L.A. YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE
More than 1,200 kids performing community service

Los Angeles - On October 27, 2007 more than 1,200 youth participated in Youth Make A Difference Day by performing community service throughout the City of Los Angeles.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a multitude of projects and programs were held at nearly 80 Department sites. Each project was planned and carried out by local youth at Recreation Centers citywide.

Among the planned activities were clean-ups and/or beautifications of parks and other neighborhood locations, collections of non-perishable food items for holiday baskets and clothing for the needy. In addition to making a difference for others, participants enhanced their self-esteem, leadership and cooperation skills.

The Department's involvement was coordinated through the CLASS Parks program, which partnered with Connect L.A.'s Teenager Make A Difference Day to implement a national event on a local basis.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

11th ANNUAL KIDS DAY L.A. FESTIVAL

A special event for youth and their families

Los Angeles - KTLA Kids Day L.A., a free family festival dedicated to the children of Los Angeles, was held on October 20, 2007 at the Expo Center. The event mixed fun activities for kids - including basketball, flag football, gymnastics, soccer and volleyball clinics - with practical advice and resources for parents and caregivers.

Over 100 Los Angeles City and County service providers specializing in arts, education, recreation, safety, health and social services were in attendance. Free swimming, tours of the facility grounds and live entertainment was available for all participants.

There was also a wall climbing attraction, an activity center for teenagers, a make-and-take craft area, food booths and more. The festival was produced by the Department of Recreation and Parks, which partnered with the California Science Center and the California African-Amercian Museum.

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

THE MOUNT HOLLYWOOD TRAILHEAD REOPENS

The popular Griffith Park hiking trail is open

Los Angeles - On the morning of August 27, 2007 Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and the Department's General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri joined local hikers on a 30 minute trek up the newly reopened Charlie Turner Trailhead in Griffith Park.

The morning hike was organized to celebrate the reopening of 3 Griffith Park hiking trails. The Mount Hollywood/Charlie Turner and Vermont trails are once again open to the public, as well as Royce Canyons.

The popular hiking trails lead to a 1,625-foot summit (Mount Hollywood) which overlooks Los Angeles and because of that has some beautiful City and ocean views. The trails had been closed for almost 4 months since the Griffith Park brush fire on May 8, 2007.

Other hiking trails in burn areas remain closed until further notice (check the Department's Griffith Park blog for updates: http://www.laparks.org/gp_blog.htm) .

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

KIDS PLAYING DRUMS WITH THE PROS

Community drum concerts at 3 L.A. City Parks

Los Angeles - Three City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facilities hosted concerts in August featuring acclaimed musicians performing with children ages 8-14 who learned to play the drums through the Drum Days L.A. program.

Drum Days L.A. is a multicultural celebration of the power of rhythm, with the theme "Diversity through Drumming". The Department is partnering with Remo Drums, which is celebrating its 5oth anniversary in 2007.

Kids learned one of five styles of drumming from master percussionists during a series of workshops for low-income youth. The children got to show off their new drumming skills by being a part of a community drum circle at one of the three park concerts.

Hollenbeck Park hosted the first concert on August 11, 2007. The young drummers performed Middle Eastern style drumming with the Poncho Sanchez Jazz Band and Souhail Kaspar and the SK Near East Music Ensemble.

The second community concert was held at Sycamore Grove Park. Kids from Cypress Park performed with the Poncho Sanchez Jazz Band and played a Latin beat. The Taiko Drumming with On Ensemble drummed with a group from Alpine Rec Center.

South Park's newly renovated band shell hosted the last concert. Kids from William Nickerson performed with Leon Mobley and Da Lion and showed off their African style drumming skills. Youth from South Park Rec Center performed Brazilian style drumming with Linda Yudin and Viver Brasil.

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

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

The "NEW" Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Inaugural Concert

Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Ed P. Reyes and the Department of Recreation and Parks were proud to reopen the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts at MacArthur Park on August 8, 2007. The ceremony also launched a series of 30 free summer concerts at the restored pavilion.

The $1.7 million project is a joint effort of the Department, The Friends of the Levitt Pavilion-MacArthur Park and the Mortimer Levitt Foundation.

Major improvements include restoration of the architectural style from 1957 and installation of a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The park was landscaped by the Department to create an amphitheater setting. According to Councilmember Reyes, the band shell and adjacent park area have been upgraded to present free concerts under the stars.

"Our goal was to provide the community with quality entertainment at a deteriorating band shell that had been vacant since 2001," Reyes said. "Fortunately, we found a partnership in Levitt, who came through with flying colors to provide [free] top-notch entertainment for all the community to enjoy."

The concert season will run through September 16; there will be 90-minute shows Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with each night having its own theme -world music, dance rhythms, musica Latina and American roots. Children's nights will be Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and will feature entertainment for kids.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

SUMMER SWIMMING EXTENDED AT 14 POOLS

City seasonal pools will remain open through September 16

Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and Kaiser Permanente Representatives were at Griffith Park pool on August 23 to announce the extension of City seasonal pools.

With financial support from Kaiser Permanente, 14 seasonal pools operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks will remain open for nearly two additional weeks beyond their traditional Labor Day closing.

"Operation Splash" is a $1.2 million partnership between the Department and Kaiser that began in 2006 and has enabled participants to receive free swim lessons and supplies. The program has also included free family swim days and special events.

The extended seasonal pools will be available for use daily from September 4 through September 16. Hours will be 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. September 4-7; noon to 5:00 p.m. September 8-9; 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. September 10-14; and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. September 15-16. Year-round pools will begin their off-season hours following the holiday.

The Free Swim Program will also continue, making it possible for children age 17 or younger, seniors ages 65 or older, and the disabled to swim for free. Children ages 6 or younger must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults with a City Library Card can also swim for free; otherwise, the charge for patrons ages 18-64 is $1.50.

For a list of seasonal pools that have been extended, as well as year-round facilities please call the Department's Aquatics Division at (323)906-7953 or visit our website at: http://www.lacity.org/rap/press/rappress31447353_08222007.pdf.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

GRAND RE-OPENING OF LANARK POOL

Renovation of a City pool in Canoga Park

Canoga Park - The Department of Recreation and Parks held a Grand Re-Opening for Lanark Pool in Canoga Park on Thursday, June 21, 2007. The $3.2 million project includes a completely new pool and a renovated bathhouse.

The new pool is 60' by 120', with a depth ranging from 3' 6" to 12' and can accomodate up to 360 people; it holds 47,000 cubic feet of water, which is more than 350,000 gallons. Other features include racing lanes, underwater lights, a diving stand and a lift for the disabled.

Sparano and Mooney Architecture of Los Angeles designed the project, with Western Group, Inc. of Woodland Hills serving as the general contractor. The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the City's Department of Public Works managed the project through it's Municipal Facilities Program. Funding came from several sources, including developer fees, the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, Propositions 12 and 40, and both the City's and the Department of Recreation and Parks' general fund.

The celebration also included the kick-off of Operation Splash, an aquatic's program that teaches kids and adults how to swim. The program is a partnership between Kaiser Permanente and the Department's Aquatics Division and begins its second year with the 2007 summer swimming season.

From June 23 through September 3, City residents will have access to free swim lessons at select City pools. The mission of Operation Splash is to support aquatic facilities and swim programs that help increase physical activity in low-income areas, diminish the risk of chronic diseases and build strong bodies.

For more information on Operation Splash contact the Department's Aquatics Division at (323)906-7953 or visit or website at http://www.laparks.org/.

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

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

A PREVIEW OF THE 2007 LOTUS FESTIVAL

Media kick-off luncheon for the 30th celebration of Asian Heritage

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks and the Lotus Festival Advisory Board hosted the 30th Lotus Festival Media Luncheon on Thursday, June 14, 2007.

The luncheon served as a preview of the 2007 Asian Hertiage Celebration, which will offer a variety of entertainment, food, crafts and more. The event provided an opportunity to meet some of the sponsors and people who help organize the event.

The 30th Lotus Festival, to be held July 13-15, 2007 at Echo Park Lake, is one of the Department's most popular events. The festival brings together Asian and Pacific Islander cultures to celebrate what is unique about their cultures and what they have in common.

In commemoration of the festival's 30th Anniversary a new event will be introduced. The Inaugural Friday Night Twilight Jazz Concert will kick-off the festival on Friday, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. Opening ceremonies are at noon on Saturday and will be followed by two days of live music, dance and entertainment from a variety of performers and will conclude with a fabulous fireworks finale over Echo Park Lake on Sunday night.

The Department of Recreation and Parks looks forward to seeing you at this year's festival. For more information on this or other Department events, please call 1-888-LA-PARKS or visit or website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC SUMMER KICK-OFF

Skills clinic and development program at the L.A. Coliseum

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks held a free event for children in grades 5-8 at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday, June 9, 2007. The football clinic was organized by the Exposition Park Intergenerational Community Center (a Department facility) and was attended by over 350 kids.

The clinic's focus was on strength improvement, conditioning, agility, discipline and basic skills for various positions. The daylong program was conducted by Charles Collins, founder of Phenom Factory, and included activities to help promote the growth of young people as individuals.

Five NFL players were on hand to help with the clinic, as well as members of the University of Southern California (USC) football team. The NFL players included Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals), Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers), Dennis Northcutt (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Bobby Wade (Minnesota Vikings).

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

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