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