For the first time, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will hold its Parks After Dark (PAD) winter season beginning Thursday, Dec. 20 through Jan. 5, at 33 county parks – including Val Verde Community Regional Park – with free programs and holiday-themed events for children and families to enjoy.

The winter PAD programming ranges from snow days, sports, movies, and dancing to name a few. PAD will be available in communities across the county from the Antelope Valley to South Los Angeles and will coincide with school holiday breaks. PAD activities will take place from:

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
PAD started with only three parks in 2010. Since then, it expanded to 23, and currently, it has grown to 33 this past summer. PAD has enabled thousands of community members to participate in quality programming. This year, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) awarded PAD with the Best in Innovation Award.

“We open our parks and invite everyone to participate in our nationally recognized PAD program,” said John Wicker, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “It’s the first time we launch PAD during the winter season with fun activities for all ages at no cost. The program encourages healthy living and provides safe havens during extended hours of park operation.”

PAD is led by the Department of Parks and Recreation, with strong support from partners including the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Office, Sheriff’s Department, Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health, Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services; Probation Department, Department of Children and Family Services, and several community-based organizations.

Please visit bit.ly/2PubpFX for more information about the PAD program, including a list of participating parks, as well as PAD programming.

Val Verde Community Regional Park is located at 3030 W. Arlington Road, Val Verde.