A SPECIAL VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION
Dedication of expansion to Wilmington Veterans Park


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with the Mayor's Office, Councilwoman Janice Hahn and the Community Development Department dedicated new parkland at Wilmington Veterans Park on Saturday, November 11, 2006.

The project involved the expansion of an existing City park, Veterans Park, which anchors the southern portion of the East Wilmington Greenbelt Park. The 2,500-square-foot addition includes open space with trees, picnic tables, and a children’s play area.

The Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering designed the project, with input from Recreation and Parks and the community. The work was performed by the Department of General Services, with assistance from the Street Lighting and Street Services bureaus of Public Works.

Funding for the project was provided by the Neighborhood Block Grant Program funds, which is administered by the Mayor’s Office using federal Community Development Block Grant money.

The Veteran's D-ay Celebration was attended by Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Hahn, the Department's Assistant General Manager, Kevin Reagan and many Wilmington residents. Entertainment was provided by Banning High School's wooden instrument band, "Cuerdas Sin Fronteras" and "Sol de Mexico" a ballet folkflorico group from the community of Wilmington.

The new parkland has enhanced the community's apperance and has provided residents with a clean, safe and local place to relax and gather. The transformation of a blight vacant lot has improved the quality of life in the area and helped mitigate the residents' environmental concerns.



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

THE RETURN OF THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
The national landmark will re-open on November 3, 2006


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of the Griffith Observatory. After almost 5 years of renovations and expansions, the Observatory will re-open to the public on November 3, 2006.

The $93 million improvement project included the renovation of all of the elements of the existing building and new state-of-the-art equipment for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which includes a new dome, star projector, digital laser projectors, seats, sound system and lighting.

Nearly 40,000 square feet of public space has been added to the existing building. Additions include a large, multi-level exhibit gallery, a 200-seat presentation theater (Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon), classroom, cafe and bookstore.

Reservations will be required to visit the newly improved Griffith Observatory. All visitors must have a timed-entry reservation and Shuttle ticket to visit the Observatory during the reopening period. Shuttle parking and pick-up will be available in the south parking lot of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden and in the parking structure at Hollywood and Highland.

To book your reservation or for more information visit www.griffithobservatory.org or call 1-888-695-0888.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)92896, or cell, (323)816-6711

WELCOMING A GREAT NEW SOCCER VENUE
Dedication of NIKE synthetic fields at Lafayette Community Center


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the NIKE Corporation, the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles (AAF) and the Heart of Los Angeles Organization (HOLA), dedicated two new NIKE synthetic soccer fields at Lafayette Community Center on Thursday, September 28, 2006.

NIKE and the AAF donated $300,000 for three "Joga Bonito" soccer fields to be built at two different Department parks in Los Angeles. NIKE's "Joga Bonito" fields, Portuguese for "Play Beautiful", are designed to introduce the Brazilian futsal-style of small-field soccer that emphasizes ball control and foot skills to youth.

The two "mini-pitch" fields at Lafayette have replaced a dirt field at the southwest portion of the park. Each field is 75 feet by 100 feet and located adjacent to one another. This side-by-side configuration allows for 3-on-3 play within each individual field and 5-on-5 play by combining both into a 150 foot by 100 foot soccer field.

The new soccer fields have a synthetic surface known as FieldTurf. FieldTurf Inc., a leading producer fo synthetic turf, creates athletic surfaces by using NIKE Grind material recycled from footwear manufacturing and worn out or outdated shoes. For each field constructed, approximately 75,000 pairs of shoes and many pounds of rubber waste will not end up in landfills.



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

THE START OF A NEW RECREATION SITE
Groundbreaking for Lexington Avenue Park in Hollywood


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks broke ground to mark the start of construction on Lexington Avenue Pocket Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006.

The new parkland will be approximately 15,000-square-feet and will feature a dual basketball/volleyball court, picnic tables, benches, game tables and play equipment that meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements.

What will make this park unique is the various art elements that will be incorporated into the new park's design. California artist, Ricardo Mendoza has created two murals that will cover the north and east walls, a steel entry gate designed in the shape of a tree and eight ornamental spiral inserts that will be incorporated into the front fence.

The pocket park has truly been a community effort. Community meetings were held by Council District 13, to obtain input from community members about the new park's design and art elements.

The Community Redevelopment Agency has provided funding for the art elements and associated installation fees. Additional funding for the $1.4 million project will come from Prop 12, the City's general fund, a federal grant and developer fees.

The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the City's Public Works Department designed the park, in conjunction with the Department of Recreation and Parks. Thomsen Landscape of Reseda is the general contractor.


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

DODGER DREAM FIELD IN KOREATOWN
Dedication of new baseball facility at Seoul International Park


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with the Dodgers Dream Foundation, Amateur Athletic Foundation and the Department of Public Works dedicated the newest Dodger Dream Field at Seoul International Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006.

The new field at Seoul is the Department's 7th Dodger Dream Field and boasts a synthetic turf surface. Other features include bleachers, covered dugouts, a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard, a terraced seating area, irrigation system, additional landscape, fencing and lighting.

The Dodgers Dream Foundation was created in 1998 to provide educational, athletic and recreational opportunities for the youth of the Greater Los Angeles community. The Dodger Dream Fields program is the Foundation's signature initiative.

Funding for the $1.175 million improvement came from Propositions K, 12 and 40.



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

A PLACE ALL KIDS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY
Groundbreaking for Universally Accessible play area at Pan Pacific


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks and Councilmember Tom La Bonge broke ground to mark the start of construction on a new 17,000-square-foot Universally Accessible playground at Pan Pacific Recreation Center.

The new play area will be the 5th Universally Accessible playground operated by the Department. With over 160,000 special needs children in Los Angeles County, the new playground, which will be completely wheelchair accessible, will provide a brighter future for all children.

Pan Pacific's Accessible Playground is a project of Shane's Inspiration, an organization that is devoted to creating "boundless playgrounds" that provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play at their highest level. Shane's Inspiration in conjunction with the Department of Rec and Parks and Melendrez Design Partners of Los Angeles all contributed to the design of the new playground.

Features will include two separate portions for children ages 2-5 and 6-12. The 2-5 year old section will be in the shape of a train and have sound effects that include a whistle and an engine. A foot path with a water element that will provide a unique sensory activity, complete with gentle mist and artist created tiles. Shade will also be incorporated into the $675,000 art deco motif play area, as well as bright colors and opportunities to experience different textures.

Funding is coming from Prop K, developer fees, and a $200,000 donation from Legacy Partners, Incorporated. Thomsen Landscape of Reseda is the general contractor and the City's Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering will be managing the project.



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

IMPROVING A LARGE AREA OF OPEN SPACE
Dedication of first phase of 100-acre Ascot Hills Park


Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the first phase of the development of a 100-acre passive park and natural open space area in East Los Angeles on Saturday, August 19, 2006.

The new Ascot Hills Park will offer hiking and nature trails, an outdoor learning center for children as well as open grass areas. Phase I included development of the 40-acre southwest portion, added a new entry gate, improved hiking trails, vista/rest/picnic areas, a temporary gravel parking lot and a temporary restroom. This phase allows for the park to be open to the public while Phase II is designed.

Phase II calls for the development of the remaining 60 acres including an outdoor classroom, landscaping, irrigation, site utilities, restrooms and a permanent parking lot.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, while serving as the 14th District Councilmember, authored the $3 million grant in January 2004 and coordinated a grassroots campaign that sent thousands of letters to Governor Schwarzenegger. The grant was secured from Proposition 40, the "California Clean Air, Clean Water, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002."

Until recently, the site has been used by the Department of Water and Power to train pole climbers and repairmen.

SOME FANCY FOOTWORK ON FOUR WHEELS
Dedication of expanded Pedlow Skate Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a $2.1 million improvement project at Pedlow Skate Park in the San Fernando Valley on Friday, August 18, 2006. The skate park has been quadrupled in size, from 10,000-square-feet to 40,000-square-feet.

All of the new features to the five-year-old skate park are below ground level and include a snake run, both shallow and deep bowls to augment the existing sunken ramps, rails and stairs.

The firm David Evans & Associates of Ontario designed the expansion, which was built by the City's General Services Department and the California Skate Parks of Upland. The Bureau of Engineering in the City's Department of Public Works managed the project through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program.

Funding came from Propositions K, 12 and 40, all of which are voter-approved measures. When the skate park originally opened in February 2001 it was the first facility in the City of Los Angeles with such a unique in-ground design approach.

Since skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports among children and is the third largest participant sport in the U.S. the new Pedlow Skate Park will surely be put to good use. The park is located at 17334 Victory Blvd. in Encino. There is an entrance fee of $1 per month for skaters under 18 and $5 per month for those over 18-years-old. Helmets, knee and elbow pads must be worn by all skaters. For more information call: (818) 266-6991.

A NEW REC CENTER IN THE HARBOR AREA
Dedication of $5.6 million East Wilmington Community Center


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a 10,000-square-foot Community Center in the Wilmington area on Saturday, August 19, 2006. The new East Wilmington Recreation Center will enhance the community’s appearance and provide residents with a clean, safe and local place to relax and gather.

Councilwoman Janice Hahn, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and Wilmington residents of all ages attended the Dedication Ceremony. Banning High School's band “Cuerdas Sin Fronteras” provided entertainment and the presentation of colors was performed by Wilmington's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2967.

Features of the 10,000-square-foot facility include a gymnasium with a full-size basketball court with 6 backboards, an activities/community room and a lobby area. The new multi-use center also has a director’s office, restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, storage space and a rear parking lot.

Funding for the $4.6 million development came from Propositions K, 12 and 40. The project architect was ARQUITECTONICA. The Proposition K/L.A. for Kids Program Engineering Group of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering managed the project and the City’s General Services constructed the new facility.

The new center is located at 918 N. Sanford Avenue in Wilmington, CA 90744 and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.



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

TRINITY REC CENTER IS NEW AND IMPROVED
Dedication of $1.56 million in improvements

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated and opened the newly improved Trinity Recreation Center in South Los Angeles on Thursday, August 10, 2006. The $1.56 million project which resulted in about 1,000 square feet being added to the existing 4,600-square-foot structure is now open to the public.

Features include several restrooms that are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, a meeting room/staff lunchroom, storage space, sidewalks and walkways, accessible drinking fountains, landscaping and irrigation system and more.

The improvements were designed by the Department of Recreation and Parks Planning and Construction staff, together with the Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering, which also managed the project. The City's General Services Department was the general contractor. Project funding came from developer fees and Proposition A, a voter-approved initiative.



MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

SAFER PALM TREE TRIMMING
Free seminars will focus on improving preparation and protection

Los Angeles - The Forestry Division of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks held the first of six free workshops on safe palm tree trimming at Elysian Park on Saturday, August 5, 2006.

Together with Tony Macias and his company, Arbor Plus, the Department provided instructions in how to be better prepared for and protected during the trimming process. The program is supported by the office of Councilmember Ed P. Reyes (1st District).

The area of Elysian Park known as Palm Hill (corner of Stadium Way and Park Dr.), will be the site of the 5 remaining workshops, which will be held the last Saturday of September and October 2006 and January, February and March 2007.

Each class will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. and include detailed information on procedures and techniques to use when climbing and pruning palm trees. There will also be hands-on demonstrations and safety discussions covering protective equipment, climbing gear, friction hitches, chainsaw safety, first-aid in the field, aerial rescue and more.

All instruction will be conducted in both English and Spanish, and the curriculum adheres to all applicable International Society of Arboriculture and Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration standards. For more information, call (213)485-6547.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

DODGER DAY FOR METRO CAMPERS
A party in Elysian Park for 1,000+ kids


Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' "Summer Day Camp Metro Region Dodger Jam" was held at Elysian Park on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

More than 1,000 kids from Summer Camps located in the Department's Metro region were treated to barbecue , entertainment and plenty of fun, followed by a short trip to Chavez Ravine to see the Boys in Blue take on National League West rivals the San Diego Padres in a 12:10 p.m. game.

The children were joined by City Councilmember Ed Reyes. Former Dodger great Willie Davis also made a special appearance.


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

A GREAT NEW PLACE TO SWIM & PLAY
Dedication Ceremony for LACES facility


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with LAUSD, dedicated and opened LACES' (Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies) pool and recreational facility on Saturday, July 1, 2006.

The new 75-foot pool is suitable for swimming and diving events. Several aquatics activities will be available to the public at this new location, including individual and team sports, clinics and exercise classes.

The multi-use recreational facility is 50,500 square-feet. Facility features include a large gymnasium with basketball courts (which can also be configured into a full-size vollyeball court), a multipurpose room, staff office space, first aid area and boys and girls locker rooms with showers. Outdoor features include five tennis courts, four full-size and four mini basketball courts, two softball fields with backstops and a soccer field.

Operation of the pool and recreational center are through joint-use agreements with LAUSD. This approach maximizes utilization and keeps costs down while still maintaing high quality.

LACES is located at 5931 west 18th street in central Los Angeles. For more information call (323)938-1620.


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

THE 2006 LOTUS FESTIVAL
The 29th annual event celebrating Asian cultures, at Echo Park, July 8-9

LOS ANGELES – The 29th Lotus Festival, celebrating the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, was held on Saturday, July 8, 2006, from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 9, 2006, from noon to 8:00 p.m., around and on the lake at Echo Park, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located near downtown.

Festival events included cultural entertainment on two stages, the International Marketplace featuring arts and crafts, and artisans and boutiques. There was also a variety of exotic foods and beverages, martial arts exhibitions, an art show, dragon boat races on the lake, and more.

The Philippines, which is marking its 100th anniversary of formalized immigration by Filipinos to the U.S., was the highlight nation for 2006. Saturday’s opening ceremony began at noon and included a ceremonial dragon dance, Filipino-American performers and a host of entertainers and dignitaries from Asian and Pacific Islander nations – with their color, beauty, and pageantry.
The two-day event also featured Flower Island, the Tea Garden, a children’s courtyard area and stage, a health fair, community outreach booths, and volunteer opportunities, and a fireworks show (on Saturday night) over the lake.

The Department of Recreation and Parks would like to thank everyone who was involved in this year's event and all of the wonderful L.A. residents who attended the 2006 Lotus Festival.


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

A GREAT NEW PLACE TO PLAY IN SOUTH L.A.
Dedication of community center and NIKE B-ball court


Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has dedicated a new community center and outdoor NIKE basketball court at Green Meadows Recreation Center in South Los Angeles.

Features of the 10,584-square-foot facility include a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court with bleachers for 80 spectators and two electronic scoreboards. The new multi-use center also has a classroom for youth activities, a courtyard area and outdoor stage, lobby, staff office space, kitchen and restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The new facility was designed by Koning Eizenberg Architecture of Santa Monica and built by Tobo Construction, Inc. of Los Angeles. The Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering managed the project through its Recreation and Cultural Facilities Program. Funding for the $3.8 million improvements came from Propositions K and 12.

NIKE donated $70,000 for a new outdoor basketball court that was built by Atlas Construction Company and which boasts a 3/8-inch synthetic surface and includes four new backboards with rims. The NIKE court is the first one in the Department with a synthetic surface.

For many years, NIKE has had a partnership with FieldTurf, a leading producer of synthetic turf, to create some of the finest athletic surfaces in the world. FieldTurf's high-performance synthetic turf features NIKE Grind material recycled from footwear manufacturing to help athletes and active kids play their best game possible.

Green Meadows Recreation Center is located at 431 E. 89th Street in South Los Angeles.


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

OPERATION SPLASH IS IN EFFECT
Kick-off ceremony at North Hollywood pool


Los Angeles -The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks kicked-off a new aquatics program called "Operation Splash" on Friday, June 23, 2006 at North Hollywood Pool. Operation Splash is a public/private partnership between the Department of Rec and Parks and Kaiser Permanente.

The mission of Operation Splash is to improve access to aquatic facilities and swim programs in low-income areas, to increase physical activity and help diminish the risk of chronic diseases and build strong bodies. Program participants will become water-safe in a fun and healthy environment.

Kaiser's $1.2 million donation will extend the summer swim season by two weeks, provide free swim lessons and supplies (swimsuit, goggles, towel and sunscreen) to qualifying children and adults, offer free family swim days and other special events and provide aquatic improvements.

Also, the Department's "Free Swim Program" will make it possible for children age 17 or younger, seniors age 65 or older, and the disabled to swim for free at all City pools. Children age 6 or younger must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at all times.

Thanks to Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, all adults who have a City Library Card can also swim free; otherwise, the charge for patrons ages 18-64 will be $1.50 per swimming session.

Residents can contact their nearest pool, or the Department's Aquatics Division at (323)906-7953, for more information. Individual pool brochures can be viewed and downloaded at www.lapraks.org (Directory of Services, Aquatics, and select year-round or seasonal).



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

A SPECIAL COMMUNITY OASIS IN THE VALLEY
Grand opening for Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park in Porter Ranch

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks held a grand opening celebration for Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park on Saturday, June 24, 2006.

The new facility is located in the northwest San Fernando Valley and is named in honor of the daughter of former Los Angeles City Councilmember Hal Bernson, who represented the area for nearly 25 years. The celebration was sponsored by the Porter Ranch Development Company and included a family picnic and barbeque for the surrounding community.

The new parkland features a children's play area, restrooms, 2 basketball courts and a baseball diamond. Holleigh Bernson is located at 20500 Sesnon Blvd. in Porter Ranch and is open from dawn to dusk.


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

BETTER B-BALL COURTS
8 New hoops facilities from Fox Sports Net West


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Fox Sports Net West dedicated both new and improved basketball courts at eight different recreation centers the week of May 29-June 2, 2006. Fox Sports Net (FSN) West and FSN West 2 gifted the Department with five new and three refurbished basketball courts at facilities throughout the City.

The eight centers that recieved new hoops facilities from FSN West are Slauson Recreation Center, Chatsworth South Recreation Center, Glassell Park, 109th Street, David M. Gonzales Recreation Center, Palms Recreation Center, Branford and Highland Park Recreation Centers.

Each of these centers had at least one highly deteriorated, outdoor, asphalt basketball court which had been on a priority list for refurbishment or replacement as soon as funds were available. Work on the courts required patching, and coating in some cases, and in others the asphalt had to be torn out, the underlying soil re-compacted, and all new asphalt caps applied. Each new court also received new backboards to complete the make-over process.

The basketball court reconstruction broke ground January 30, 2006 with the dual goal of promoting physical activity and creating an inviting, attractive community environment. The projects' completion was marked by dedication ceremonies at Slauson, Palms, Highland and Branford Recreation Centers.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to have been able to team up with Fox Sports Net West to improve the neighborhood playing conditions, and to make the basketball dreams of boys and girls throughout the City come true!



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

A NEW CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA
At Prospect Park in East Los Angeles

Los Angeles - On May 25, 2006 the Department of Recreation and Parks' General Manager, Councilmember Jose Huizar, members of Soledad Enrichment Action (SEA) and community members helped install new playground equipment at Prospect Park in East Los Angeles.

The new equipment includes swings for both youth and adults, spiral slides, a double wave slide that allows two kids to ride simultaneously and a chain net climbing apparatus. When fully completed the project will double the size of the play area.

The $175,000 installation was performed by Citywide Construction Forces, under the direction of Mike Fea, and funded by Proposition 12.

Prospect park is located on the corner of Echandia and Judson Streets in Boyle Heights.


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

A NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING AT DELANO
Dedication ceremony at the Van Nuys park


Van Nuys - The Department of Recreation and Parks unveiled a new community building at Delano Recreation Center on Saturday, May 13, 2006. The new $5.6 million center was dedicated and named in honor of American farm worker, labor leader and activist, Cesar E. Chavez and former City Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski.

The new Recreation Center at Delano replaced an aging, antiquated facility with a modern, 13,324 square foot building and will provide Valley residents with additional recreational opportunities. Features include a full size gymnasium with bleacher seating and a stage, childcare center, full-service kitchen, staff office, an enlarged parking lot and plenty of storage space. The project also restored the baseball/ softball fields and included a new children’s play area with resilient surfacing. There are also interior and exterior restrooms that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and building and security lighting.

The Delano project was designed by Carde Ten Architecture Associates of Santa Monica and built by Metro Builders & Engineers Group of Newport Beach. The Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering managed the work through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program. The project was funded by Propositions K, A and 12, state and federal grant money and Department resources.

The Van Nuys LAPD Explorers performed the Presentation of Colors and Rosie Trujillo sang the National Anthem. The Department's General Manager, Jon Kirk Mukri, was in attendance along with Councilmember Tony Cardenas and representatives from Bureau of Engineering and Delano Park Advisory Board.

A ribbon cutting and tree planting immediately followed the Dedication Ceremony.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9292, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711