The City of Huntington Park, under the leadership of City Manager Ricardo Reyes, is moving forward with a transformative Program Delivery and Financial Performance Assessment designed to modernize and strengthen the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. The project, led in partnership with BerryDunn, marks a major step toward improving service delivery, financial efficiency, and long-term sustainability for one of the City’s most vital community-serving departments.
The initiative aims to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the Parks and Recreation Department’s programs, staffing, maintenance practices, and fiscal operations. By benchmarking against national best practices and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards, the City seeks to develop a clear roadmap that ensures every park, facility, and recreation program delivers maximum value to residents and stakeholders.
“This project is about ensuring Huntington Park’s parks and recreation services remain vibrant, equitable, and financially sound for years to come,” said City Manager Ricardo Reyes. “Our Parks Master Plan hasn’t been updated since 2008, and this effort is the first step toward changing that. By developing a forward-looking, data-driven assessment, we’re laying the groundwork for a comprehensive update that enhances residents’ quality of life and positions the department for growth and long-term success.”
The year-long project will unfold in five phases—beginning with discovery and community engagement, followed by a thorough assessment of financial, operational, and program performance. Insights from this analysis will shape clear goals and strategies, culminating in a final plan with actionable recommendations to enhance efficiency, strengthen fiscal sustainability, support staff development, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Parks and Recreation Department.
The first phase of the project began with a kickoff meeting on October 23, 2025, bringing together City staff, consultants, and key stakeholders to establish the foundation for the year-long effort. Regular progress meetings and staff engagement sessions will ensure transparency and collaboration throughout the process.
Once completed, the City’s new Parks and Recreation Master Plan will serve as a strategic guide for capital investments, operational decisions, and community partnerships