served over a 48-week period, supporting the overall health and well-being of local teens.
  • Expanded Sports Programming: With additional funding for coaches, uniforms, and equipment, teens can now participate in evening leagues and tournaments that promote teamwork, physical activity, and leadership.
  • Technology and Supplies Investment: New digital learning tools, recreation equipment, and creative resources will enhance the variety and quality of programming while supporting 21st-century skills.
  • Academic Support and Homework Assistance: Coming soon…Dedicated homework specialists will be available to help teens stay on track with their education and to foster long-term academic success.
  • Enhanced Transportation Access: Coming soon…New vans and staffing to provide safe, reliable transportation to and from parks, eliminating travel barriers. Select centers will offer transportation services until 10:00 PM when implemented later this year.

Our SPOT also offers exciting hands-on programs like the DJ Academy and the Stagehand Career Pathway Program, giving youth opportunities to explore careers in the arts, entertainment, and event production.

These programs are free and open to youth ages 14–24, providing hands-on DJ training, music production, and stage management. These programs feature two major components:

  • DJ Academy: Offered at all 16 Our SPOT locations, this 12-week, instructor-led course trains youth in DJ-ing and music production, helping them build confidence, artistic expression, and leadership. Participants gain real-world experience by performing at cultural events, community gatherings, and summer concerts. The next cohort runs August 21–October 31, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5:30 PM–8:00 PM.
  • LA County Parks Concert Series: This large-scale concert series at 34 parks across the County functions as a live learning lab where youth gain hands-on experience in stage production, audio engineering, and event operations—bridging creativity and career development.

Our SPOT Teen Centers are more than just after-school programs, they are safe havens where teens can grow, discover their passions, and build brighter futures.

Our Spot Teen Centers locations include:

 

  • MAYBERRY PARK

13201 E. Meyer Road Whittier, 90605 (562) 944-9727

  • BELVEDERE PARK

4914 E. Cesar Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, 90022 (323) 260-2342

  • CITY TERRACE PARK

1126 N. Hazard Ave, Los Angeles, 90063 (323) 260-2371

  • EARVIN MAGIC JOHNSON PARK

905 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, 90059 (323) 942-8457

  • EAST RANCHO DOMINGUEZ PARK

15116 S. Atlantic Ave, Compton, 90221 (310) 603-3724

  • EL CARISO PARK

13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar, 91342 (818) 367-5043

  • EUGENE A. OBREGON PARK
    4021 E. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90063 (323) 260-2344
  • FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT PARK

7600 Graham Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001 (323) 586-7228

  • JACKIE ROBINSON PARK

8773 East Avenue R, Littlerock, 93543 (661) 944-2880

  • LENNOX PARK

10828 S. Condon Ave, Lennox, 90304 (310) 419-6712

  • LOMA ALTA PARK

3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 398-5451

  • MONA PARK

2291 E. 121st Street, Compton, 90222 (310) 603-3729

  • PAMELA PARK

2236 Goodall Avenue, Duarte, 91001 (626) 357-1619

  • RUBEN SALAZAR PARK

3864 Whitter Blvd., Los Angeles, 90023 (323) 260-2330

  • SAN ANGELO PARK

245 S. San Angelo Ave., La Puente, 91746 (626) 968-2666

  • STEPHEN SORENSEN PARK

16801 East Ave. P, Lake Los Angeles, 93591 (661) 264-1249

 

For more information on Our SPOT programs and locations, visit parks.lacounty.gov/ourspot