GHOST & GOBLINS & VAMPIRES.......OH MY!!!

Recreation & Park's 2010 Halloween Activities

Los Angeles - With Halloween right around the corner, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) is pulling out the cob webs, broomsticks and spiders in preparation for the SPOOKTACULAR holiday. Recreation and Parks is hosting a wide-variety of spooky activities throughout the City of Los Angeles for everyone to enjoy.

Here's a list of a few thrills that are sure to send chills your way:

-Ride a Haunted Halloween Railroad at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. The 12th annual Ghost Train Halloween attraction will be offered October 22-24 and October 28-31 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm each night. The miniature train will depart from "Scarewood" Station and travel through devilish displays of spooky spirits, creepy clowns, witches, vampire babies and other assorted frightful fiends. There is a suggested donation of $7 per person. For more information call (323) 661-8958 or visit http://www.lals.org/.

-Walk if you dare or run if you're scared, through a Horror Haunted House at Westchester Recreation Center. The longest running Haunted House in Los Angeles, Westchester's Horror House has been running for 22 years and is sure to scare the bee geezers out of anyone who dares to visit. These is a $5 fee for ages 8 and up. The Horror Haunted House will be open from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30. On Halloween Day, the Recreation Center will be hosting a Kids Zone with face painting, a trick-or-treat village, super jumper, cotton candy and more from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Haunted House will be open from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm on October 31. Westchester Recreation Center is located at 7000 West Manchester Blvd, Los Angeles 90045.

-The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will be transformed into an underwater world of chills, thrills and gills for the 5th annual "Sea Scare" on Saturday, October 30 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Guests can come in costume and join the masquerade of ghosts and goblins, go trick-or-treating at six themed goodie stations, or walk along the docks of the "Port Town" scare zone. Visit the Aquatic Nursery for a special treasure hunt, scary sea creature feedings and bone tingling cryogenic demonstrations. A band of marauding pirates will provide entertainment and the "Sea Scare Glow Party Zone" will have close-up magic, a hula hoop contest and dancing. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children and senior citizens. For more information about the event or costume guidelines call (310) 548-7562 or go to http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/.

-The Monster Mash is sure to be playing at Denker Recreation Center's Teen Club Halloween Dance. The $1 Halloween boogie is open to teens 13-18 with a school ID. Teens can show off their THRILLER moves from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, October 29.

- For all the die hard skaters out there, Pedlow Skate Park in Encino is hosting a SCARY Skate Contest from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Halloween Day. Show off your Frankenstein ollies, Vampire kick flips and goblin board slides at the "Tricks for Treats" Skate Contest. For more information call (818) 266-6991.

- Visit Sylmar Recreation Center's "Trick or Treat Village" and Halloween Carnival on October 31 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Local businesses will come together to create a safe and fun "Trick or Treat Village" and hand out candy. A costume contest and carnival rides are just a few of the festivities being offered.

Remember, safety is important to having a Happy Halloween! Here are a few safety tips for your ghostly agenda:

-Help your children pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure costumes are fire proof and the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.

-Plan a safe route to know where your older children will be at all times. Instruct them to stay on main streets and not to cut through alleyways or dark places.

-Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.

-Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be checked.

-Make sure your children carry flashlights, glow sticks or have reflective tape to make them more visible to cars.

-Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.

-Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist) and do NOT cross between parked cars.

The Department of Recreation and Parks wishes you a HAPPY, SAFE and SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!!!

**For a complete list of Halloween Activities hosted by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks visit http://www.laparks.org/pdf/halloweenevents.pdf or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

HIKE THROUGH GRIFFITH PARK

Seven trips through the end of 2010, with something for all skill levels

Griffith Park - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will offer seven hikes covering all skill levels to various locations in Griffith Park through December, each led by one or more park rangers. The starting point will either be the Griffith Park Ranger Station, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, or Griffith Observatory, 2800 E. Observatory Road.

Saturday, November 6: A six mile intermediate level trek starting at the Ranger Station at 8 am that will follow the Mineral Wells Trail to the composting facility, then along the Skyline Trail to the Golden State Freeway Trail, ending at the Ranger Station at 11 am.

Friday, November 26: Sixth annual Day After Thanksgiving excursion to the Hollywood Sign. The intermediate to advanced level 10-mile roundtrip hike will begin at the Ranger Station at 8 am and will go to Bill Eckert Trail, Vista Del Valle Drive, Upper Mulholland Trail and Mt. Lee Drive. There will be a photo opportunity and the journey will end at 1 pm.

Saturday, November 27: An eight-mile advanced level challenge from the Observatory to West Observatory Road, Mt. Hollywood Road, Upper Mulholland Trail and Mt. Lee Drive. The most strenous section follows to Cahuenga Peak Trail, which leads to Burbank Peak and the "Magic" Tree, named for its resilience through droughts and fires, with a spectacular panoramic view. This hike will begin at 8 am.

Saturday, December 4: Half-marathon, the route and time for which has yet to be determined.

Friday, December 17: A three-mile night hike (6:30 pm to 9 pm) for beginners from the Ranger Station to the Mineral Wells Picnic Area and back.

Hikers should dress accordingly for the time of day and year, and bring plenty of water and snacks. For more information about the hikes call (323) 644-6661, ext. 1549.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

AN UNDERWATER WORLD OF CHILLS, THRILLS & GILLS

5th annual "Sea Scare"at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

San Pedro - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will hold its 5th annual "Sea Scare" Halloween program on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Aquarium will be transformed into an underwater world of chills, thrills and gills.

Guests can come in costume and join in the masquerade of ghouls and goblins, go trick-or-treating at six themed goodie stations, or walk along the docks of the "Port Town" scare zone. All while, a band of marauding pirates will entertain with crazy antics and bad pirate jokes.

Visit Cabrillo's Aquatic Nursery for a special treasure hunt, scary sea creature feedings and bone tingling cryogenic demonstrations. Stop by the Exploration Center for some treats, participate in bio-luminescent crafts, and learn about marine life that lurks in the ocean. Enter the Marine Research Library for some creepy creations and spooky stories.

At the Craft Corner, kids of all ages can participate in such activities as kookie cookie decorating. There will also be a costume contest for a chance to win spook-tacular prizes and the stage show "Evilution" returns with new dances and comedy performances.

"Deep Fear", a new haunted walk-through attraction, will be introduced and the Aquarium's resident cannibal, Red Bone. In addition, the "Voodoo Village" has been expanded and will have games of chance and fortune readings. The all-new "Sea Scare Glow Party Zone" will have close-up magic, a hula hoop contest and dancing.

Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children and Senior Citizens; FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will be admitted for FREE. There will also be giveaways for the first 200 guests.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen White Drive in San Pedro 90731. For more information about the event or costume guidelines call (310) 548-7562 or go to www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2689

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

SCREAM THROUGH A SCARY STEAMER RIDE

12th Annual Ghost Train at Griffith Park

Griffith Park - Board a miniature train at "Scarewood" Station and travel through devilish displays of spooky spirits, creepy clowns, witches, vampire babies and other frightful fiends. Scream your way past 18-foot tall Halloween pumpkin creatures, an Old Western Ghost Town and more.

The multi-media (lighting, video and audio) experience also includes smoke effects and the popular haunted mine tunnel, as well as animatronics - and maybe even some surprises. New 2010 features are an Appalachian Mountain theme, including: Grandma's Potting Shed, with 24 singing potted plants and a giant man-eating plant finale; Grandpa's Hillbilly Hill, which has an old geezer in a rocking chair on the porch of his cabin being a curmudgeon with a 16-foot tall moonshine still; plus rats, hogs, a talking tree and more.

The 12th annual Halloween Ghost Train attraction at the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum (LALSRM) will be offered October 15-17, 22-24 and 28-31, 2010 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm each night. All passengers must be at least 34 inches tall and weigh less than 350 lbs.

There is a suggested donation of $7 per person, riders are encouraged to go early, as lines can be very long and dress warm. The Halloween Ghost Train is the largest annual fundraising event put on by LALSRM, which is a nonprofit organization; proceeds will be used to pay for maintenance and purchase equipment.

The Los Angeles Live Streamers Railroad Museum is located at 5202 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park (adjacent to Travel Town Museum). Information about LALSRM special events and more is available at www.lals.org or by calling (323) 661-8958. Regular weekly public rides led by a 1/8-scale steam, diesel or electric locomotive are given on Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm, with a $3 suggested donation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT FLICKS

At Pershing Square in Downtown L.A.

Downtown Los Angeles - Cinematic chills and Friday night thrills!!! Every week in October 2010 there will be a FREE Friday Night Fright Flick screening at Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Fright Flicks will be presented on a 40 x 20 outdoor screen, complemented with a professional sound system. Movies are FREE with lawn seating in the Pershing Square outdoor amphitheater. Moviegoers are welcome to bring a blanket, lawn chair and picnic (or purchase food on site) and enjoy seeing a classic horror film under the stars at a multi-use entertainment and cultural oasis amid the downtown skyscrapers.

The remaining films to be shown are:

October 22 - House of Usher (1960, based on a short story by Edgar Allan Poe and directed by legendary horror filmmaker Roger Corman) starring Vincent Price as head of a cursed family living in a creepy mansion who welcome an unsuspecting suitor

October 29 - Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962, directed by Robert Aldrich) starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as aging actress siblings living as recluses, each having suffered tragedy that ultimately pits them against each other.

Pershing Square is located at 532 South Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles 90013. Friday Night Fright Flicks are presented by the Department of Recreation and Parks, together with the Downtown Neighborhood Council and The Historic Downtown Los Angeles Business Improvement District.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

- Guests are asked to refrain from loud conversation or cell phone use during the films

-Pershing Square is a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility and it is city policy that drinking of alcoholic beverages or smoking of any kind is prohibited. Guests found in violation of these rules will be asked to leave the park.

-Convenient underground parking is available at Pershing Square

- Pets are welcome, if they are well-behaved and kept on a leash

-Films will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Film status can be confirmed after 5pm the day of by calling (213) 847-4970, e-mailing pershing.square@lacity.org or visiting the website at www.laparks.org/pershingsquare.

We look forward to seeing you at the movies! And remember POPCORN is on the "SQUARE"!!!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT SPACE

Outdoor Fitness Equipment at Studio City Rec Center

Studio City - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, along with Councilmember Paul Krekorian (CD 2), Park Advisory Members and local residents, dedicated new Outdoor Fitness Equipment at Studio City Recreation Center on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

The multi-station outdoor fitness equipment includes apparatuses to develop the lower, upper and core body areas, and improving cardiovascular health. 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.

The new fitness equipment was purchased from Greenfield Sport Parks, Inc. of Santa Ana and installed by Department of Recreation and Parks Citywide Construction Forces. The $65,000 addition was funded by developer fees.

Studio City Recreation Center is located at 12621 Rye Street in Studio City 91604. For more information on this location, visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY

Dedication of a Universally Accessible Playground in West Hills

West Hills - The Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) proudly dedicated a Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Shadow Ranch Recreation Center on Thursday, October 7, 2010. The new UAP can be used by children of all abilities and will provide endless opportunities for ALL children to play together.

Shadow Ranch's Accessible Playground was made possible through the Department's partnership with the non-profit organization Shane's Inspiration. RAP has developed a strong and effective partnership with Shane's beginning in 1998 with the development of the City's and non-profit's first Universally Accessible Playground, Shane's Inspiration in Griffith Park. 12 years later, the Department's 16th UAP has opened at Shadow Ranch Recreation Center.

The 10,800-square-foot Accessible Playground features swing sets, slides, resilient rubberized surfacing and shade structures. The play area is completely wheel-chair accessible and boasts interactive sensory elements. The $673,000 project was funded by developer fees.

Together with Shane's Inspiration, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has successfully revolutionized the way playgrounds are designed and utilized. RAP is committed to building even more Universally Accessible Playgrounds throughout the City of Los Angeles. The Department currently has 6 additional UAPs opening over the next year.

Shadow Ranch Recreation Center is located at 22633 Vanowen Street in West Hills 91307. For more information on this location or the Department, visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689