A "GREEN" IMPROVEMENT

The Dedication of Solar Lights at North Hollywoood RC

North Hollywood - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated the first-ever solar powered lights at North Hollywood Recreation Center on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilmember Tom LaBonge (4th District), actor and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. and local residents were all on hand to help "flip the switch" on the new green improvement.

The project at North Hollywood included the installation of thirty-two solar light poles to illuminate the jogging paths. The total cost of $263,324 was funded by Quimby. The Department's Valley Region electrical crew installed the lights, cutting the cost of the project by about half.

The new solar-powered lights at North Hollywood RC store energy from the sun during the day and use this stored energy as a power source at night. By using solar power in the 32 lights the Department will save enough energy to light up nine average Southern California households per year. The energy saved is equivalent to planting 420 trees. The Department already has plans to install solar lighting at two other parks in the immediate future with three more locations on the drawing board.

North Hollywood RC is located at 11455 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood 91601. For more information on this project or the Department, please call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694