A HISTORICAL IMPROVEMENT
MacArthur Park Improvement Project Groundbreaking

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the start of the MacArthur Park Improvement Project on Thursday, October 23, 2008. The project's goal is to improve existing facilities within the park to improve public safety and enhance its usability. MacArthur Park lies in one of the most densely-populated areas in the City, therefore the new improvements will surely be useful and enjoyed by the park's many visitors.

MacArthur Park, formerly Westlake Park, is named after General Douglas MacArthur and is the City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument number 100. Approximately 40 acres MacArthur Park is located in a highly urbanized area of central Los Angeles.

Improvements include a new playground, picnic area and lighting system. A 37,000 square-foot synthetic field will replace the existing dirt field. When completed the new field will be added to the half dozen synthetic turf playing fields managed by the Department.

The $2.4 million project is funded by Proposition K and Park West Landscape, Inc is the contractor. The MacArthur Park Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed in about 9 months.

Dedicated and opened in 1887, MacArthur Park is one of the most popular parks run by the Department of Recreation and Parks. The park was the inspiration for a 1968 song written by Jimmy Webb and covered by various artists, including Donna Summer. It has also been featured in many movies, television shows and commercials. MacArthur Park is truly a historical place.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

RAISING THEIR HOOFS IN DEDICATION
Swearing-in Ceremony for two Mounted Patrol Horses


Los Angeles - On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, Sherman and Wilbur stood before Chief Ranger Albert Torres, raised their right hoofs and took an oath to "preserve and protect our park environments, provide field patrol services for city regional parks and assist with the safeguarding of lives and property." Chief Ranger Torres then officially welcomed Sherman and Wilbur into the Ranger Mounted Patrol Unit.

Originally created in the early 1970's, the Ranger Mounted Unit was established to provide services to the users of Griffith Park's extensive bridle trails. The Unit provided daily patrols and assisted stranded riders and hikers, stopped runaway horses and provided medical aid. Mounted Rangers also helped enforce various state and local municipal laws.

The first four Rangers assigned to the Mounted Unit housed their horses at the Griffith Park's pony rides because the Equestrian Center had not yet been built. Over the years, the Unit evolved into an integral part of the Ranger Division and obtained a horse trailer and expanded to Elysian Park, Sepulveda Basin and Hansen Dam.

Due to declining budgets and competing priorities, the Mounted Unit operations were scaled back. Sherman and Wilbur's new appointments were made possible by a generous grant from the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. The gracious gift allowed the Department of Recreation and Parks to assign two Park Rangers, Ryan Bernaldo and Arcelia Rosas, to the Mounted Unit and purchase their partners Sherman and Wilbur and necessary equipment.

After the ceremony, Rangers Bernaldo and Rosas rode Sherman and Wilbur into Griffith Park to begin their first day as part of the Mounted Unit Patrol.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

A NEW HAVEN FOR STREET SKATERS

Wilmington's Ambassador Street Skate Plaza

Wilmington - Skate Parks with half pipes, ramps and pool bowls are out. Skaters have gone back to their roots, to the place where they first learned how to skate, ollie and grind, the streets. The newly remodeled Ambassador Plaza at Wilmington Recreation Center is a haven for today's "street skater". It is the first 100 percent Street Skate Park in the United States.

The all-granite and concrete Plaza features benches, handrails and stairs. The Street Skate Park idea was launched by the Ambassador Series, a program that unites community leaders, corporations and celebrities with the goal of urban revitalization.

The Plaza's re-opening on September 27, 2008 proved that street skating is in. Over 400 skater of all ages helped break in the new skate park. Professional skateboarders Paul "P Rod" Rodriguez, who helped design the park, and Daewon Song attended the festivities, which included giveaways from Nike, Plan B, Nixon Watches and EMU.

Wilmington's Ambassador Skate Plaza represents the current style of skating and skate park design. The new park also represents the change of Department regulations on skate parks. The Ambassador Plaza will not have a $1-a-month user fee or require skaters to wear helmets and other protective gear, staying true to the street skating style. Wilmington Recreation Center is located at 325 Neptune Avenue, Wilmington 90744.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

5TH ANNUAL PICNIC BY THE SEA
At Point Fermin Park in San Pedro


San Pedro - Over 1500 seniors attended the 5th Picnic by the Sea event at Point Fermin Park on September 18, 2008. The annual event brought together members from Senior Citizen Centers throughout Los Angeles. The event was presented by the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Federation of Senior Citizen Clubs and the Port of Los Angeles and included a picnic lunch, entertainment, gift drawings, and more.

This year's entertainment included a Hawaiian-dance group, a blues band that included Florence LaRue, from the 1970s popular-music band The Fifth Dimension, and a zydeco-band. Members from The Miracle Workers Senior Club, Great Ebenezer Senior Club and Saint Eugene 50+ Club line danced the afternoon away, while the Golden State Water Company, AARP California and Department of Aging Senior and Caregiver Services handed out information and giveaways. A handful of lucky attendees won gift cards to Starbucks, Coco's restaurant and other retail stores during a series of raffles.

For more information on this event or the Department in general visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

SUMMER NIGHT LIGHTS' "BLOWOUT" CELEBRATION

At Jim Gilliam Recreation Center in South L.A.

Los Angeles - Jim Gilliam Recreation Center held the Summer Night Lights' Blowout Celebration on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Hundreds of kids and their families came together to participate in the program's culminating festivities.

The daylong event at Jim Gilliam featured entertainment (ranging from Aztec dancers to Hip-Hop music artists), basketball, soccer, marble and handball tournaments, skateboard competition, crafts and aerosol art. Youth arrived on buses beginning at 9:00 a.m.. coming from the seven other recreation centers where the program took place.

The Summer Night Lights program targeted eight L.A. City park facilities in the City's Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) zones in an effort to combat gang violence during the traditionally most-violent summer months. Summer Night Lights' three major components were:

1) Extended Hours & Programming: From July 4 through Labor Day, eight Recreation Centers extended hours until midnight, four nights a week (Wednesday-Saturday) and expanded programming to include youth centered recreational, educational and artistic activities to engage in positive activities during peak times of violence.

2) Youth Squad: Ten community coordinators were hired to create and staff the extended hours and programs at each park. Community coordinators are at-risk youth, ages 17-20, who have received extensive training and will receive stipends for 10 weeks.

3) Cease-Fire: Intervention workers helped maintain cease-fires on-site at Recreation Centers and in the surrounding community. They assisted in hiring and overseeing community coordinators and assist with expanded programming.

The Department locations that were selected for the program were Ramon Garcia RC, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Pool, Mount Carmel, Ross Snyder Park and Pool, Hubert Humphrey RC and Pool, Ramona Gardens RC and Jim Gilliam RC. The eight sites were selected due to the large number of youth, high rates of violence and the low-socioeconomic status of their surrounding communities.

Summer Night Lights was developed in partnership with LAPD, LAUSD, Recreation and Parks, Cultural Affairs, community and faith-based organizations, gang-intervention workers, community residents, youth, business lenders and neighborhood councils. The program was funded through a $1 million contribution raised by Reverend Jeff Carr, the Mayor's Director of Gang-Reduction and Youth Development and other organizations, such as the Weingart Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank.

The success of the Summer Night Lights was recognized by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at a press conference about the gang reduction program on Monday, September 8, 2008 at Jim Gilliam Recreation Center. During the press conference, recreation staff was recognized for what they do best- providing activities for youth. Their efforts undeniably contributed to the success of the program, allowing for the hope that Summer Night Lights is only the beginning of due change in some disadvantaged neighborhoods.

According to Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, violent crime statistics did go down during the weeks of Summer Night Lights, dropping 17 percent in the communities surrounding the eight program sites compared to the previous year.

For more information on the Summer Night Lights program or the Department in general visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

"SUMMER CAMP YOUTH DAY" AT DODGER STADIUM

Over 10,000 Southern California youth have a Dodger good time

Los Angeles - Over 2,000 youth from the Department of Recreation and Parks came together with 8,000 other Southern California kids to celebrate "Summer Camp Youth Day" at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, August 21, 2008.

Four children from Algin Sutton Recreation Center, along with Pacific Region Superintendent Mark Mariscal received a special recognition and were introduced on the field before the start of the game. Another four youth from Ross Snyder Recreation Center were selected to participate in the "Dodger Players and Youth Take the Field" program at the start of the game. The program allows pre-selected children to run to the player's positions and get their autographs on a major league baseball.

At the end of the game the youth also participated in the "Kids Run the Bases" program presented by McDonald's. Children ages 5 to 15 were invited down to the field after the game to run the bases like a major leaguer.

The Department would like to give a special thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers for providing our youth with a fantastic, fun-filled day that they will never forget!

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

LOS ANGELES IS "THE MOST PLAYFUL CITY"

Playful City USA celebration at Hansen Dam Recreation Area

Los Angeles - General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri was presented "The Most Playful City" award by Shane's Inspiration at Hansen Dam Recreation Area on Friday, August 15, 2008. Shane's Inspiration, a Recreation and Park's partner in developing Universally Accessible Playgrounds (UAPs), joined the Department in the celebration of play. The Department held a Playful City USA Play Day after the awards ceremony where hundreds of children from across Los Angeles did what they do best - PLAY!

Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring cities and towns across the nation committed to taking action for play. The program recognizes that by encouraging residents, particularly children and youth, to participate in an active outdoor lifestyle that significantly contributes to their overall health and well-being.

The Department of Recreation and Parks strongly supports the Playful City USA Program, as it helps to promote an active lifestyle and highlights the need to provide safe and accessible recreation opportunities within walking distance of every child.

Hansen Dam's L.A. Play Day brought together over 600 children, ages 8 to 13, to enjoy recreational activities, including sports, crafts and swimming. The children were from Tarzana RC, Branford RC, N. Weddington RC, Northridge RC, Sun Valley RC, Studio City RC, Mason RC, Valley Plaza RC, Winnetka RC, CLASS Parks, Aquatics and Shane's Inspiration.

The Mayor proclaimed August 15 as Play Day Los Angeles and the City has applied for a Playful City USA Designation. The proclamation and celebration of an annual Play Day is one of five commitments that must be made in order to become a Playful City. The announcement of the selected 10 Playful Cities will be made the first week of September.

For more information on this event or any other Department programs and/or locations, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS AT GILBERT LINDSAY

Soccer Field Dedication and Rec Center Groundbreaking

South Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a new synthetic soccer field and broke ground for a new recreation center at Gilbert Lindsay on Thursday, August 7, 2008. The two celebrations mark the completion and start of Phase I and II of the Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center Project.

Phase I, the synthetic soccer field, included refurbishment of the existing soccer fields, a new irrigation system, new permanent soccer goals, new bleachers, fencing, walkways and landscaping. Construction was performed by Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. and funding came from Propostions K, 12 & 40.

Phase II of the project is a new recreation center. The old center has been demolished and will be replaced with a new 2,400-square-foot recreation building. The new center will have attached outside access to 300-square-foot restrooms. The project will also resurface the basketball courts and provide new lighting, install a chain link fence, resurface the parking lot and provide landscaping. The project cost is $1,679,700 and funding is from Propositions K, 12 & 40.

Gilbert Lindsay is located at 429 42nd Place, Los Angeles, 90011. For more information on this location or the Department in general visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

NIKE PLAY COURT DEDICATION
At Algin Sutton Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Nike and the LA84 Foundation, dedicated a Play Court at Algin Sutton Recreation Center in South Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 29, 2008.

The new synthetic multi-purpose field replaced an old volleyball court and was installed through Nike's Let Me Play program. Let Me Play provides grants to community groups and government agencies to support the promotion of sports in an effort to get youth active.

Algin Sutton's refurbished field incorporates Nike Grind, recycled material from footwear manufacturing and worn out athletic shoes. Nike Grind is used in sports surfaces such as basketball courts, running tracks, soccer fields and playgrounds. For each sports field constructed with Nike Grind, approximately 75,000 pairs of shoes and many pounds of rubber manufacturing waste do not end up in landfills.

The Dedication Ceremony took place on the new high-tech soccer field on Tuesday evening. Councilmember Bernard C. Parks was in attendance along with representatives from Recreation and Parks, Nike and the LA84 Foundation. Jorge Campos, one of Mexico's most popular and accomplished professional soccer players, was the special guest.

Campos is one of the most recognizable faces of soccer in the world and a Mexican icon. He is best known for his charismatic style of play and his brightly-colored uniforms which became his trademark throughout his career. Campos played more than 130 games for the Mexican National team and played in two World Cups to become one of the most respected goal keepers in the world.

The new soccer field is the second completed play surface that is part of the commitment between Nike and the LA84 Foundation to build and/or refurbish 84 playgrounds and/or sports fields throughout Los Angeles. Nike Inc., is the world's leading designer marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. The LA84 Foundation was established to manage Southern California's share of the surplus from the highly successful 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Foundation's mission is to serve youth through sport and to increase knowledge of sport and its impact on people's lives.

Algin Sutton Recreation Center is located at 8800 South Hoover Street, Los Angeles, 90044. For more information on this location or any other Department programs, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

A CHARITABLE DONATION FOR MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS

At Westwood Recreation Complex in West Los Angeles

Los Angeles - Recreation and Parks Commission President Barry Sanders and Councilmember Jack Weiss accepted Laing Luxury's $500,000 donation to the L.A. Parks Foundation on Thursday, July 24, 2008. The generous gift will be used for improvements to Westwood area facilities including major enhancements to the Westwood Recreation Complex.

The donated $500,000 will be combined with local Quimby and Prop K funds to install a new $1.2 million HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and refurbish the gymnasium, stage and pool. Pool improvements will include new security cameras, interior and exterior paint, backboard and goals, lights, chairs, windows, diving board, diving towers and a scorboard for competitions. Construction is expected to total approximately $1.6 million and will begin in the fall.

Tom Redwitz of Laing Luxury presented Commission President Barry Sanders and Councilmember Weiss with a check on Thursday afternoon outside of the Recreation Complex. Laing Luxury is a local subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, one of the world's largest real estate companies, which is building a condominium tower at Wilshire Boulevard and Club View Drive.

"The new Los Angeles Parks Foundation is delighted to receive this generous donation from Laing Luxury for the enhancement of our wonderful Westwood Recreation Complex. This is our Foundation's first major grant, and will set a standard for the Foundation's future work on behalf of our parks. We thank Tom Redwitz and Laing Luxury," said Commission President Barry Sanders.

The Westwood Recreation Complex provides a wide variety of activities and programs. Programs include soccer, gymnastics, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, dance, art programs and adjacent tennis courts. Westwood Aquatic Center's indoor pool, built in 1988, is one of the City's newer pools and is used for swimming lessons, adult lap swim and swim teams. Westwood Rec Complex is located at 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90025.

For more information on the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

A NEW PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN AND GROW
Dedication of Downey Child Care Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks is dedicating a new Child Care Center at Downey Recreation Center in East Los Angeles on Thursday, July 17, 2008. The new facility is the 26th state licensed child care center operated by the Department and will provide quality and affordable services for up to 44 children.

The 3,400-square-foot center features one large classroom which has been broken up into numerous learning centers, a high speed computer workstation area and office space for the Director and staff. The new facility also includes a 2,100-square-foot outdoor patio activity area, kitchenette and security system.

The $2 million project was designed and constructed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering. Funding was provided by Propositions K and A, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the City Capital Improvement Funds.

The new Child Care Center is located at 219 South Avenue 18, Los Angeles 90031. For more information on this center or the Department in general, visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

THE 2008 LOTUS FESTIVAL
The 31st annual event celebrating Asian cultures at Echo Park

LOS ANGELES – The 31st Lotus Festival, celebrating the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, was held on Friday, July 11, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2008, from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 13, 2008, from noon to 8:30 p.m., around and on the lake at Echo Park, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located near downtown.

This year, the Festival highlighted the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. A fabulous fireworks display over Echo Park Lake took place both Friday and Saturday at 9:00 p.m. with the legendary Taiko Drummers playing in the background.

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.

Artisans-at-work were on hand to demonstrate their skills on the beautifully decorated Flower Island Pavilion. Their artwork illustrated their spirit, tradition and pride of the Asian and Pacific Islander handiwork. This included: paper-cutting, hand painted scrolls, calligraphy, plant and flower expertise, fish, birds and other Asian artifacts and wares.

The Health Fair featured educational lectures on holistic fitness. Other services provided included free screenings, information and referrals. The Community Services featured a variety of organizations offering free information, assistance and referrals in areas of employment, social services, immigration, legal services, education, housing and translating.

The Art Show Exhibit featured artwork with the “Lotus Flower” theme. The 2008 exhibit was open for viewing during Festival hours at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 850 Echo Park Avenue, located across the street from the boathouse.

The International Boutiques offered a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander items and gifts for sale including clothing, jewelry, artwork, hand-made crafts, incense, body oils and much more. The Children's Courtyard gave children the opportunity to learn Asian and Pacific Islander arts & crafts, enjoy live music, stories, songs and dances.
The Queens and their Courts representing local communities were all in attendance in native dresses.

Dragon Boat Races were held both days with media, community service groups, political and business organizations, local colleges and universities all competed for awards, while enjoying a day on 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 2008 Lotus Festival.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

A GENEROUS & EXTRAORDINARY DONATION

Dedication of Telfair Park in Sylmar

Sylmar - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated Telfair Park on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Sylmar's new park offers much-needed green space to the children and families in the area because there are currently no public parks within walking distance of the site.

The new park has an extraordinary story. In 2007, the Tessera Sylmar Homeowners Association made plans to donate a 1.56 vacant acre lot for the proposed Telfair Park to the Department. ValleyCresy Landscape Companies (the nation's leading provider of integrated landscape services since 1949) generously joined the group’s donation and on March 1, 2007, the transformation of an empty and barren lot into a community park took place in just one day. Telfair Park was built by over 150 ValleyCrest managers and executives from across the nation who had gathered in Los Angeles for an annual corporate meeting. The Company donated labor, plants and materials at no cost to the taxpayers, saving the City and residents over $500,000.

Telfair Park features include a practice soccer field, a picnic area, a walking path, and a playground. The new park is located at 15721 Cobalt Avenue, Sylmar 91342.

This isn’t the only project that Recreation and Parks and ValleyCrest Landscape Companies, are partnering on. The Department recently initiated the Smart Irrigation Program. The goal of the program is to develop and promote water conservation and maximize landscape water use efficiency at City parks. Another objective is to employ at-risk young adults, between the ages of 18 and 24, and provide them with hands-on training skills in basic landscape irrigation construction. Burton Sperber, the owner of ValleyCrest, has offered to hire at least twelve Smart Irrigation employees when they finish their training, providing them with a wonderful employment opportunity. The young adults in the Smart Irrigation Program attended the Telfair Park dedication.

The Department wishes to thank Mr. Sperber and his company for their generous support of the Department of Recreation and Parks. The Department also acknowledges the generous donation from the Tessera Sylmar Homeowners Association.

For more information about Recreation and Parks, visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

SUMMER YOUTH FISHING PROGRAM
At Cabrillo Beach Pier in San Pedro

San Pedro - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will again offer the Cabrillo Beach Pier Summer Youth Fishing Program in 2008. The program helps children ages 7-17 learn about fishing; the activity will be conducted Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., from June 23 through August 23.

Group trips, which have a $25 bait fee for a 25-participant maximum, are coordinated through Department of Recreation and Parks facilities, and reservations are required since availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations for individual anglers will also be accepted, with a fee of $6 per person. For more information, call (310) 548-7728.

The program will also include information on how to rig lines, tie hooks and bait and cast rods, as well as being environmentally responsible while fishing and following California Department of Fish and Game laws. Equipment will be provided, but not transportation.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which is near the pier, will be open for up-close observations of sea life. Groups wanting to visit the aquarium must also make reservations by calling (310) 548-7562.

For more information about the Department of Recreation and Parks events, activities, services, programs and facilities, go to our website: http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

IT'S TIME FOR SUMMER SWIMMING
Opening of 30 seasonal pools throughout the City

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks opened 30 seasonal pools at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2008. On the same day, 16 year-round facilities began their summer schedule, with longer hours at all locations. For the 10th consecutive year, children age 17 or younger, seniors age 65 or older, and the disabled can swim for free at all City pools.

The Department offers lap, recreational and adaptive swimming, plus water exercise. Various locations offer private and group lessons as well as lifeguard training and team sports such as diving, water polo and synchronized swimming. Seasonal pools will be open daily through Labor Day, which is Monday, September 1.

For more pool information, call the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953, or visit the Department website: http://www.laparks.org/.



MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

AN UNLIMITED PLAYGROUND IN VAN NUYS

Universally Accessible Playground Dedication Ceremony

Van Nuys - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated a Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Anthony C. Beilenson Park on Monday, June 9, 2008. The new UAP is the 10th accessible playground run by the Department.

The first west coast Accessible playground began with one mother. In March of 1997 Catherine Curry-Williams gave birth to a son, Shane, who died two weeks later of spinal muscular atrophy (a disorder that would have left him severely disabled had he survived). Catherine's sister-in-law sent her an article from an East Coast paper about another family who also lost a child. They had turned their grief into action by creating a playground.

Inspired by the story, Catherine and her husband Scott did their research and learned that there were no wheelchair-accessible playgrounds on the west coast. They decided to take action. Catherine joined with a friend, Tiffany Harris, and together they created a non-profit organization called SHANE'S INSPIRATION. Their mission is to create a truly unique recreational environment in Los Angeles that provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to play at their highest level, enhancing their emotional, physical and social development, as well as teaching compassion and acceptance.

The City of Los Angeles has joined with Shane’s inspiration to build 10 universally accessible playgrounds in city parks. There are nine additional playgrounds on the drawing board.

The new accessible playground at Beilenson Park has two separate play areas, one section for two to five-year-olds and two sections for five to twelve-year-olds. All of the areas have a “Maritime” theme and feature swings, ladders, a variety of balancing elements, climbers and slides.

Special features to the 19,600-square-foot playground is an interactive drum play area and sensory wall. Other elements include spring toys, crawl tunnels, landscaping and drinking fountains.

The $1 million project was jointly designed by Shane’s Inspiration and the Bureau of Engineering’s (BOE) Architectural Division. The Department of Recreation and Parks’ Construction Division built and managed the project. Funding came from Prop 40, City Capital Improvement Funds and Quimby fees.

Anthony C. Beilenson Park is located at 6300 Balboa Boulevard in Van Nuys, 91316. For more information on this location or the Department in general please call (213) 928-9200 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

A SPLASHING GOOD TIME

Rededication Ceremony at Northridge Pool

Northridge - The Department of Recreation and Parks rededicated Northridge Pool on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Northridge Pool had been out of service because of extensive leaks caused by the 1994 Earthquake. The reopening comes just in time for summer swimming.

The Department of Recreation and Parks, working with the Bureau of Engineering and the Jones and Madhavan architectural design team, have created a design that will serve the needs of the community as well as address the swimming and safety concerns of the Recreation and Parks aquatic staff.

There are two pools - one is a traditional swimming pool with a 3-10 foot depth. The other is a zero depth activity pool that provides Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility plus play features.

The highlight of the new facility is the waterslide, a gift from Kaiser Permanente as part of Operation Splash, a effort between Kaiser Permanente and the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Aquatic Division.

Kaiser Permanente has donated $2 million to provide Los Angeles City children free swim lessons, increased access to community pools and waterslides at the Northridge Pool and Harvard Pool (which is currently in design).

Northridge Pool is located 10088 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge 91324. The new pool is a seasonal location and will officially open to the public on Saturday, June 21. For more information on the pool's fees, programs and/or features, please call the Citywide Aquatics Section at (323) 906-7953.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294