General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri testing out the new equipment and his strength!

A HEALTHY IMPROVEMENT

Dedication of jogging/walking path & outdoor exercise equipment

Los Angeles - Glassell Park Recreation Center is an integral part of its community. The recreation center serves as a safe haven for local youth by providing afterschool care, sports programs and extended hours and programming during the summer months. The center also has a strong Park Advisory Board and Senior Club both comprised of community members.

Glassell Park truly makes a difference in the surrounding community with its programming and amenities. The popular park helps neighbors have more productive and fulfilling lives. The park's newest addition will contribute to that legacy by encouraging Glassell patrons to improve their health by exercising.

The Department of Recreation and Parks and Council President Eric Garcetti proudly dedicated a jogging/walking path and outdoor exercise equipment at Glassell Park on Monday, April 26, 2010. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and local community members were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and start exercising.

The outdoor improvement project included the construction of 1/3-mile jogging/walking path that goes along the perimeter of the park grounds. Along the path there are five different exercise stations with equipment that can be used for cardiovascular, strength and coordination workouts.

The fitness equipment is easy-to-use and is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations. The equipment uses the body’s mass for resistance instead of a weighted system which allows the equipment to be used by people of all ages and stages of physical fitness, with no concern of injury.

Recreation and Parks' Planning and Construction Division worked with the Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering to design the enhancements. The Recreation and Parks Construction Division and Landscape and Irrigation Unit built the jogging/walking path and installed the exercise equipment. Funding for the $395,000 project was provided by developer fees.

The idea for the project came about from the local community and Councilmember Garcetti's office and is a reflection of the Citywide Community Needs Assessment that was conducted by the Department of Recreation and Parks starting in November 2007 and culminating in 2009.

Glassell Park is located at 3650 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles 90065. For more information on the park's programming and amenities call the recreation center directly at (323) 257-1863.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

MAY NATURE HIKES AT GRIFFITH PARK
Four hikes led by Ranger Ernie! One of them requires wheels!

Los Angeles - They say that April showers bring May flowers! So, here's four chances to see the beautiful flowers the rain has brought to life at Griffith Park. Ranger Ernie will be leading the way, all you need is the right shoes, water and an available weekend in May!

Three nature walks in Griffith Park and one bike ride will be offered during the month of May by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

The first excursion will take place on Saturday, May 1 at 8 am, and will be ideal for beginners. The 5-mile hike will start at the Observatory parking lot and head to Charlie Turner Trail, then to Dante's View (where hikers will stop for a quick water break), then to Mount Hollywood Summit where trekkers will have a breathtaking 360 view of Los Angeles. After the beautiful scenery Ranger Ernie will continue north to water tank 153, then head back on Mt. Hollywood Road back to East Observatory Road.

The intermediate level hike on Saturday, May 8 (8 am) will be seven miles and is designed for those who have some previous hiking experience. This course will be from the Observatory to the famous Hollywood sign.

Beginners will have another chance to test their skills with a night hike on Friday, May 28 at 6:30 pm. Make sure to bring your cameras for this journey, it's time was specifically picked to watch the sunset.

All three nature hikes will begin at the Griffith Observatory parking lot, 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles 90027.

The last May expedition will require a helmet and wheels. On Saturday, May 29 Ranger Ernie will lead a Bike Ride through Griffith Park. Participants will fly by some of the popular locations within the historic park. Riders will meet at the Park Ranger Visitor's Center at 9 am.

Those planning to participate should dress accordingly and bring drinking water and snacks. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Ranger Ernie Ybarra at (323) 644-6661 or by e-mail at ernie.ybarra@lacity.org.






MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A PLACE TO HOLD SPECIAL MEMORIES

Grand Opening of Brand Park Community Building

Mission Hills - Home to the beautiful and famous Memory Garden and neighbor to the Mission San Fernando Rey de Epsana, Brand Park (a.k.a. Mission Park) has been part of the Recreation and Parks' family since 1921. For over 80 years, Brand Park has been an important part of the Mission Hills community. Residents have used the parkland for many different events. From Birthday parties and family baseball games to Weddings and Quinceanras the historical location has hosted them all. The new Community Building has been built to compliment and enhance the park's existing features and provide a space where many more special memories can be shared.

The Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember Richard Alarcon and Mission Hills' residents celebrated the grand opening of the Brand Park Community Building on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The $1.7 million community building will serve residents of Mission Hills by supporting diverse educational and leisure programs.

The one-story building includes a multi-purpose assembly room, an entrance lobby, small office and a serving/warming kitchen. The building will also be used as a rental space for community activities and meetings, as well as special events such as weddings, birthdays and other cultural celebrations.

The project also included improvements to the adjacent courtyard which included enhanced landscaping, a trellis, gazebo and other outdoor amenities. Funding was provided by Propositions 12, 40, K and A, Quimby and Sites and Facilities Funds.

Brand Park Community Building is located at 15174 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills 91345. Please call (818) 896-6510 for rental information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689