Where was Parks and Recreation filmed?
2009
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA
Location Types
Film Studio, Restaurant, House, Clubs/Bars
Location Styles
Bus, Federal Building, Modern Building, Modern Car, Office Building Style, Parking Lot
About Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation is a US mockumentary sitcom that satirizes politics. Also commonly known as Parks and Rec, it was produced by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The show was broadcast on NBC for seven seasons and had a total of 125 episodes from April 9, 2009 to February 24, 2015. Additionally, a special reunion episode was aired on April 30, 2020. The show centers around Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, who is an upbeat, mid-level bureaucrat working in the Parks Department of Pawnee, Indiana. The cast of the show consists of Rashida Jones playing Ann Perkins, Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, Paul Schneider as Mark Brendanawicz, Chris Pratt portraying Andy Dwyer, Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate, Rob Lowe playing Chris Traeger, Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, Retta as Donna Meagle, Jim O'Heir as Garry "Jerry" Gergich, Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, and Billy Eichner as Craig Middlebrooks in supporting roles.
To ensure accuracy in local California politics, the writers conducted research and sought guidance from elected officials and urban planners. After receiving feedback from viewers that Leslie Knope's character was portrayed as unintelligent and "ditzy," the writing team made significant changes to the character in subsequent seasons. The show also incorporated current events into its storylines, such as a government shutdown in Pawnee based on the real-life financial crisis of 2007-08. In later episodes, the show included cameos from real-life political figures like John McCain, Michelle Obama, and Joe Biden.
Parks and Recreation was a part of NBC's Thursday night prime-time block called "Comedy Night Done Right." Although the first season received mixed reviews, with some comparing it unfavorably to The Office, another sitcom produced by Daniels and Schur, the show saw widespread critical acclaim during its second and subsequent seasons after re-approaching its tone and format. The series received many awards and nominations during its run, including 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, two of which were for Outstanding Comedy Series. Amy Poehler received a Golden Globe Award for the show and the show itself was also a nominee for Best Television Series—Musical or Comedy. In the 2012 year-end lists issue of Time, Parks and Recreation was recognized as the top television series of that year.
Parks and Recreation Locations
Parks and Recreation is a beloved television series that delighted audiences for years, and the production of the show provides a glimpse into some of the most charming regions of Southern California. The majority of the scenes were filmed in and around Pasadena City Hall, from which viewers are able to get an authentic view of Pawnee's City Hall facade. The surrounding area offers visitors stunning views of Catalina Island, downtown Los Angeles, and even the iconic Hollywood sign in all its glory. Other areas such as Griffith Park, Echo Park Lake, and the Los Angeles River feature prominently during filming providing interesting backdrops for the show's environments.
A trip to these iconic locations would offer Parks and Recreation fans a unique experience with plenty to explore. It’s possible to visit both exterior and interior locations used in the series as well as capture unique perspectives on landmarks like City Hall or Griffith Park while following in their favorite character’s footsteps. Not only will you get an insight into one of TV’s most memorable series, but you’ll also take in some of California’s famous sights.
Leslie and Ann at JJ's Diner scene in Parks and Recreation
5530 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401, United States
Leslie and her best friend Ann sit at the counter, sipping drinks and chatting about their day. The camera pans around the diner, revealing several other characters, including Ron Swanson sitting alone at a booth, engrossed in a book, and Tom Haverford talking animatedly on his cell phone.
This scene was filmed at Four'N 20 Restaurant, an eatery located in Sherman Oaks that served up classic American comfort food. The restaurant's name was inspired by the traditional "four-and-twenty" pie, but it is now permanently closed. Four'N 20 Restaurant was used throughout the series for the interior of JJ's Dinner.
If you're trying to reach this location at 5530 Van Nuys Blvd in Sherman Oaks, you’re looking at a drive of about 16 miles northwest of downtown LA. Of course, the city’s notorious traffic can turn even a short trip into an extended odyssey, so allow extra travel time.
Leslie meeting Lindsay Shay scene in Parks and Recreation
CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
Leslie and her colleagues are in the office of Eagleton's Parks and Recreation Department, which is portrayed as a rival department to Pawnee's. Leslie stands at a desk, speaking to a woman who is revealed to be her Eagleton counterpart, Lindsay Carlisle Shay (Parker Posey). The two women engage in a heated argument about the merits of their respective cities' parks departments, with Leslie defending her beloved Pawnee while Lindsay extols the virtues of Eagleton's superior resources and funding.
This scene was filmed at CBS Studio Center, which is located in the heart of Studio City, Los Angeles, and is a television and film studio that has been producing top-rated programs for over 90 years. The facility covers over 40 acres of land and boasts 18 sound stages, making it one of the largest studios in the world. The studio has been the location for many popular television shows, including Seinfeld, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Gilligan's Island, and Parks and Recreation. It has also been used as a filming location for major motion pictures like Gone With the Wind and Singin' in the Rain.
If you're trying to find this location, you’ll need to drive about 12 miles northwest from downtown LA. Expect travel time of at least 25 minutes.
Harvest Festival scene in Parks and Recreation
Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, United States
When Joan Callamezzo (Mo Collins) arrives to cover the Harvest Festival, she is set on discovering a negative story but ends up being captivated by Li'l Sebastian. At first, she is unable to find any wrongdoing, but then she eavesdrops on Leslie and Ben discussing the cursed Li'l Sebastian. She also overhears Tom accusing Jerry of letting the pony escape, even though it was Tom's mistake entirely.
The Harvest Festival scene was shot at Pierce College. Situated at the heart of Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, Pierce College is a community college that was established in 1947. It offers an extensive range of academic programs and serves more than 23,000 students annually.
If you are looking to reach 6201 Winnetka Ave in Woodland Hills, you’re looking at a 25-mile drive from the heart of LA. You can find Pierce College around nine miles west of Sherman Oaks.
The Unity Concert scene in Parks and Recreation
Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91436, United States
On the first day of the three-day Unity Concert, Tom enlists Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz) and Mona-Lisa (Jenny Slate) Saperstein to assist him in distributing VIP invitations to famous personalities. In the last meeting for planning the concert, Andy and April update the team on their tasks, with the primary objective being to collect 2,000 signatures in favor of the Pawnee-Eagleton merger.
The entire episode Moving Up Part 2 was filmed at Woodley Park, located in the western region of the San Fernando Valley. Woodley Park is a picturesque public park located in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Covering over 19 acres of open space, the park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Throughout the year, Woodley Park hosts a variety of community events and festivals, including concerts, car shows, and holiday celebrations. It's also a popular spot for jogging and exercising, with a paved pathway that circles the park.
To get there, head northwest from LA on US-101. In total, you’re looking at a drive of about 20 miles.
Leslie working in Pawnee scene in Parks and Recreation
Pasadena City Hall, 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
After struggling to recruit anyone but Larry to accompany her to Chicago, Leslie manages to persuade Grant (Brady Smith) to change the location of their office to the government building in Pawnee. She spends several years working there and successfully creates a National Park in the former Eagleton area, which is now part of Pawnee.
Pasadena City Hall was used as the filming location for the exterior of the Pawnee government building, as well as for several hallway scenes. Pasadena City Hall, located in the heart of Pasadena, California, is a historic building with stunning architecture and a rich history. Completed in 1927, it was designed by architects Bakewell and Brown in a Mediterranean Revival style that incorporates elements of Italian Renaissance architecture. Pasadena City Hall has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, including the original Batman television series and The West Wing. The building's unique architecture and elegant interiors have made it a Hollywood favorite, and it has also been used as a stand-in for other government buildings in various productions.
Located in the heart of Pasadena, Pasadena City Hall is roughly a half-hour’s drive northeast from downtown LA.
Browse Pasadena Filming Locations
Conclusion
The popular TV series Parks and Recreation, which followed the comical mishaps of a group of public officials in Indiana, received high praise from audiences. Although shot in Southern California, it captured the atmosphere of a small Indiana city perfectly. The combination of locations used provided a unique backdrop that allowed viewers to connect with the characters and their stories. The show's cast and crew went above and beyond to make each episode look as realistic as possible, resulting in a portrayal of Pawnee that viewers could fully appreciate.
So the next time you’re in the LA area, you’ll be perfectly located to take yourself on a Pawnee sightseeing tour.