SZONE.US Forums - Recreation and Parks http://www.szone.us/ City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:48:49 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.szone.us/images/misc/rss.jpg SZONE.US Forums - Recreation and Parks http://www.szone.us/ 10 Lessons I Learned at Crater Lake Ken Alpern http://www.szone.us/f82/10-lessons-i-learned-crater-lake-ken-alpern-49133/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:41:18 GMT 10 Lessons I Learned at Crater Lake ALPERN AT LARGE
Ken Alpern

There are a lot of lessons to learn when we're on vacation with family--especially with kids. Some of them are insightful, some are uplifting...and some of them are based on painful experience.

Lesson #1: I'm glad that William Steel fought his whole life to promote and preserve Crater Lake from human overdevelopment, and I'm doubly glad that President Teddy Roosevelt (definitely one of my favorite Presidents) pushed through Congressional delays and had a "talk" with the Speaker of the House to make sure Crater Lake became one of our first national parks. Lesson #2: It's very difficult to find the right balance between creating human amenities and preserving Mother Nature's miracles--creating a Lodge at the Rim of Crater Lake was and is still an amazing feat, considering the height and remoteness of the site, but for those of us unable to get reservations for that Lodge (like me) it limits the ability of people to observe the deep blue lake that is Crater Lake (and is that a good thing, or a bad thing, or a bit of both?)

Lesson #3: It's a real pain to be outside of the range of cellphone and Internet access, especially when you're as plugged in with family, work and civic obligations as my wife and I are...but it's an awful nice excuse to tell the rest of the world to go jump in a lake (Crater Lake?) when you want to be alone with family.

Lesson #4: Crater Lake is as beautiful and as preserved as it was when I last saw it as a teenager decades ago, and I'm as enthralled by it and the surrounding Cascade Mountains now as I was then.

Lesson #5: As much as I loved seeing Crater Lake again, it was nowhere near as wonderful as seeing my beautiful wife and beloved nine year-old son see it for the first time.

Lesson #6: While I was overwhelmed by the marvels of Crater Lake, my two year-old daughter was unstoppably more drawn to the fearless chipmunks that reside by the crater's edge.

Lesson #7: Chasing after my children near the sheer edge of the rim of Crater Lake definitely has a negative effect on any spontaneous and uninterrupted viewing of that miracle of Nature.

Lesson #8: Seeing the sudden and breathtaking red-orange sunset reflected and gleaming against the eastern wall of Crater Lake is better than any special Hollywood effects can ever create, whether it's in 2-D or 3-D or any other format.

Lesson #9: No matter how learned or rational a person is, it's very hard not to conclude that there's a much, much higher Power running the show than Humanity, although Humanity's been given a special gift to appreciate that show.

Lesson #10: One of the best things we've ever done is to create our National Park system, which has been the only real effective way to keep people from overreaching and ruining what should best be kept pristine for our children, their children and their great-great-grandchildren to enjoy.

(Ken Alpern is a former Boardmember of the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC), previously co-chaired its Planning and Outreach Committees, and currently cochairs its MVCC Transportation/Infrastructure Committee. He is co-chair of the CD11 Transportation Advisory Committee and chairs the nonprofit Transit Coalition, and can be reached at Alpern@MarVista.org. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it The views expressed in this article are solely those of Mr. Alpern.) -cw

NewsLetter from; CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/10-lessons-i-learned-crater-lake-ken-alpern-49133/ Elysian Park-Riverside Park Groundbreaking Ceremony http://www.szone.us/f82/elysian-park-riverside-park-groundbreaking-ceremony-49104/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:36:13 GMT 09.02.10 02:07 PM Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TIAekPFKQGI/AAAAAAAABGo/gs9VJnHNNSc/s320/ElysianRiversideParkGB-57.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TIAekPFKQGI/AAAAAAAABGo/gs9VJnHNNSc/s1600/ElysianRiversideParkGB-57.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TIAejsxKESI/AAAAAAAABGg/gsspVJbpiu8/s320/ElysianRiversideParkGB-20.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TIAejsxKESI/AAAAAAAABGg/gsspVJbpiu8/s1600/ElysianRiversideParkGB-20.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TIAeiCUa3cI/AAAAAAAABGQ/34LVwkr8n0w/s320/ElysianRiversideParkGB-3-EditR.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TIAeiCUa3cI/AAAAAAAABGQ/34LVwkr8n0w/s1600/ElysianRiversideParkGB-3-EditR.jpg) 09.02.10 02:07 PM










A COMMUNITY EFFORT
Elysian Park-Riverside Park Groundbreaking Ceremony




Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Elysian Park-Riverside Outdoor Improvement Park Project -Phase 1 on August 17, 2010 with Councilman Garcetti, Chief Deputy City Engineer Deborah Weintraub and community members. The celebration marked the start of construction on the first 5-acres of an undeveloped 18-acre site.


The City purchased the 18-acres of property in 1999 and held community outreach meetings to decide the park's design. The Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park played a huge role in the process. The site contains two relatively flat areas separated by a slope between the lower and mid-level of the property, which will be used for the active recreation development of the park. Due to limited funding the park will be developed in phases.

When complete Phase 1 will feature two multipurpose game courts, passive recreation lawn areas, picnic tables, a children's playground, trails, an outdoor classroom and a new permeable parking lot.


The $900,000 project, which is being funded by Proposition 40, is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2011. For more information on this project call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/.











MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Esptein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689






LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/elysian-park-riverside-park-groundbreaking-ceremony-49104/ LA Parks-Dedication of Bandini Canyon Trail Park in San Pedro http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-dedication-bandini-canyon-trail-park-san-pedro-49103/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:36:13 GMT 09.02.10 03:24 PM
A NATURAL SETTING IN THE SUBURBS
Dedication of Bandini Canyon Trail Park in San Pedro

San Pedro - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated Bandini Canyon Trail Park in San Pedro on August 19, 2010. Lying between two rows of residences and an elementary school, the new park is truly a natural setting in the suburbs.

The 4.9-acre parkland features a pedestrian nature trail, children's playground with resilient surfacing, native landscaping, benches and interpretive signage. The project also included security lighting, new irrigation, perimeter fencing and gates. The natural canyon setting achieves the community vision of an open space sanctuary, a family gathering place and restored habitat.

The $2.3 million project was designed by RRM Design Group of San Luis Obispo and built by Bitech Construction Company, Inc. Funding was provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant program, Proposition 40 and developer fees. The Architectural Division in the Bureau of Engineering of the Department of Public Works co-managed the project with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI).

The improvement project was realized thanks to a partnership between the Department of Recreation and Parks and LANI, a non-profit organization dedicated to catalytic neighborhood revitalization through public improvement projects and community-driven planning for the past 16 years. The participation of area residents was key to the success of the project.

Bandini Canyon Trail Park is located at North Marshall Court, between Sepulveda Street and Oliver Street, in San Pedro 90731. For more information on this location call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department website at www.laparks.org.











MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689








LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-dedication-bandini-canyon-trail-park-san-pedro-49103/ LA Parks Opening Ceremony for Downey Pool http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-opening-ceremony-downey-pool-48963/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:23:36 GMT 08.31.10 03:16 PM Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M42kjdkI/AAAAAAAABGA/TbDJhnLZ6ec/s320/DowneyPool-98.JPG (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M42kjdkI/AAAAAAAABGA/TbDJhnLZ6ec/s1600/DowneyPool-98.JPG) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M4TQSyAI/AAAAAAAABF4/I87O7AUsk4c/s320/DowneyPool-75.JPG (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M4TQSyAI/AAAAAAAABF4/I87O7AUsk4c/s1600/DowneyPool-75.JPG) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M3-aaj4I/AAAAAAAABFw/JjnAxgtII7s/s320/DowneyPool-71.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M3-aaj4I/AAAAAAAABFw/JjnAxgtII7s/s1600/DowneyPool-71.JPG) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M3UQgGwI/AAAAAAAABFo/hwHydg0CrEU/s320/Downey+Pool+(spalsh+pad).JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TH2M3UQgGwI/AAAAAAAABFo/hwHydg0CrEU/s1600/Downey+Pool+(spalsh+pad).JPG) 08.31.10 03:16 PM















JUST IN TIME FOR THE HEAT!
Opening Ceremony for Downey Pool




Los Angeles - Just in time for the summer heat, the Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated and opened Downey Pool on Thursday, August 12, 2010. Originally closed in 2006, the pool has returned new, improved and ready for a splashing good time.


The original pool and pump house were completely demolished and replaced with a new 38-foot by 75-foot swimming/lap pool, a 1,700-square-foot activity pool/splash pad and a 500-square-foot structure that will house new pumps and filter equipment, and chemical rooms. The project also included the installation of landscaping, irrigation, decorative pool decking and perimeter fencing.


The $5.8 million improvement project was funded by bonds issued by the City through the Municipal Improvement Corporation of Los Angeles, Proposition K and developer fees. FSY Architects, Inc. designed the aquatic facility, which Horizon Construction of Anaheim built. The Architectural Division in the Bureau of Engineering of the City's Department of Public Works managed the project through the Municipal Facilities Program.


Downey Pool is an outdoor seasonal location (which means it is only open during the summer months) and offers a variety of aquatic programming (e.g. youth and adult swim lessons, inner-tube water polo, a junior lifeguard program, etc.). Downey Pool is located at 1775 North Spring Street in Los Angeles 90031. For more information on this location call the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.












MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689













LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-opening-ceremony-downey-pool-48963/ LA Parks Grand Opening of Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-grand-opening-lincoln-heights-youth-center-complex-48662/ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:42:58 GMT 08.24.10 02:16 PM Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THREKie0TBI/AAAAAAAABFY/WxJGI1OpMPE/s320/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-2.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THREKie0TBI/AAAAAAAABFY/WxJGI1OpMPE/s1600/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-2.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THRD4xU_qlI/AAAAAAAABFQ/FdwYw1h3f7E/s320/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-72.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THRD4xU_qlI/AAAAAAAABFQ/FdwYw1h3f7E/s1600/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-72.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THRDsFTie4I/AAAAAAAABFI/-WBupHk5Zp8/s320/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-81.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THRDsFTie4I/AAAAAAAABFI/-WBupHk5Zp8/s1600/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-81.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THRDr2dEZQI/AAAAAAAABFA/6ovbbzLhcLQ/s320/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-37.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THRDr2dEZQI/AAAAAAAABFA/6ovbbzLhcLQ/s1600/LincolnHeightsYouthCtr-37.jpg) Image:... 08.24.10 02:16 PM






















GROOMING THE NEXT GREAT CHAMP
Grand Opening of Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex



Los Angeles - A historic church built in 1930 has been restored and transformed into the Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex. The Department of Recreation and Parks held a grand opening ceremony for the new 15,000-square-foot complex on Monday, July 26, 2010.


The $7.2 million project included the renovation of the original chapel and school building, installation of an elevator and improvements to make the center handicap accessible. The two-story chapel now has a boxing ring and male and female weight rooms. The new center also boasts a youth center, full-sized outdoor hockey rink (complete with court markings and lights for night games) and junior arts center (which will be run by the Department of Cultural Affairs).


The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works designed the renovations, which were built by the Construction Division of the Department of General Services. The project was managed through the Bureau of Engineering's Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program. Funding for the project, including purchase of the property, came entirely from Proposition K.


For the first time, Recreation and Parks and Cultural Affairs will work side-by-side and provide different programs at one location. This partnership will bring more resources into the heart of the surrounding neighborhood, providing positive alternatives for local youth and adults.


The Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex will provide a youth and women's kick boxing class, youth boxing program and much more. The new unique center will serve as a replacement location for the former Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club (LAYAC) that operated similar fitness programs out of the fifth floor of the old Lincoln Heights jail on Lacey Street for over four decades. The City closed the LAYAC on April 30 due to safety issues.


Innovation and creativity were at the heart of both locations. In the past, an old jail served as training grounds for future boxers and now a former church will be grooming the next great champ. The new Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex is located at 2911 Altura Street in Los Angeles 90031. For more information on this location call the complex directly at (323) 266-1401.










MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689















LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-grand-opening-lincoln-heights-youth-center-complex-48662/ LA Parks WATER/HABITAT CONSERVATION THEMED PARK http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-water-habitat-conservation-themed-park-48661/ Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:42:58 GMT 08.24.10 11:08 AM Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYEzt6K6I/AAAAAAAABEg/j_h0YFY9rzo/s320/BellairePark-16.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYEzt6K6I/AAAAAAAABEg/j_h0YFY9rzo/s1600/BellairePark-16.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYET_5rHI/AAAAAAAABEY/mtKkaLQ2BQ8/s320/BellairePark-14.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYET_5rHI/AAAAAAAABEY/mtKkaLQ2BQ8/s1600/BellairePark-14.jpg) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYD1lab6I/AAAAAAAABEQ/SyyZpptaC_k/s320/BellaireDedication-63-Edit.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYD1lab6I/AAAAAAAABEQ/SyyZpptaC_k/s1600/BellaireDedication-63-Edit.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYDM5zmxI/AAAAAAAABEI/af1ELFqNPkw/s320/BellaireDedication-59.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/THQYDM5zmxI/AAAAAAAABEI/af1ELFqNPkw/s1600/BellaireDedication-59.jpg) Image:... 08.24.10 11:08 AM



















WATER/HABITAT CONSERVATION THEMED PARK
Dedication of Bellaire Avenue Pocket Park



North Hollywood - Once a vacant lot, the corner at Bellaire Avenue and Strathern Street in North Hollywood has been transformed into a charming new 0.14 acre neighborhood park. The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the park's completion with a dedication ceremony on Thursday, July 29, 2010.


Bellaire Avenue Park boasts a 2-5 year old play area with resilient rubberized surfacing, an outdoor classroom with wood stump seating, a demonstration garden and solar lighting. The Department's Planning Division designed the new pocket park to contain water conservation objectives. Water conservation has become an important issue around the world and the implementation of water saving measures are greatly needed everywhere. The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to say that Bellaire Park is part of that effort by the implementation of the following features to the new park.


Bellaire Park is landscaped with California native and drought tolerant plants. Native/drought tolerant plants are adapted to the wet winters and dry summers, allowing less use of water, fertilizer and pesticides. The beautiful Walnut Tree was preserved and was worked into the park's design. A Smart Irrigation System was installed and will save 325,000 gallons of water annually. All of these special elements help conserve water and the natural habitat, while providing residents with local parkland. The water and habitat conservation themed park was built by the Department of Recreation and Parks construction forces, with funding from Propositions K and 40.


Bellaire Avenue Park is located at 7960 Bellaire Avenue in North Hollywood 91605. For more information on this location please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.











MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689































LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-water-habitat-conservation-themed-park-48661/ A HAVEN FOR STREET SKATERS Stoner RC Skate Plaza http://www.szone.us/f82/haven-street-skaters-stoner-rc-skate-plaza-48600/ Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:03:57 GMT 08.23.10 11:11 AM




Rec & Parks Assistant General Manager Kevin Regan
testing his skills at the new skate plaza!



































A HAVEN FOR STREET SKATERS




Grand Opening of Stoner RC Skate Plaza





West Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated yet another unique location for skateboarders at Stoner Recreation Center on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The new state-of-the-art skate plaza has quickly become a haven for local and visiting skateboarders.




The new 20,000-square-foot plaza features stairs, ledges and benches, making it an ideal location for street skaters. The Stoner Skate Plaza was built by California Skateparks, Inc. and was designed with help from local skateboarder Alec Beck (West LA Community of Skateboarders). Quimby Funds financed the $1 million project.




The Skate Plaza project was a response to the community's desire and need for a local skate facility after a famous spot at the West L.A. courthouse was closed to skaters. In fact, part of the new plaza was designed to mirror an area of the courthouse. Many of the plaza's street elements are features duplicated from previous skate spots that are no longer there or accessible, making Stoner Skate Plaza extremely special to local skaters.




Stoner Recreation Center is located at 1835 Stoner Avenue in West Los Angeles 90025. Stoner Skate Plaza is open from 9 am to dusk everyday. For more information on this location call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department's FaceBook Fan Page "Skate in LA".














MEDIA CONTACTS:


Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690


Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689










LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/haven-street-skaters-stoner-rc-skate-plaza-48600/ <![CDATA[The Rape of Recreation & Parks-Jack Humphreville]]> http://www.szone.us/f82/rape-recreation-parks-jack-humphreville-47963/ Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:58:29 GMT The Rape of Recreation & Parks LA WATCHDOG
Jack Humphreville



This fiscal year, the cash strapped City unilaterally imposed a $17.5 million General Fund Cost Reimbursement charge on the Department of Recreation & Parks. While this charge may be justified, this dramatic change in policy resulted in a 21% reduction in the number of positions, drastically reducing the department’s land maintenance operations and programs.

And as if that was not enough, on August 2, at a hastily called Special Meeting, the politically appointed Board of Commissioners approved, with very little discussion, the inclusion of the underperforming Pershing Square Parking Garage in the ill conceived proposed sale of the City’s Parking Facilities, where the proceeds will be used to pay operating expenses of other City departments rather than maintain and repair its existing parks.

As for specifics, the City managed Pershing Square Parking Garage is a three level, underground structure that has 1,590 parking spaces, representing about 32% of the downtown public parking spaces. Importantly, this debt free facility generates about $2 million a year to support Rec & Parks programs, including $500,000 that is transferred to the General Fund.

Furthermore, Desman Associates, the Chicago based parking consultant retained by the City, stated that the Pershing Square Parking Garage has the potential for significantly better operating results because the anticipated growth in parking starved downtown Los Angeles.

While the Board Report issued in conjunction with the Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was essentially devoid of any financial information relating to the operations or value of the Pershing Square Parking Garage, people have speculated that the private operators would pay between $50 million to $100 million, or $30,000 to $60,000 per parking space.

However, these values assume that the new private operator would be free to raise rates to market levels, would be able to reconfigure the parking area to increase the number of spaces by 25% to 50%, would be free of the restrictive and cumbersome City work rules, wages, and benefits, and would be able to use more efficient systems and technology.

But what would Rec & Parks receive in return for selling the Pershing Square Parking Garage?

Would Rec & Parks be able to devote the proceeds of this sale to improving the 30% to 40% of our parks and facilities that are graded D and F by infrastructure studies done by the City?

Unfortunately, the money is destined for the City’s General Fund, where it will be used to pay everyday operating expenses, including the wages and benefits of 500 to 750 City employees.

However, this politically expedient decision is a very expensive proposition when you consider that $1 “saved” by deferring maintenance is going to cost $2 to $4 in the future.

Rather than receiving a lump sum payment, Rec & Parks will most likely agree to “accept annual payments from the City in an amount to be agreed upon.” But that does not mean these funds will be available to repair or maintain our parks or restore various programs.

More than likely, these new annual payments will be more than offset by increased General Fund Cost Reimbursement charges as the City attempts to close its projected budget deficit of $318 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011. This, in turn, will cause Rec & Parks to cut back even more on park maintenance and its existing programs and to increase the fees that it charges the public for the use of its facilities.

The sale of the revenue producing Pershing Square Parking Garage to pay daily operating expenses of the City is bad financial policy, just another sign to the financial markets that the City is heading towards insolvency. The alternative is for the City to implement the changes that a private operator would make and use the increased cash flow to fund the repair and maintenance of our parks.

Our park system, one of the oldest in the country, is an important asset to the citizens of Los Angeles. So important that the Charter guarantees that Rec & Parks receive an annual appropriation that is equal to about $140 million this year.

And as a core City asset, this department needs to be protected from City Hall’s avarice, meddling, and mismanagement. Unfortunately, the Board of Commissioners does not appear to be up to the task, having bowed to the political winds and whims of City Hall.

But who will protect Rec & Parks?

Fortunately, there is the LA Parks Foundation whose Board of Directors includes, among others, former Mayor Richard Riordan, a long time friend of our more than 400 parks.

Now is the time for this foundation to step up to plate and defend our precious parks from City Hall and its inane financial decisions.

(Jack Humphreville writes LA Watchdog for CityWatch He is the President of the DWP Advocacy Committee and the Ratepayer Advocate for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. Humphreville is the publisher of the Recycler -- www.recycler.com. He can be reached at lajack@gmail.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) -cw

CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/rape-recreation-parks-jack-humphreville-47963/ L.A., Free Museum Visits for Military Families http://www.szone.us/f82/l-free-museum-visits-military-families-47853/ Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:26:47 GMT May 31 through
Sept. 6
Free Museum Visits in L.A. for Military Families

Blue Star Families in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts are offering free admission for military families to 600 museums across the country, including several in the L.A. area.

All active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard plus up to five family members receive free admission to participating museums.

Some limitations apply. www.bluestarfam.org
for details.

Participating Museums in the LA Area
UCLA Hammer Museum, Westwood
hammer.ucla.edu
Japanese American National Museum, Downtown L.A.
www.janm.org
The Autry National Center, Griffith Park
theautry.org
L.A. County Museum of Art, Los Angeles
www.lacma.org
Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena
www.pasadenahistory.org
Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles
www.skirball.org
Zimmer Children's Museum, Los Angeles
www.zimmermuseum.org


News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA

 ]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/l-free-museum-visits-military-families-47853/ <![CDATA[Download "The Parks of California District 12" Pamphlet]]> http://www.szone.us/f82/download-parks-california-district-12-pamphlet-47850/ Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:09:30 GMT
Download "The Parks of CD 12" Pamphlet

We have produced an overview of the many outstanding parks in our District, including its location, features and amenities. It is available on our website for anyone to download, print out or email on to others. Our parks offer everything from a professional level skateboarding park, to three full-sized municipal golf courses, to fishing, rock climbing, hiking and horseback riding. We even have an off-leash dog park. To see "The Parks of CD 12" visit www.CD12.org and click "The Parks of CD12"


News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA
]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/download-parks-california-district-12-pamphlet-47850/ LA Parks Foundation Improving and Preserving Our Parks http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-foundation-improving-preserving-our-parks-47848/ Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:00:53 GMT LA Parks Foundation Improving and Preserving Our Parks

The LA Parks Foundation has launched a new website that makes it easy for community members, groups and businesses to support parks.

The Foundation provides materials, equipment and projects that the City can't supply. It raises funds to improve Los Angeles park facilities, enhance park environments, preserve and restore historic elements in our public parks, support sustainability projects and purchase property for future parkland.

The Foundation also streamlines the process of adopting a park or placing a commemorative bench, and creates a way for residents, businesses and community groups to donate funds to support parks.

Visitors to the Foundation's website can pick any park in the City of Los Angeles and donate on line to support specific equipment, improvements at that park.

News Letter from Greig Smith's Office Councilman 12 District, Los Angeles,CA

 ]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-foundation-improving-preserving-our-parks-47848/ <![CDATA[Pecan "off-the-grid" project]]> http://www.szone.us/f82/pecan-off-grid-project-47326/ Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:03 GMT 07.27.10 11:27 AM Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x2rXz0ZI/AAAAAAAABAI/RWpd6DTncPk/s320/PecanOffTheGrid-113.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x2rXz0ZI/AAAAAAAABAI/RWpd6DTncPk/s1600/PecanOffTheGrid-113.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x2HJpI1I/AAAAAAAABAA/zxqz5cEBs1A/s320/PecanOffTheGrid-108.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x2HJpI1I/AAAAAAAABAA/zxqz5cEBs1A/s1600/PecanOffTheGrid-108.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x1prKlhI/AAAAAAAAA_4/GKaXSjYrkyg/s320/PecanOffTheGrid-100.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x1prKlhI/AAAAAAAAA_4/GKaXSjYrkyg/s1600/PecanOffTheGrid-100.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x1AhkmBI/AAAAAAAAA_w/1ROuFJWM6ng/s320/PecanOffTheGrid-80.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE8x1AhkmBI/AAAAAAAAA_w/1ROuFJWM6ng/s1600/PecanOffTheGrid-80.jpg) 07.27.10 11:27 AM
















PECAN "OFF-THE-GRID" PROJECT
Dedication of a new solar panel system



Los Angeles - For the first time ever, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility will go completely off the City's electrical grid by using solar energy to provide clean, renewable electrical power. The Department dedicated and officially pulled the plug on Pecan's "Off-the-Grid" Project on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, further demonstrating the City's commitment to reducing the use of fossil fuels.


The new solar panels were installed over the renovated outdoor basketball/volleyball pavilion and will generate enough energy to power 22 homes, creating more energy then the park actually needs. The system is estimated to generate 46,382 kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity per year. Only a small amount of the electricity produced will "feed" the park's child care center, office and restroom buildings, while the majority will be transmitted to the utility.



The Off-the-Grid Project also includes improvements to the outdoor basketball/volleyball pavilion (new concrete floor, backboards, rims and nets, refurbishing and repainting of the roof and installing screens to prevent birds from entering the interior of the structure's frame) and the new playground and picnic area.

Harry Surmenian, a recently retired Recreation and Parks' employee, was honored at the celebration for leading the Department's solar initiative. The Department of Recreation and Parks also was honored with a $113,532.00 rebate check from the Department of Water and Power's Solar Program for the Pecan project.

Pecan Recreation Center is located at 145 South Pecan Street in Los Angeles 90033. For more information on this project or the Department of Recreation and Parks visit our website at www.laparks.org or call (213) 202-2700.




















































LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/pecan-off-grid-project-47326/ <![CDATA[Here's looking at you, westchester!]]> http://www.szone.us/f82/heres-looking-you-westchester-47325/ Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:03 GMT 07.27.10 12:07 PM Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88VQRhMGI/AAAAAAAABA4/5QSrbtn7DUM/s320/WestchesterPool-60.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88VQRhMGI/AAAAAAAABA4/5QSrbtn7DUM/s1600/WestchesterPool-60.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88MfaruSI/AAAAAAAABAw/nLNo5HFnmZA/s320/WestchesterPool-32.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88MfaruSI/AAAAAAAABAw/nLNo5HFnmZA/s1600/WestchesterPool-32.jpg) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88LrroraI/AAAAAAAABAo/ZAnM2yALAFY/s320/WestchesterPool-62-2.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88LrroraI/AAAAAAAABAo/ZAnM2yALAFY/s1600/WestchesterPool-62-2.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88La_ISaI/AAAAAAAABAg/6h_mQIImddk/s320/WestchesterPool-54.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TE88La_ISaI/AAAAAAAABAg/6h_mQIImddk/s1600/WestchesterPool-54.jpg) 07.27.10 12:07 PM





















HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, WESTCHESTER!
Dedication of $2.5 million in improvements to pool and recreation center



Los Angeles - On June 18, 1961, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the Grand Opening of Westchester Swimming Pool and Bathhouse. The pool quickly became a popular destination for summer swimming.


Almost 50 years later, Westchester Pool is still a popular summer location and the Department is helping it to stay that way by keeping the facility in top shape. On Monday, June 26, 2010, the Department re-opened Westchester Pool with major improvements.


The renovation project included a new deck, filtration system, and heater, changing room, sinks and showers and paint throughout. The front office counter was also refurbished, immediate pool surroundings were cleaned up and redecorated, the plumbing and electrical systems were renovated, landscaping was enhanced and more.


The Department also celebrated the completion of improvements to the adjacent recreation center. These upgrades included waterproofing of masonry walls around the perimeter of the gymnasium, installation of resilient surfacing at the existing play area and re-striping and disabled access improvements in the parking lot.


All design and construction work was performed by the Department's Planning and Construction Division. Funding for all components came from developer fees.


Westchester Pool is located at 9100 Lincoln Blvd in Los Angeles 90045 and Westchester Recreation Center address is 7000 West Manchester Avenue. For more information about this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.








MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689








LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/heres-looking-you-westchester-47325/ Crime rises sharply at California state parks http://www.szone.us/f82/crime-rises-sharply-california-state-parks-47283/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:16:19 GMT Crime rises sharply at California state parks

Holiday visitors seeking a quiet day off beside the water at Folsom State Recreation Area on July 5 instead had front-row seats to a police pursuit as park rangers chased an assault suspect through throngs of picnickers. It was like a scene from a big-city television crime drama. But this was a state park. Crime is on the rise in California's state parks, up nearly threefold in the last decade, according to Department of Parks and Recreation data analyzed by The Sacramento Bee.
Fresno Bee

LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
Los Angeles Police Protective League
1308 West Eighth Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
phone: (213) 251-4554
 ]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/crime-rises-sharply-california-state-parks-47283/ L.A. pools; THE SCOOP ON SUMMER http://www.szone.us/f82/l-pools-scoop-summer-47116/ Fri, 23 Jul 2010 03:30:45 GMT 07.22.10 03:18 PM
THE SCOOP ON SUMMER SWIMMING
All the details on Summer Swimming at L.A. pools



Los Angeles - With the temperatures rising, more and more people are looking for easy and affordable ways to stay COOL. The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has a solution to your HOT dilemma, visit one of our City pools!!


The Department's Aquatics Division operates over 50 swimming pools, 16 year-round and 35 seasonal locations. Seasonal locations are open from mid-June to late-August. These outdoor facilities offer morning and afternoon public swim sessions and year-round pools offer afternoon and evening swim sessions. The seasonal pools are generally open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekends. Hours of operation vary per facility for year-round locations.


In addition, three seasonal pools are offering evening swimming this summer thanks to the Summer Night Lights program. Jackie Tatum/Harvard Aquatic Facility will be open until 8:00 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Glassell Pool will be open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday and Friday. Hubert Humphrey will be open for evening swim sessions until 8:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

City pools can be found throughout Los Angeles, from Peck Park Pool in San Pedro to Fernangeles Pool in Sun Valley to Pecan Pool in East Los Angeles to Jackie Tatum/Harvard Aquatic Facility in South Los Angeles. L.A. pools are open to all residents and are an inexpensive way to stay cool on a hot summer day.

Swimming is FREE for children ages 17 or younger, seniors 65 or older and the disabled. There is a $2.50 fee for adults (ages 18-64) but those who have a City Library Card get a reduced rate of $2. Children ages 3-6 must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at ALL times. Children under 3 must wear a swim diaper.

Los Angeles City pools offer a wide variety of aquatic activities and programs. Lap, recreational and adaptive swimming, water exercise and private, semi-private and/or group swim lessons are all available. Junior Lifeguard Programs and Team Sports, such as Water Polo and Synchronized Swimming are also available through the Department's Aquatics Division.

Some pools also have special features that are perfect for young swimmers. Eight Department pools have water slides; Hansen Dam, Hollywood, Hubert Humphrey, Jackie Tatum/Harvard, Northridge, Sepulveda, Stoner and Sun Valley. Splash Pads are also available at seven pools and/or parks; Jackie Tatum/Harvard, Juntos Park, North Hollywood, Panorama, Queen Anne, Saint Andrews and Stoner Park. Splash Pads are ideal for small children, who have not yet mastered the art of swimming. With zero depth standing water and rubber surfacing there is practically no risk of drowning.


Some rules to remember when visiting a City pool:
1. Entrance will be denied to any children under 7-years-old, unless accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one ratio.
2. Absolutely NO pets are allowed inside City pools.
3. The following items are not allowed in the pool or deck area:
Street clothes and shoes, floating apparatus, glass objects or containers of any kind, sports or swim equipment and radios or I-Pods.
4. Smoking, eating or drinking is not allowed in the pool or dressing area.
5. All swimmers must wear proper swim attire. Men must wear swim trunks with a liner and a drawstring. Ladies must wear a bathing suit (one-piece or two-piece).
6. The following attire is NOT permitted in the pool:
cut-off, biker basketball or jean shorts, white t-shirts or shirts of any kind and bodysuits or leotards
***Failure to follow rules and guidelines will result in a non-admittance or expulsion from the pool grounds.***

For more information or to find a City pool close to you, please call the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953 or visit the Department website at www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/aquatic.htm.






MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689


LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/l-pools-scoop-summer-47116/ Kick-off celebration at the historic Griffith Park Pool http://www.szone.us/f82/kick-off-celebration-historic-griffith-park-pool-46760/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:33:51 GMT 07.15.10 03:23 PM Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xs3cASoI/AAAAAAAAA_g/6gAHH822nH0/s320/PoolOpenDay-144.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xs3cASoI/AAAAAAAAA_g/6gAHH822nH0/s1600/PoolOpenDay-144.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xsf4vYxI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/nb1YY9heVKg/s320/PoolOpenDay-161.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xsf4vYxI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/nb1YY9heVKg/s1600/PoolOpenDay-161.jpg) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xr0LjUaI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/XEk5NgaF_3w/s320/PoolOpenDay-137.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xr0LjUaI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/XEk5NgaF_3w/s1600/PoolOpenDay-137.jpg) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xrae9gzI/AAAAAAAAA_I/IwNc49nufOI/s320/PoolOpenDay-106.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TD-Xrae9gzI/AAAAAAAAA_I/IwNc49nufOI/s1600/PoolOpenDay-106.jpg) 07.15.10 03:23 PM














GRAB YOUR SWIM SUITS & SUNSCREEN!
SUMMER SWIMMING & OPERATION SPLASH ARE BACK!
Kick-off celebration at the historic Griffith Park Pool





Los Angeles - The heat is back for the summer months and so are 33 seasonal pools run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The 2010 Summer Swim Season began with a kick-off celebration at the historic Griffith Park Pool on Friday, June 25.


The Department's 33 seasonal pool locations officially opened on Saturday, June 26 and will remain open through the end of August. Seasonal pools offer morning and afternoon public swim sessions. Additionally, 16 year-round pools began their summer schedule and offer afternoon and evening swim sessions to the general public.


Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, The Department of Recreation and Parks, Kaiser Permanente and The LA84 Foundation were all on-hand to help cut the red ribbon and make a splash to start the Summer Swim Season and Operation Splash.


The Department of Recreation and Parks is partnering for the fifth straight year with Kaiser Permanente for Operation Splash. For the 2010 summer, the Department received a $250,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente Southern California that will fund free swim lessons for 6,000 low-income youth and adults at 35 pools across the City. The program will also support free junior lifeguard training for 780 low-income youth at 49 City pools and extend the summer swim season for one week at seven locations serving about 10,000 pool patrons.


The LA84 Foundation is also joining the efforts to make youngsters water safe and provide them with the opportunity to participate in water polo, synchronized swimming and diving. Over the last 25 years the LA84 Foundation has consistently assisted the City's efforts to provide Los Angeles youth with access to quality sports programs.


The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' Aquatic Division offers a variety of water activities, including recreational swimming, water awareness, adaptive swimming, Team Sports, Junior Lifeguard program and water exercise. For the 12th consecutive year, children age 17 or younger, seniors 65 or older and the disabled can swim for FREE at all City pools. Children ages 3-6 must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at all times; children under 3 must wear a swim diaper. The charge for adults ages 18-64 is $2.50; those with a City library card will pay $2.


For more information call the Department's Aquatic Division at (323) 906-7953 or e-mail at Citywide.Aquatics@lacity.org.









MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689







LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/kick-off-celebration-historic-griffith-park-pool-46760/ <![CDATA[RAP'S FOURTH SPOT FOR FOUR-WHEELED BOARDS;Rancho Cienega]]> http://www.szone.us/f82/raps-fourth-spot-four-wheeled-boards-rancho-cienega-46181/ Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:59:01 GMT 07.02.10 02:02 PM Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hzTZ5W8I/AAAAAAAAA-g/OTyB3HokRmc/s320/RanchoCienSkateGB-80.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hzTZ5W8I/AAAAAAAAA-g/OTyB3HokRmc/s1600/RanchoCienSkateGB-80.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hyXuhxeI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/B-exWj5NrW8/s320/RanchoCienSkateGB-66.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hyXuhxeI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/B-exWj5NrW8/s1600/RanchoCienSkateGB-66.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hxw_h2YI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/2MZB4yVrMVQ/s320/RanchoCienSkateGB-9.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hxw_h2YI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/2MZB4yVrMVQ/s1600/RanchoCienSkateGB-9.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hxdZ5UpI/AAAAAAAAA-I/bhTIB9r_o9Y/s320/RanchoCienSkateGB-7.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TC5hxdZ5UpI/AAAAAAAAA-I/bhTIB9r_o9Y/s1600/RanchoCienSkateGB-7.jpg) 07.02.10 02:02 PM










RAP'S FOURTH SPOT FOR FOUR-WHEELED BOARDS
Groundbreaking Ceremony at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex




Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek and Councilmember Herb J. Wesson broke ground for the Charmette Bonpua Safe Spot Skate Spot at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex on Thursday, June 17, 2010.


The $300,000 state-of-the-art skate plaza will provide the community with a modern street skating venue. The 15,000-square-foot skate park, which will feature steps and benches in a plaza setting, will be named in memory of Charmette Bonpua, Councilmember Wesson's late Chief of Staff who passed away in February. Bonpua was known for her passion of working with youth and was instrumental in securing the funding for the new skate spot.


The Rob Dyrdek Foundation provided $50,000 to design and assist in construction and Councilmember Wesson and the Department worked together to secure an additional $250,000 to complete the construction and landscaping improvements for the new skate park. When completed the Charmette Bonpua Safe Spot Skate Spot at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex will be the Department of Recreation and Parks' fourth collaboration with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation and Council District 10's second Safe Spot Skate Spot (the first was at Lafayette Park).


The new skate plaza is expected to be completed in 5 weeks. Rancho Cienega Sports Complex is located at 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles 90016. For more information on this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks, call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.










MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689































LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/raps-fourth-spot-four-wheeled-boards-rancho-cienega-46181/ Los Angeles area;RED, WHITE, BLUE AND FIREWORKS TOO!!! http://www.szone.us/f82/los-angeles-area-red-white-blue-fireworks-too-46180/ Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:59:01 GMT 07.02.10 11:44 AM
RED, WHITE, BLUE AND FIREWORKS TOO!!!
Recreation & Park's 4th of July Celebrations

Los Angeles - Have you made your 4th of July plans yet? Need some ideas? Here's a list of celebrations taking place at facilities operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks:

Hansen Dam Recreation Area in Lakeview Terrace is hosting their 16th annual 4th of July Spectacular on Saturday, July 3 from 11:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday July, 4 from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. The two-day event will have live music and other entertainment, rides, games, food, prizes and is FREE. The fun-filled festivities will culminate with one of the most spectacular fireworks show in the area called "Skies Over America." "Skies Over America" will be dedicated to all the hard working men and women across the country whom regardless of their cultural backgrounds, work together to keep America moving. This unique show will be orchestrated to patriotic music. Hansen Dam is located at 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace 91342. For more information visit the event website at http://www.hansen4th.com/home/index.php. Don't forget your swimsuits! Hansen Dam's 1.5-acre swim lake will be open from 10:00am-7:00pm.

For the 59th year, Cabrillo Beach will host their FREE 4th of July celebration and fireworks show on Sunday, July 4 starting at 12:00pm and ending with a 20-minute pyrotechnic fireworks extravaganza at 9:00pm. Local San Pedro Bands and the Golden State Pops Orchestra will be playing a variety of Americana music. Tours of a Naval Vessel, Armed Forces and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations and displays by the Los Angeles City Fire Department's firefighting boat will also be part of the celebration. For more information call (310) 548-7401 or visit http://cabrillobeachbathhouse.org/. Cabrillo Beach's address is 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro 90731. Remember parking at the Beach is limited, a FREE shuttle service from 22nd and Miner Street will be available for visitors.

The 4th annual Boyle Heights Concert & Fireworks Show will be on Friday, July 2 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at Hollenbeck Park. The concert begins at 4:00pm and the fireworks will light up the skies at 8:30pm. Hollenbeck Park is located at 415 South Saint Louis Street, Los Angeles 90033. For more information call (323) 261-0113.

El Sereno Recreation Center will be celebrating the 4th on Saturday, July 3 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. The 3rd annual El Sereno Concert & Fireworks Show & Independence Parade will provide guests with a free, safe and family-oriented event. The parade will start at 2:00pm on the corner of Huntington Drive and Van Horne and will end at El Sereno Park where the concert will kick-off at 4:00pm. The fireworks will start at 8:30pm. For more information call (323) 225-3517. El Sereno Recreation Center is located at 4721 Klamath Place, Los Angeles 90032.

The 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show at Eagle Rock Recreation Center will be on Sunday, July 4 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. The concert begins at 4:00pm with fireworks at 8:30pm. The address is 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles 90041. For more information call (323) 257-6948.

Warner Park in Woodland Hills will be the site of Councilmember Dennis P. Zine's July 4th Extravaganza. The festival will be on Sunday, July 4 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Festivities include live music from Mrs. Robinson (a professional tribute band), food vendors, play zone and a 20-minute fireworks show at 9:05pm. For more information (818) 704-1358. Admission is FREE but parking is $15 in any of the Warner Center structures. Warner Park is located at 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills 91367.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks would like to wish everyone a HAPPY and SAFE Fourth of July!!!


LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/los-angeles-area-red-white-blue-fireworks-too-46180/ LA Parks-Los Angeles FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-los-angeles-free-summer-lunch-program-46179/ Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:59:01 GMT 07.02.10 11:56 AM *FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM* 2010 program will run from June 21 - August 20 Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will serve free lunches and snacks during summer 2010 to youth at more than 100 locations throughout the City. The program, which will begin June 21 and end August 20, is for children age 18 or younger. Serving times will vary. For more information, call (213) 202-2700 or 311, or go to www.laparks.org/dos/lunchprogram/lunch.htm (http://www.laparks.org/dos/lunchprogram/lunch.htm). The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Summer Food Service Program. The goal of the program is to ensure children receive at least one nutritious and balanced meal per day when school is not in session. 07.02.10 11:56 AM
FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
2010 program will run from June 21 - August 20

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will serve free lunches and snacks during summer 2010 to youth at more than 100 locations throughout the City. The program, which will begin June 21 and end August 20, is for children age 18 or younger. Serving times will vary. For more information, call (213) 202-2700 or 311, or go to www.laparks.org/dos/lunchprogram/lunch.htm.

The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Summer Food Service Program. The goal of the program is to ensure children receive at least one nutritious and balanced meal per day when school is not in session.








MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689


LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/la-parks-los-angeles-free-summer-lunch-program-46179/ Ascot Hills Park Phase II Groundbreaking Ceremony http://www.szone.us/f82/ascot-hills-park-phase-ii-groundbreaking-ceremony-45931/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:05:44 GMT 06.28.10 02:25 PM Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkeeRYiB2I/AAAAAAAAA-A/q28-GLmSuJA/s320/AscotHillsGB2-137.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkeeRYiB2I/AAAAAAAAA-A/q28-GLmSuJA/s1600/AscotHillsGB2-137.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkedw-a50I/AAAAAAAAA94/RDld2k-K708/s320/AscotHillsGB2-100.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkedw-a50I/AAAAAAAAA94/RDld2k-K708/s1600/AscotHillsGB2-100.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkedIIfl8I/AAAAAAAAA9w/qUywYUHBsHw/s320/AscotHillsGB2-45.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkedIIfl8I/AAAAAAAAA9w/qUywYUHBsHw/s1600/AscotHillsGB2-45.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkecju5zxI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2XRcL9kSY1g/s320/AscotHillsGB2-29.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCkecju5zxI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2XRcL9kSY1g/s1600/AscotHillsGB2-29.jpg) 06.28.10 02:25 PM






















THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PREMIER OPEN SPACE
Ascot Hills Park Phase II Groundbreaking Ceremony





Los Angeles - Wildflowers, sparrows and a circling hawk joined the Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember Jose Huizar, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and community members to celebrate the start of phase-two of the Ascot Hills Park development project on Monday, June 14, 2010. The historic celebration included a Blessing of the Grounds and Mariachi performance.

Ascot Hills Park has been a difficult but worthy fight. Development plans for the 92-acre parkland were put on hold in December 2008 due to the State funding freeze of Proposition 40. With the funds now available, the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Bureau of Engineering are determined to complete the project by March 2011 (the funding's deadline).


"This is not only a ground breaking but a break through. The Department of Recreation and Parks has decided to step in and do the construction themselves. They have made this park their number one priority," said Councilmember Huizar. "This action allows us to start work immediately."


General Manager Jon Mukri said the Department of Recreation and Parks would make Ascot Hills Park "the premier open space in the Los Angeles Park system" and thanked the Department's Planning and Construction Superintendent Mike Shull for pushing the project through. "Mike figured out a way to make this happen, [he] made this happen. He got contractor's together and he came to me and said 'Jon we gotta get this going, we owe it to the community'."


The $3.3 million project will include the development of the eastern portion of the park, approximately 53-acres of the 92-acre parkland. Improvements will include nature hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater classroom, ADA paths, full stream restoration, picnic areas, irrigation and additional parking.


When complete, Ascot Hills will be one of the largest parks in the City. The parkland features a 360-view of downtown L.A., the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding mountains will provide local residents and visitors with a beautiful natural parkland in the middle of the City of Angels.

Ascot Hills is located at 4731 Multnomah Street in Los Angeles 90032. For more information on this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.








MEDIA CONTACTS: Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690 Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689













































LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/ascot-hills-park-phase-ii-groundbreaking-ceremony-45931/ 06.24.10-LA REVITALIZATION OF THE De Longpre Parkin Hollywood http://www.szone.us/f82/06-24-10-la-revitalization-de-longpre-parkin-hollywood-45769/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:21:00 GMT 06.24.10 12:30 PM Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_1MfmSVI/AAAAAAAAA84/zoi4VL8Vjg4/s320/DeLongpreDedication-43.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_1MfmSVI/AAAAAAAAA84/zoi4VL8Vjg4/s1600/DeLongpreDedication-43.jpg) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_0sNv2jI/AAAAAAAAA8w/OLIkAUJ9aFU/s320/DeLongpre-26.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_0sNv2jI/AAAAAAAAA8w/OLIkAUJ9aFU/s1600/DeLongpre-26.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_0Bb8e_I/AAAAAAAAA8o/-FxIkMeSsvU/s320/DeLongpre-21.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_0Bb8e_I/AAAAAAAAA8o/-FxIkMeSsvU/s1600/DeLongpre-21.jpg) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_EgqxMjI/AAAAAAAAA8I/je0QLcAKi1E/s320/DeLongpre-19.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TCO_EgqxMjI/AAAAAAAAA8I/je0QLcAKi1E/s1600/DeLongpre-19.jpg) 06.24.10 12:30 PM

































THE REVITALIZATION OF A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Dedication of outdoor improvements at De Longpre Park



Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks with Councilmember Tom LaBonge (Fourth District) and City Engineer Gary Lee Moore celebrated the completion of momentous improvements at De Longpre Park in Hollywood on Thursday, June 10 , 2010.


The $326,000 project included new playground equipment, fencing to enclose the children's play area and lighting, as well as landscaping, replacement of perimeter fencing and improvements to the asphalt walkway. The improvements were designed to highlight the natural beauty of the park while creating a secure area for children and walkers.


The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works designed the improvements, which were built by the Citywide Construction Division from the Department of General Services. Project funding was provided by Proposition K and developer fees.


De Longpre Park is located at 1350 North Cherokee Avenue in Los Angeles 90028. For more information on this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.







MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689










LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/06-24-10-la-revitalization-de-longpre-parkin-hollywood-45769/ Dedication of the White Point Nature Education Center http://www.szone.us/f82/dedication-white-point-nature-education-center-44891/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:27:17 GMT 06.03.10 04:21 PM Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhFJMiwC6I/AAAAAAAAA7g/sD7x8YiHR-g/s320/WhitePoint-138.JPG (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhFJMiwC6I/AAAAAAAAA7g/sD7x8YiHR-g/s1600/WhitePoint-138.JPG) Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhFIqLaRqI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/4uXqXKB2S5U/s320/WhitePoint-125.JPG (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhFIqLaRqI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/4uXqXKB2S5U/s1600/WhitePoint-125.JPG) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhE0dlp1NI/AAAAAAAAA7A/Fg6BT4VI7gc/s320/WhitePoint-27.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhE0dlp1NI/AAAAAAAAA7A/Fg6BT4VI7gc/s1600/WhitePoint-27.JPG) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhEz7ZcMvI/AAAAAAAAA64/jqYAPzjFO4w/s320/WhitePoint-23.JPG (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAhEz7ZcMvI/AAAAAAAAA64/jqYAPzjFO4w/s1600/WhitePoint-23.JPG) 06.03.10 04:21 PM


















AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE TO LEARN
Dedication of the White Point Nature Education Center




Palos Verdes - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) proudly dedicated the White Point Nature Education Center on Saturday, May 22, 2010. The Center will serve as a resource for students, families and community groups from all over Los Angeles.

The new Education Center is located in the beautifully restored 102-acre White Point Nature Preserve. The Preserve features acres of coastal habitat on a scenic site overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The Preserve is owned by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and managed by the PVPLC.

White Point Nature Education Center is housed in a re-purposed former military structure surrounded by a native plant demonstration garden. Inside the Center, multi-media exhibits move visitors through a timeline sequentially arranged exhibits and displays that tell the story of White Point's cultural and natural history, spanning the Pleistocene age through the present.


Materials in the Education Center's interior are built out of sustainable products including 100% recycled curbside glass, low carbon concrete counters and natural bamboo cabinets built by certified green building specialist, Tom Reavey.


A special thanks to all of our sponsors and donors who made this project possible. The Alcoa Foundation's generous donation funded the exhibits, Major Family who helped with the demonstration garden, Robert Reid a noted muralist from the Natural History Museum created the mural that accurately depicts White Point during the last ice age, El-Hefni Technical Training Foundation and Pirate Brands.


The Education Center will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on White Point Nature Education Center call the PVPLC at (310) 541-7613.








MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689











LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/dedication-white-point-nature-education-center-44891/ <![CDATA[North Hollywood's Safe Spot Skate Spot - LA Parks]]> http://www.szone.us/f82/north-hollywoods-safe-spot-skate-spot-la-parks-44892/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:27:17 GMT 06.03.10 03:49 PM Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAg-p7EohCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Lp6Bs1FHm7U/s320/NoHoSkatePza-219.JPG (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAg-p7EohCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Lp6Bs1FHm7U/s1600/NoHoSkatePza-219.JPG) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAg-pTqMygI/AAAAAAAAA6I/xPbVk57y-rY/s320/NoHoSkatePza-210.JPG (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAg-pTqMygI/AAAAAAAAA6I/xPbVk57y-rY/s1600/NoHoSkatePza-210.JPG) Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAg-pEiuuNI/AAAAAAAAA6A/hBosZWBuYFs/s320/NoHoSkatePza-205.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/TAg-pEiuuNI/AAAAAAAAA6A/hBosZWBuYFs/s1600/NoHoSkatePza-205.JPG) 06.03.10 03:49 PM
































THE THIRD TIME IS ALWAYS A CHARM
Dedication of North Hollywood's Safe Spot Skate Spot


North Hollywood - With a little help from his friends, Professional Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek officially opened North Hollywood Recreation Center's Safe Spot Skate Spot with a couple of rounds of spectacular skateboarding demonstrations. Hundreds of local skaters were there to watch the special test runs and help celebrate the grand opening of the new NoHo Skate Spot.


The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the third Safe Spot Skate Spot with Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and 7-Eleven at North Hollywood Recreation Center on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.


The 9,000-square-foot skate plaza features stairs, granite ledges, tranny elements and hubbas. The state-of-the-art facility was built by California Skateparks, Inc. Recreation and Parks Planning Division managed the project and Gary L. Barton Corporation performed the concrete flat work.


NoHo's Safe Spot Skate Spot was developed in partnership with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation, 7-Eleven and the Department of Recreation and Parks. A $250,000 donation from 7-Eleven jump started the project and an additional $200,000 in funds from the Department of Recreation and Parks' Quimby Funds finalized the skate spot's overall construction.


The theme of the Safe Spot includes Rob Dyrdek's authentic street skateboarding cartoon and Wild Grinders toy line. The 7-Eleven across the street, which is a popular spot among local skaters, has been transformed into an urban skate store. The store's exterior will feature larger-than-life Wild Grinders graphics. The revamped 7-Eleven Skater Haven will sell exclusive Wild Grinders merchandise, aside from the usual Slurpees and Big Gulps. Dyrdek also designed a Wild Grinders-themed Slurpee cup that will be sold exclusively in 7-Eleven stores nationwide this fall.


The new Street Skate Plaza is the thirteenth skate facility run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. North Hollywood Safe Spot Skate Spot is located at 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood 91601. For more information about this location or the Department call (213) 202-2700.











MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

















LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/north-hollywoods-safe-spot-skate-spot-la-parks-44892/ Politics and Mismanagement Endanger LA’s Parks http://www.szone.us/f82/politics-mismanagement-endanger-la-s-parks-43967/ Sun, 16 May 2010 18:30:14 GMT Politics and Mismanagement Endanger LA’s Parks

REAL PARK RANGERS NEEDED
By Kristin C. Sabo

On Sept 9, 2009, fifty parks users and community members from regional parks* all over Los Angeles drove into the heart of Los Feliz during rush hour to meet one-on-one with Councilman Tom LaBonge. [LINK]
Read more...

CityWatch exists to monitor the political business of City Hall, and other government agencies, to monitor the progress of the empowerment of LA's neighborhoods and to encourage grass roots civic engagement.
CityWatch is an electronic journal of observations, analysis and perspectives ... complimented by ideas and information all viewed and presented from the POV of LA's myriad grass roots neighborhoods engaged in the ongoing struggle for empowerment. We hope you find it useful, informative and provocative.
For those of you who have been with us for the two years past, we thank you for your support and your input. Without which we could not have grown from the 256 email addresses of two years ago to the better than 60,000 subscribers of today ]]> Recreation and Parks Steve Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/politics-mismanagement-endanger-la-s-parks-43967/ Glassell Park Recreation Center http://www.szone.us/f82/glassell-park-recreation-center-43157/ Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:40:55 GMT 04.29.10 02:51 PM Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMGAbr7uI/AAAAAAAAA4g/g5knQxZ-JYA/s320/glassell-3.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMGAbr7uI/AAAAAAAAA4g/g5knQxZ-JYA/s1600/glassell-3.jpg) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMFkwhZII/AAAAAAAAA4Y/TjHwO7vN_Pk/s320/glassell-4.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMFkwhZII/AAAAAAAAA4Y/TjHwO7vN_Pk/s1600/glassell-4.jpg) Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMFOgV3LI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Ko1G9b8vDuY/s320/GlassellOutdoorGym-99.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMFOgV3LI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Ko1G9b8vDuY/s1600/GlassellOutdoorGym-99.jpg) Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMEzx8MhI/AAAAAAAAA4I/uqB6VEId6Gs/s320/GlassellOutdoorGym-103.JPG (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_micflOZ0f3I/S9oMEzx8MhI/AAAAAAAAA4I/uqB6VEId6Gs/s1600/GlassellOutdoorGym-103.JPG) 04.29.10 02:51 PM









































General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri testing out the new equipment and his strength!










A HEALTHY IMPROVEMENT
Dedication of jogging/walking path & outdoor exercise equipment


Los Angeles - Glassell Park Recreation Center is an integral part of its community. The recreation center serves as a safe haven for local youth by providing afterschool care, sports programs and extended hours and programming during the summer months. The center also has a strong Park Advisory Board and Senior Club both comprised of community members.

Glassell Park truly makes a difference in the surrounding community with its programming and amenities. The popular park helps neighbors have more productive and fulfilling lives. The park's newest addition will contribute to that legacy by encouraging Glassell patrons to improve their health by exercising.

The Department of Recreation and Parks and Council President Eric Garcetti proudly dedicated a jogging/walking path and outdoor exercise equipment at Glassell Park on Monday, April 26, 2010. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and local community members were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and start exercising.

The outdoor improvement project included the construction of 1/3-mile jogging/walking path that goes along the perimeter of the park grounds. Along the path there are five different exercise stations with equipment that can be used for cardiovascular, strength and coordination workouts.

The fitness equipment is easy-to-use and is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations. The equipment uses the body’s mass for resistance instead of a weighted system which allows the equipment to be used by people of all ages and stages of physical fitness, with no concern of injury.

Recreation and Parks' Planning and Construction Division worked with the Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering to design the enhancements. The Recreation and Parks Construction Division and Landscape and Irrigation Unit built the jogging/walking path and installed the exercise equipment. Funding for the $395,000 project was provided by developer fees.

The idea for the project came about from the local community and Councilmember Garcetti's office and is a reflection of the Citywide Community Needs Assessment that was conducted by the Department of Recreation and Parks starting in November 2007 and culminating in 2009.

Glassell Park is located at 3650 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles 90065. For more information on the park's programming and amenities call the recreation center directly at (323) 257-1863.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689







LA Parks News and Information ... ]]> Recreation and Parks Zachariah Boren http://www.szone.us/f82/glassell-park-recreation-center-43157/