MEDIA ADVISORY

GROUNDBREAKING FOR RENOVATIONS
Echo Park Deep Pool

WHEN: Monday, August 8, 2005 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Echo Park Deep Pool 1419 Colton St.

WHAT: Groundbreaking for a $5.9 million overhaul at the Echo Park Deep
Pool, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located just west of the downtown area. The project will consist of renovation of the building in which the pool is housed and improvements to the existing adjacent bathhouse (including a new roof over the entire aquatic complex), upgrades to the restrooms, locker room, and shower area to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, modernization of the facility's mechanical and electrical systems, and more.

Project funding comes from Proposition 12 ($2.8 million), the City of Los Angeles Sites and Facilities fund ($2.1 million), and Proposition K ($1 million). Frank R. Webb Architects of Los Angeles designed the improvements, which will be built by Tobo Construction, Inc. of North Hollywood. The Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering will manage the project through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program, with support from the Recreation and Parks Citywide Aquatics Section.

WHO: Councilmember Ed P. Reyes (1st District, in which Echo Park Deep Pool is located)
Robert H. Jensen, Executive Officer, Department of Recreation and Parks
James L. Combs, Asst. Gen. Mgr. - Operations West, Dept. of Recreation and Parks
Bradley M. Smith, Chief Deputy City Engineer, Department of Public Works

TO GET TO ECHO PARK DEEP POOL: From the 101 (Hollywood) Freeway, exit at Alvarado St. Take Alvarado St south two blocks to Temple St. Take Temple St. east about ½-mile to Glendale Blvd. Take Glendale Blvd. south about ¼-mile to Colton St. Take Colton St. east one block to the facility. (Thomas Guide page 634, grid E2).

MEDIA CONTACTS
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell (323) 816-6711
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell (323) 816-6712
Aquatics: Mary Bingham, (323) 906-7953