A DOZEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNIVERSAL PLAY

A new playground at Stoner Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Shane's Inspiration, proudly dedicated a new Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Stoner Recreation Center in West Los Angeles on December 4, 2008.

Stoner's new play area is the City's twelfth UAP and is approximately 6,400-square-feet. Features include a resilient rubberized surface, mister sprays, swing sets and "cool topper" shades. New landscaping, irrigation, benches and a drinking fountain were also installed.

The City's Bureau of Engineering Architectural Division with help from Shane's Inspiration, designed the UAP. The general contractor for the project was Malibu Pacific Tennis Courts, Inc. Funding for the $500,000+ project was provided by California Proposition 40.

Stoner's Universally Accessible Playground provides endless opportunities for children of all abilities to play together and brings the Department of Recreation and Parks one step closer to fulfilling our goal to open at least one universal playground in every Council District. There are currently six more UAPs on the Department's drawing board.

Stoner Recreation Center is located at 1835 Stoner Avenue in West Los Angeles, 90025. For more information on this location or the Department in general, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

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

GLIDING INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The return of the Downtown on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink


Los Angeles - The holiday season is here and with it comes the return of the LA Kings Downtown on Ice outdoor skating rink at Pershing Square. The Department of Recreation and Parks hosted a Grand Opening ceremony on November 20, 2008.

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and Councilwoman Jan Perry, along with an impressive group of athletes, helped celebrate the opening of Downtown on Ice's 11th year. Peter Carruthers, 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and four-time U.S. National Champion pairs skater, was the event's Master of Ceremonies. NHL and Kings legend Luc Robitaille, Kings Governer Tim Leiweke and Hall of Fame Broadcaster and TV voice of the Kings Bob Miller were also in attendance.

Three special and spectacular skating performances officially broke the ice. Evan Lysacek, two-time U.S. National Champion and two-time World medalist, and the U.S. National Championships pair team of Lindsay Davis and Alex Merritt wowed the crowd. Orange County's 10-member Youth Performance Ensemble performed a special holiday routine and ended the skating presentation with a bang.

Youth from Para Los Ninos, Sheenway School and South Park Child Care Center tested the ice by participated in skating clinics. The athletes and Youth Ensemble helped the children perfect their skating skills by showing them a few tricks and lending helping hands.

Dubbed the Rockefeller Center of the West, Pershing Square is the Southland's premier holiday attraction. Downtown on Ice is open everyday from November 20-January 19, including holidays. An hour skate session is $6.00 and skate rentals are $2.00. Underground parking is available and patrons can receive discount rates with ice skating validation.

For more information on Downtown on Ice, visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call Pershing Square directly at (213) 847-4970.

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

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289

A PLAYGROUND WITH

BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

At Rosecrans Recreation Center in Gardena

Gardena - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated a new Boundless Playground at Rosecrans Recreation Center in Gardena. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilwoman Janice Hahn and excited children of all abilities proudly cut the ribbon and opened the new playground on November 13, 2008.

The new limitless play area was funded by a $225,000 grant from All Kids Can, a CVS Caremark program, and a$50,000 donation from the City of Los Angeles. The new playground features elevated activity panels, swings with back supports and armrests and wheelchair accessible pathways and ramps, providing children of all abilities with the opportunity of unlimited play.

Rosecrans' Boundless Playground helps bring the Department closer to it's goal of having over 20 unlimited playgrounds throughout the City of Los Angeles.

Rosecrans Recreation Center is located at 840 West 149th Street in Gardena, 90247. For more information on Rosecrans' Boundless Playground 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

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289

PASSION KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES

Annual 90+ Luncheon at Friendship Auditorium

Los Angeles - Passion knows no boundaries and either does royalty. Lannie Lee, Sr. and Ruth D. Williams, both 107, were crowned King and Queen at the Annual 90+ Luncheon on November 17, 2008.

The Department of Recreation and Parks' Senior Section in partnership with the Los Angeles Federation of Senior Citizen Clubs hosted the senior inspired luncheon at Griffith Park's Friendship Auditorium.

Over 400 people attended the event including 137 honorees who were at least 90-years-old, as well as 14 guests who were at least 100. Participants received lunch, enjoyed entertainment and cheered for this year's King and Queen.

Having lived over 10 decades, Mr. Lee and Mrs. Williams are truly inspirational! Hail the King and Queen of 2008!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289