STATE-OF-THE-ART IMPROVEMENTS

Groundbreaking at Westchester Rec Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) in partnership with the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, Explore.org and The Berrics officially broke ground at Westchester Recreation Center for a new skate park, universal playground and other improvements on Monday, April 11, 2011.

The $1 million improvement project is being funded by Quimby funds and a generous donation of $125,000 from the Annenberg Foundation and Explore.org that will fund the skate plaza portion of the project. The new skate plaza was designed by Jason King and Steve Berra from The Berrics, and Joe Ciaglia from California Skateparks. California Skateparks will construct Westchester's skate spot. The plaza is replacing an old outdoor basketball court. RAP redesigned the space around the skate area to accommodate the plaza, give a fresh new look and tie in all the physical factors that make up the space.

The project also includes the installation of a universal playground for children of all abilities and lighting improvements to the tennis courts and parking area. The new playground, designed by Gametime, will feature a "California Coastal Experience" theme and will be wheelchair accessible. The improvement project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

THANK YOU to all the partners who made this project possible!!!

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrea Epstein, 213.202.2690

BLOG CONTACT: Amy A. Garcia, 818.243.6488