AN ACTIVITY CENTER FOR SENIORS

Dedication and grand opening at Pan Pacific Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks was very pleased to dedicate a new Senior Activity Center at Pan Pacific Park on Thursday, June 7, 2007. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and many happy seniors helped celebrate the grand opening.

The $4 million facility boasts a new concept for seniors. The inclusion of an exercising area and gymnasium will help seniors of all ages stay fit and healthy through various physical activities.

Other features of the 13,000-square-foot center include new roofing, lighting, flooring and landscaping. The facility also has a kitchen, an exterior courtyard, a new 62-space parking lot and restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Jeffrey Kalban & Associates Architecture, Inc. of Los Angeles designed the facility, which was built by AWI Builders, Inc. of Vernon. The Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering managed the project through its Municipal Facilities Program. Funding came from developer fees, Propositions A, DD and 12.

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

AN OUTDOOR FITNESS CENTER

Dedication of outdoor facility at Sycamore Grove Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a unique outdoor fitness center at Sycamore Grove Park on Monday, June 11, 2007. The exercise facility is a joint venture between the Department and Greenfields Sports Park, a company based in Israel with offices in Los Angeles.

The $25,000 fitness center has 13 pieces of equipment designed for strength training and is free to use; the Department obtained eight of the pieces, while Greenfields donated the other five. A unique feature of the equipment is that it uses a person's body weight as resistance and thus can accommodate anyone who wants to work out; its durability also includes being able to withstand exposure to a variety of weather conditions.

Sycamore Grove Park is located at 4702 N. Figueroa Street in the Mount Washington area.

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

A UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

Dedication of Hope & Peace Community Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a new neighborhood park in the Westlake area on Saturday, May 19, 2007. Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and many community members were in attendance for the special celebration.

The new facility has both active and passive recreational and open space use opportunities. The half-acre park has a refurbished half-court for basketball, a children's play area with ramp to provide greater accessibilty, and a splash pad on one tier, and a gazebo, walking path, benches and picnic tables, and a large lawn area with shade trees and native Southern California plants.

The Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering designed the $760,000 park, which was built by Thomsen Landscape of Reseda. The Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program in the Bureau of Engineering managed the project. Funding was provided by Proposition 12, the federal Community Development Block Grant program, and through a $460,000 gift from the L.A. Land Arena Co. (part of the STAPLES Center Foundation).

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

HONORING ATTORNEY JOHNNIE COCHRAN

Dedication of new gymnasium at Van Ness Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a new gymnasium in honor of of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. at Van Ness Recreation Center on Saturday, March 3, 2007.

The renowned attorney who died in March 2005 grew up in South Los Angeles and was the first African-American Assistant District Attorney for Los Angeles County. Mr. Cochran was also known for his representation of victims of police violence and helped to create lasting changes in police procedures.

The Cochran Family along with Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, City Controller Laura Chick and Councilmember Wendy Greuel were all in attendance for the ceremony and helped to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Features of the 8,300-square-foot facility include a regulation-sized basketball court and volleyball court with seating for more than 100 spectators, staff office and storage space. The new gym also has restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Funding for the $3.5 million project was provided by Prop K. Koning Eizenberg Architecture of Santa Monica designed the facility, which was built by Metro Builders and Engineers Group, Ltd. The Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program in the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works managed the project.

We hope that Mr. Cochran's memory will encourage the children at Van Ness Recreation Center to believe that with hard work, dedication and preparation their dreams can come true.

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

A NEW PLACE WHERE ALL KIDS CAN PLAY

Dedication of Universally Accessible Playground at Hansen Dam

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated a new Universally Accessible Playground at Hansen Dam Recreation Area on Friday, February 23, 2007 in Lake View Terrace.

The new boundless playground has three major play areas, one section for 2 to 5-year-olds and two sections for 5 to 12-year-olds. All of the areas have a “Western” theme and feature swings, ladders, a variety of balancing elements, climbers and slides. The 2 to 5-year-old play structure is surrounded by a sand play area and has accessible entrances and exit ramps.

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Senator Alex Padilla and Co-Founder of Shane's Inspiration Tiffany Harris were all in attendance for the special opening. Hansen Dam's Accessible Playground is a project of Shane's Inspiration, an organization that is devoted to creating "boundless playgrounds" that provide opportunities for children of all abilities to play at their highest level. A group of Shane's Inspiration children helped cut the ceremonial ribbon and then enjoyed the new playground.

One of the special features to the 40,000-square-foot playground is a sensory garden maze that features plants with interesting forms, textures, smells, colors and fruits. Other elements include spring toys, crawl tunnels, talking tubes, accessible sand tables and sand diggers.

The $2.4 million project was jointly designed by Shane’s Inspiration, Melendrez Design Partners and the Bureau of Engineering’s Architectural Division. The Bureau’s Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program managed the project, which was built by Simgel Company, Inc. of West Los Angeles. Funding came from Prop 40, the General City Purpose Fund, CD-7 and Lopez Canyon Amenities Fund.

Hansen Dam's UAP is the 5th completed boundless playground operated by the Department. The new playground brings the Department closer to accomplishing our goal to have over 20 Universally Accessible Playground throughout the City of Los Angeles.

With over 160,000 special needs children in Los Angeles County the new playground at Hansen Dam , which is completely wheelchair accessible, will help to provide a brighter future for all children.

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

CELEBRATING PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Dedication of renovated bandshell at South Park

Los Angeles - A Dedication and Black History Month celebration was held at the newly renovated South Park Bandshell on Saturday, February 10, 2007. Councilwoman Jan Perry (9th District) spearheaded efforts on the $1 million project and served as the event's Mistress of Ceremonies.

The free event included special performances by the Fremont High School marching band, the Manual Arts High School Jazz Band, South Park Senior Line Dancing Group and A Place Called Home Dance Academy.

The celebration also highlighted the work of local community advocates. The honorees included: Lois Medlock (Community Activist), Leslie Drayton (Musician), Adolph "KUSH" Simpson (Artist), Thyonne Gordon (A Place Called Home), Linda Miles (LAUSD Educational Options), Tracy Kelly (Art Share L.A.), Sean Rector and Dohn Norwood (Boys to Men Program).

The 1,800-square-foot Bandshell has undergone seismic upgrades and improvements, including installation of a new roof, framing, deck, electrical infrastructure, decorative screen and exterior finish.

The historic Bandshell is located near Central Avenue in South Los Angeles, the area that is known as "the heart of the West Coast Renaissance of Jazz and Blues". The South Park Bandshell served as a musical stage for local African-American musicians such as Nat King Cole, T-Bone Walker, Lowell Fulson, Dexter Gordon, Henry Franklin and Ernie Andrews.

The Bandshell also served as a political platform. In 1944 a war bond rally was held on the Bandshell and in 1976 Coretta Scott King attended a Presidential rally for Jimmy Carter.

Funding for the project was provided by Proposition K, a voter approved measure. The Bureau of Engineering (Structural Engineering and Architectural divisions) in the City's Public Works Department designed the improvements, with input from the Department of Recreation and Parks and community members. The General Services Department performed the construction.

The restoration of the South Park Bandshell symbolizes a musical bridge from the past to the present.

Media Contacts:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

NEW PLAY AREAS PREMIERE IN HOLLYWOOD
Dedication of improvements at Yucca Park Community Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks is very pleased to have dedicated not one, but two, new additions at Yucca Park Community Center on Thursday, January 25, 2007. Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Assistant General Manager Kevin W. Regan were in attendance to cut the ceremonial ribbon and perform the first kicks on the new soccer field.

The new 26,000-square-foot outdoor areas are not only amazing in size and design, but also in the amount of equipment that was included in the project. Features include a new synthetic turf mini-soccer field, full-size basketball court, picnic tables, benches annd a children's play area with a play structure. Other improvements include landscaping, irrigation, field lighting and security fencing.

The dedication of more than $500,000 in outdoor improvements was funded by Propositions K and 12. Working with the design team of David Evans and Associates, and the Bureau of Engineering in the City's Public Works Department, we were successful in creating a design that incorporates the needs of the community, ADA requirements, the need for safety and security and addresses the priorities of the Recreation and Parks staff.


Media Contacts:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

A SPECIAL VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION
Dedication of expansion to Wilmington Veterans Park


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with the Mayor's Office, Councilwoman Janice Hahn and the Community Development Department dedicated new parkland at Wilmington Veterans Park on Saturday, November 11, 2006.

The project involved the expansion of an existing City park, Veterans Park, which anchors the southern portion of the East Wilmington Greenbelt Park. The 2,500-square-foot addition includes open space with trees, picnic tables, and a children’s play area.

The Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering designed the project, with input from Recreation and Parks and the community. The work was performed by the Department of General Services, with assistance from the Street Lighting and Street Services bureaus of Public Works.

Funding for the project was provided by the Neighborhood Block Grant Program funds, which is administered by the Mayor’s Office using federal Community Development Block Grant money.

The Veteran's D-ay Celebration was attended by Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Hahn, the Department's Assistant General Manager, Kevin Reagan and many Wilmington residents. Entertainment was provided by Banning High School's wooden instrument band, "Cuerdas Sin Fronteras" and "Sol de Mexico" a ballet folkflorico group from the community of Wilmington.

The new parkland has enhanced the community's apperance and has provided residents with a clean, safe and local place to relax and gather. The transformation of a blight vacant lot has improved the quality of life in the area and helped mitigate the residents' environmental concerns.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

THE RETURN OF THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
The national landmark will re-open on November 3, 2006


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of the Griffith Observatory. After almost 5 years of renovations and expansions, the Observatory will re-open to the public on November 3, 2006.

The $93 million improvement project included the renovation of all of the elements of the existing building and new state-of-the-art equipment for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which includes a new dome, star projector, digital laser projectors, seats, sound system and lighting.

Nearly 40,000 square feet of public space has been added to the existing building. Additions include a large, multi-level exhibit gallery, a 200-seat presentation theater (Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon), classroom, cafe and bookstore.

Reservations will be required to visit the newly improved Griffith Observatory. All visitors must have a timed-entry reservation and Shuttle ticket to visit the Observatory during the reopening period. Shuttle parking and pick-up will be available in the south parking lot of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden and in the parking structure at Hollywood and Highland.

To book your reservation or for more information visit www.griffithobservatory.org or call 1-888-695-0888.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)92896, or cell, (323)816-6711

WELCOMING A GREAT NEW SOCCER VENUE
Dedication of NIKE synthetic fields at Lafayette Community Center


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the NIKE Corporation, the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles (AAF) and the Heart of Los Angeles Organization (HOLA), dedicated two new NIKE synthetic soccer fields at Lafayette Community Center on Thursday, September 28, 2006.

NIKE and the AAF donated $300,000 for three "Joga Bonito" soccer fields to be built at two different Department parks in Los Angeles. NIKE's "Joga Bonito" fields, Portuguese for "Play Beautiful", are designed to introduce the Brazilian futsal-style of small-field soccer that emphasizes ball control and foot skills to youth.

The two "mini-pitch" fields at Lafayette have replaced a dirt field at the southwest portion of the park. Each field is 75 feet by 100 feet and located adjacent to one another. This side-by-side configuration allows for 3-on-3 play within each individual field and 5-on-5 play by combining both into a 150 foot by 100 foot soccer field.

The new soccer fields have a synthetic surface known as FieldTurf. FieldTurf Inc., a leading producer fo synthetic turf, creates athletic surfaces by using NIKE Grind material recycled from footwear manufacturing and worn out or outdated shoes. For each field constructed, approximately 75,000 pairs of shoes and many pounds of rubber waste will not end up in landfills.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

THE START OF A NEW RECREATION SITE
Groundbreaking for Lexington Avenue Park in Hollywood


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks broke ground to mark the start of construction on Lexington Avenue Pocket Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006.

The new parkland will be approximately 15,000-square-feet and will feature a dual basketball/volleyball court, picnic tables, benches, game tables and play equipment that meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements.

What will make this park unique is the various art elements that will be incorporated into the new park's design. California artist, Ricardo Mendoza has created two murals that will cover the north and east walls, a steel entry gate designed in the shape of a tree and eight ornamental spiral inserts that will be incorporated into the front fence.

The pocket park has truly been a community effort. Community meetings were held by Council District 13, to obtain input from community members about the new park's design and art elements.

The Community Redevelopment Agency has provided funding for the art elements and associated installation fees. Additional funding for the $1.4 million project will come from Prop 12, the City's general fund, a federal grant and developer fees.

The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the City's Public Works Department designed the park, in conjunction with the Department of Recreation and Parks. Thomsen Landscape of Reseda is the general contractor.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

DODGER DREAM FIELD IN KOREATOWN
Dedication of new baseball facility at Seoul International Park


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with the Dodgers Dream Foundation, Amateur Athletic Foundation and the Department of Public Works dedicated the newest Dodger Dream Field at Seoul International Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006.

The new field at Seoul is the Department's 7th Dodger Dream Field and boasts a synthetic turf surface. Other features include bleachers, covered dugouts, a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard, a terraced seating area, irrigation system, additional landscape, fencing and lighting.

The Dodgers Dream Foundation was created in 1998 to provide educational, athletic and recreational opportunities for the youth of the Greater Los Angeles community. The Dodger Dream Fields program is the Foundation's signature initiative.

Funding for the $1.175 million improvement came from Propositions K, 12 and 40.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

A PLACE ALL KIDS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY
Groundbreaking for Universally Accessible play area at Pan Pacific


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks and Councilmember Tom La Bonge broke ground to mark the start of construction on a new 17,000-square-foot Universally Accessible playground at Pan Pacific Recreation Center.

The new play area will be the 5th Universally Accessible playground operated by the Department. With over 160,000 special needs children in Los Angeles County, the new playground, which will be completely wheelchair accessible, will provide a brighter future for all children.

Pan Pacific's Accessible Playground is a project of Shane's Inspiration, an organization that is devoted to creating "boundless playgrounds" that provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play at their highest level. Shane's Inspiration in conjunction with the Department of Rec and Parks and Melendrez Design Partners of Los Angeles all contributed to the design of the new playground.

Features will include two separate portions for children ages 2-5 and 6-12. The 2-5 year old section will be in the shape of a train and have sound effects that include a whistle and an engine. A foot path with a water element that will provide a unique sensory activity, complete with gentle mist and artist created tiles. Shade will also be incorporated into the $675,000 art deco motif play area, as well as bright colors and opportunities to experience different textures.

Funding is coming from Prop K, developer fees, and a $200,000 donation from Legacy Partners, Incorporated. Thomsen Landscape of Reseda is the general contractor and the City's Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering will be managing the project.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

IMPROVING A LARGE AREA OF OPEN SPACE
Dedication of first phase of 100-acre Ascot Hills Park


Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the first phase of the development of a 100-acre passive park and natural open space area in East Los Angeles on Saturday, August 19, 2006.

The new Ascot Hills Park will offer hiking and nature trails, an outdoor learning center for children as well as open grass areas. Phase I included development of the 40-acre southwest portion, added a new entry gate, improved hiking trails, vista/rest/picnic areas, a temporary gravel parking lot and a temporary restroom. This phase allows for the park to be open to the public while Phase II is designed.

Phase II calls for the development of the remaining 60 acres including an outdoor classroom, landscaping, irrigation, site utilities, restrooms and a permanent parking lot.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, while serving as the 14th District Councilmember, authored the $3 million grant in January 2004 and coordinated a grassroots campaign that sent thousands of letters to Governor Schwarzenegger. The grant was secured from Proposition 40, the "California Clean Air, Clean Water, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002."

Until recently, the site has been used by the Department of Water and Power to train pole climbers and repairmen.

SOME FANCY FOOTWORK ON FOUR WHEELS
Dedication of expanded Pedlow Skate Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a $2.1 million improvement project at Pedlow Skate Park in the San Fernando Valley on Friday, August 18, 2006. The skate park has been quadrupled in size, from 10,000-square-feet to 40,000-square-feet.

All of the new features to the five-year-old skate park are below ground level and include a snake run, both shallow and deep bowls to augment the existing sunken ramps, rails and stairs.

The firm David Evans & Associates of Ontario designed the expansion, which was built by the City's General Services Department and the California Skate Parks of Upland. The Bureau of Engineering in the City's Department of Public Works managed the project through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program.

Funding came from Propositions K, 12 and 40, all of which are voter-approved measures. When the skate park originally opened in February 2001 it was the first facility in the City of Los Angeles with such a unique in-ground design approach.

Since skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports among children and is the third largest participant sport in the U.S. the new Pedlow Skate Park will surely be put to good use. The park is located at 17334 Victory Blvd. in Encino. There is an entrance fee of $1 per month for skaters under 18 and $5 per month for those over 18-years-old. Helmets, knee and elbow pads must be worn by all skaters. For more information call: (818) 266-6991.

A NEW REC CENTER IN THE HARBOR AREA
Dedication of $5.6 million East Wilmington Community Center


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a 10,000-square-foot Community Center in the Wilmington area on Saturday, August 19, 2006. The new East Wilmington Recreation Center will enhance the community’s appearance and provide residents with a clean, safe and local place to relax and gather.

Councilwoman Janice Hahn, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and Wilmington residents of all ages attended the Dedication Ceremony. Banning High School's band “Cuerdas Sin Fronteras” provided entertainment and the presentation of colors was performed by Wilmington's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2967.

Features of the 10,000-square-foot facility include a gymnasium with a full-size basketball court with 6 backboards, an activities/community room and a lobby area. The new multi-use center also has a director’s office, restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, storage space and a rear parking lot.

Funding for the $4.6 million development came from Propositions K, 12 and 40. The project architect was ARQUITECTONICA. The Proposition K/L.A. for Kids Program Engineering Group of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering managed the project and the City’s General Services constructed the new facility.

The new center is located at 918 N. Sanford Avenue in Wilmington, CA 90744 and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

TRINITY REC CENTER IS NEW AND IMPROVED
Dedication of $1.56 million in improvements

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated and opened the newly improved Trinity Recreation Center in South Los Angeles on Thursday, August 10, 2006. The $1.56 million project which resulted in about 1,000 square feet being added to the existing 4,600-square-foot structure is now open to the public.

Features include several restrooms that are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, a meeting room/staff lunchroom, storage space, sidewalks and walkways, accessible drinking fountains, landscaping and irrigation system and more.

The improvements were designed by the Department of Recreation and Parks Planning and Construction staff, together with the Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering, which also managed the project. The City's General Services Department was the general contractor. Project funding came from developer fees and Proposition A, a voter-approved initiative.



MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

SAFER PALM TREE TRIMMING
Free seminars will focus on improving preparation and protection

Los Angeles - The Forestry Division of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks held the first of six free workshops on safe palm tree trimming at Elysian Park on Saturday, August 5, 2006.

Together with Tony Macias and his company, Arbor Plus, the Department provided instructions in how to be better prepared for and protected during the trimming process. The program is supported by the office of Councilmember Ed P. Reyes (1st District).

The area of Elysian Park known as Palm Hill (corner of Stadium Way and Park Dr.), will be the site of the 5 remaining workshops, which will be held the last Saturday of September and October 2006 and January, February and March 2007.

Each class will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. and include detailed information on procedures and techniques to use when climbing and pruning palm trees. There will also be hands-on demonstrations and safety discussions covering protective equipment, climbing gear, friction hitches, chainsaw safety, first-aid in the field, aerial rescue and more.

All instruction will be conducted in both English and Spanish, and the curriculum adheres to all applicable International Society of Arboriculture and Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration standards. For more information, call (213)485-6547.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

DODGER DAY FOR METRO CAMPERS
A party in Elysian Park for 1,000+ kids


Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' "Summer Day Camp Metro Region Dodger Jam" was held at Elysian Park on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

More than 1,000 kids from Summer Camps located in the Department's Metro region were treated to barbecue , entertainment and plenty of fun, followed by a short trip to Chavez Ravine to see the Boys in Blue take on National League West rivals the San Diego Padres in a 12:10 p.m. game.

The children were joined by City Councilmember Ed Reyes. Former Dodger great Willie Davis also made a special appearance.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711

A GREAT NEW PLACE TO SWIM & PLAY
Dedication Ceremony for LACES facility


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with LAUSD, dedicated and opened LACES' (Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies) pool and recreational facility on Saturday, July 1, 2006.

The new 75-foot pool is suitable for swimming and diving events. Several aquatics activities will be available to the public at this new location, including individual and team sports, clinics and exercise classes.

The multi-use recreational facility is 50,500 square-feet. Facility features include a large gymnasium with basketball courts (which can also be configured into a full-size vollyeball court), a multipurpose room, staff office space, first aid area and boys and girls locker rooms with showers. Outdoor features include five tennis courts, four full-size and four mini basketball courts, two softball fields with backstops and a soccer field.

Operation of the pool and recreational center are through joint-use agreements with LAUSD. This approach maximizes utilization and keeps costs down while still maintaing high quality.

LACES is located at 5931 west 18th street in central Los Angeles. For more information call (323)938-1620.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711