In response to the need for proper recreational facilities for young people, the city established the Los Angeles Playground Commission in 1904; that same year, the commission founded the first municipal Playground Department in the United States.

It is charged with establishing, constructing, maintaining, operating, and controlling parks and recreational facilities in its jurisdiction, as well as managing concessions or privileges for the purpose of public recreation in its facilities.

The Board consists of five Commissioners, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council to voluntarily serve five-year terms.

They appoint, discharge, suspend, or transfer department employees, issue instructions to employees, expend department funds, recommend budgets to the board, certify expenditures to the chief accounting employee, and file regular written reports with the board and the Mayor on department work.

[6] (Planning, Maintenance & Construction) (Special Operations Branch) (Recreational Services Branch) Since opening in 1935, Griffith Observatory has been owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.