General Plan Community Resource Element (Open Space and Conservation Plans) Update

Open Space and Conservation

The City of Gardena is updating its Community Resources Element, which includes the Open Space and Conservation components of the City’s General Plan.

This update will guide how Gardena protects natural resources, enhances parks and recreation, improves environmental quality, and strengthens climate resilience over the next 20–30 years.

What is a General Plan?

A General Plan is a city’s long-range planning document that establishes the vision and policies guiding growth, development, and resource management. It typically looks ahead 20 to 30 years and provides a framework for decisions related to land use, housing, transportation, parks, safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure.

California law requires every city and county to maintain a General Plan that addresses key planning topics and reflects the community’s goals and priorities.

What is the Community Resources Element?

The Community Resources Element focuses on the protection, management, and enhancement of the City’s environmental and recreational resources. The element combines two important topics:

Open Space

The Open Space component addresses parks, recreational facilities, and other open areas that contribute to community health and quality of life. It looks at:

  • Access to parks and recreational facilities
  • Trails and outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Urban greening and tree canopy
  • Community gathering spaces
  • Long-term planning for parks and open space

Conservation

The Conservation component focuses on the responsible management of natural resources and environmental quality. Key topics include:

  • Habitat protection and biodiversity
  • Wildlife connectivity
  • Air quality
  • Water conservation
  • Energy efficiency and renewable energy
  • Climate resilience and environmental sustainability

Together, these topics help the City plan for a healthier, greener, and more resilient community.

Why is the City Updating the Element?

Since the last adoption of the Community Resources Element in 2006, several State laws have been enacted that require updates to the Open Space and Conservation components of the General Plan. Recent legislation includes laws related to equitable access to parks (SB 1425, 2022) and wildlife connectivity (AB 1889, 2024).

Updating the Element also provides an opportunity for the City to revisit and refine its policies to reflect current community needs and priorities. The update will help identify strategies to improve the availability and access to parks, strengthen environmental stewardship, and advance climate resilience, while supporting the long-term health and quality of life of Gardena residents.

How Can the Community Participate?

Community participation is an important part of this planning effort. Residents and stakeholders will have several opportunities to provide input throughout the process.

Ways to participate include:

  • Online Community Survey: Share your ideas and priorities for parks, recreation, and environmental resources.
  • Community Workshop: Learn about the project and provide feedback on key issues and opportunities.
  • Public Review Draft: Review the final Draft and provide comments before adoption hearings.
  • Public Hearings: Participate in Planning Commission and City Council meetings during the adoption process.

The City will post upcoming events, and draft materials on this webpage and City’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) throughout the project. Your input will help shape policies that reflect the needs and priorities of the Gardena community.

Upcoming Events

Project Timeline

The Community Resources Element update is expected to take approximately 9 to 12 months and will include several phases. Project timelines may be adjusted as the work progresses.

Project Documents

Coming soon.

Contact the Project Team

For questions about the Community Resources Element update, please contact the Community Development department at the e-mail address below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will this update create new parks?

The Element itself does not build parks, but it establishes policies and strategies that guide future park planning and investment. The update may identify opportunities to expand access to open space through new parks, improved facilities, greening projects, or partnerships.

How will this update affect residents?

The updated Element will guide future decisions that influence:

  • Access to parks and recreational opportunities
  • Environmental quality and urban greening
  • Conservation of natural resources
  • Climate resilience and sustainability initiatives
  • Long-term community health and quality of life

While it does not directly change zoning or property rights, it helps shape policies that influence future programs and investments.

How can I participate in the process?

Residents and community members can participate by:

  • Completing the online community survey
  • Attending community workshop
  • Reviewing and commenting on draft materials posted on this webpage
  • Providing feedback directly to the project team

Community input is essential to help the City understand priorities and concerns.

When will the update be completed?

We are expecting the update to be completed by the end of this year.

How will the City use community input?

Feedback from residents, businesses, and community organizations will help:

  • Identify priorities for parks and recreation
  • Understand gaps in access to open space
  • Shape environmental sustainability strategies
  • Inform goals, policies, and actions included in the updated Element
  • Community Input Survey: Gardena General Plan Update

Where can I find project updates?

Project updates, meeting announcements, and draft materials will be posted on this webpage as the work progresses. Residents are encouraged to check the webpage periodically for the latest information. Upcoming meetings can be found by clicking here.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact the Community Development department at planning@cityofgardena.org, to provide feedback and questions related to this update.