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ONE PHASE DOWN, ONE MORE TO GO

Dedication of Phase I of South LA Wetlands Park

South Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilwoman Jan Perry (9th District) and the Bureau of Engineering proudly celebrated the completion of Phase I of the South Los Angeles Wetlands Park Project on Thursday, March 31, 2011.

The South Los Angeles Wetlands Park project includes the development of a nine-acre parkland at the intersection of 54th and Avalon. The wetlands project will transform an old MTA bus yard into a sustainable nature park that will feature a recreation space, educational center, solar powered lighting and a storm water treatment area. When complete, the new park will provide educational opportunities and wildlife viewing. The storm water treatment area will assist in minimizing the introduction of pollutants including; bacteria, oil, grease, gasoline, suspended sediments and heavy metals, all of which are components of urban runoff that ultimately are washed into receiving waters.

Phase I of the project created a one-acre green space for activities such as cycling, photography and bird watching and includes an outdoor classroom with educational signage. Phase II will include the construction of a rail museum and community meeting place. The South Los Angeles Wetlands Park will be landscaped with native California plants and will create indigenous habitats for native wildlife including various species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Since more than 95% of California's natural wetlands have been lost to development projects, the South Los Angeles Wetlands Park is an important restoration project that represents a renewal of nature in the South LA community. Phase II of the project is expected to be complete in December 2011.

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrea Epstein, 213.202.2690

BLOG CONTACT: Amy A. Garcia, 818.243.6488