Presuming our social service agency partner does not have a current site that could be expanded to include a Play & Learn L.A. “Play Center,” then a site will have to be located, secured and funded. The most economically feasible option is to secure a government-owned facility. This could include Los Angeles City-owned property, an underutilized Parks and Recreation center, Los Angeles City Cultural Affairs Department property, Community Development Department-owned property or a closed or partially-closed public school building. Play & Learn L.A. is currently researching and pursuing these taxpayer-owned property possibilities:
· Most Los Angeles City-owned properties are occupied with non-profit organizations approved by the current or former local council person. The General Services Department of Los Angeles City is currently doing an audit on all City-owned property to ensure that the lessees are complying with all City regulations including non-profit status and serving a substantial good for the City’s residents. Note that not all City-owned properties are currently occupied and Play & Learn L.A. is meeting with Los Angeles City Council Offices in order to map out available properties.
· The City of L.A. has dozens of under-funded and under-utilized community centers (formally called Park and Recreation Centers) throughout South L.A. and East L.A. If supported by the local Council person, the Department of Parks and Recreation can enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with a non-profit community group for development and use of its centers. Funding can then be secured through a variety of means (See “Leverage for New Funds,” p. 16).
· According to the outgoing Director of the Cultural Affairs Department, there are many facilities in Los Angeles that can only be occupied by cultural non-profits. Play & Learn L.A. would fit this definition and we are attempting to access the information regarding such available properties.
· LAUSD has closed many schools within the past 15 years and it has dealt with declining enrollment in many parts of South Los Angeles. Play & Learn L.A. does not currently know the condition or availability of these properties but will begin meeting with LAUSD officials in November 2008 to gain a clearer understanding of this possible option. Note that many children’s museums throughout the country have been given excess school facilities for their use and adaptation. In fact, Kidspace Children’s Museums in Pasadena was housed at a Pasadena Unified school site from 1981-2002 until moving recently to its location by the Rose Bowl.
· In support of its mission, “Creating Jobs & Strengthening Families,” the Community Development Department recently helped develop and oversee $640,000 in partnership with the Jeffrey Foundation to open a Special Child and Family Resource Center in Fall 2008. Play & Learn L.A. will begin pursuing relationships in the Community Development Department in December 2008.
Other possibilities include being part of a multi-use redevelopment project or locating an empty retail space. Information on current redevelopment zones in the City of Los Angeles is available on request from Play & Learn L.A.
Submitted by: Scott McVarish
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