A NEW ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY

Dedication Ceremony in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a new Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Martin Luther King, Jr. Therapeutic Center on Saturday, April 19, 2008.

The new playground, located in South Los Angeles, has two play areas, one section for two to five-year-olds and another section for five to twelve-year-olds. Features include a swing set, sand play area and a half-height security fence to help provide a safe environment. The UAP also has resilient rubberized surfacing and shade structures for each play area.

The accessible MLK play area is the 8th UAP operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks. With over 180,000 special needs children in Los Angeles County the new playground, which is completely wheelchair accessible, will provide a brighter future for all children.

What is even more special about this playground is that it is the first UAP to open at a Therapeutic Recreation Center. MLK is one of four Therapeutic Centers run by the Department. All four centers help to provide quality programs for persons with disabilities. So, this new playground was needed and will surely be put to good use.

MLK's universal playground is a project of Shane's Inspiration, an organization that is devoted to creating "accessible playgrounds" that provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play at their highest level.

The $725,000 project was designed by the Bureau of Engineering's Architectural Division. The Bureau's Construction Management Division managed the project, which was built by Malibu Tennis Courts, Inc. Funding came from Prop. 40, Prop. 12 and City Capital Improvement Funds.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Therapeutic Center is located at 3916 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles 90062. For more information on the new playground or the Department in general visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

HOLA-LAFAYETTE EXPANSION PROJECT

Groundbreaking for a new Community Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks held a Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the
HOLA-Lafayette Community Center Expansion Project on Monday, March 24, 2008.

The $6 million project includes improvements to the existing recreation center, new building additions and outdoor park development. The 12,200 square-foot recreation center will include a gymnasium with a full-sized basketball court, multi-purpose room, restrooms, staff offices and storage space. The multi-story facility will also feature Everychild Learning Center spaces. Outdoor improvement plans include new fencing, landscape, irrigation system and a staff parking lot.

The project was designed by the Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the City’s Department of Public Works, and will be built by Western Alta Construction, Inc., of Los Angeles. Funding was provided by Proposition K ($5 million) and Proposition 12 ($500,000), as well as donations from HOLA and The Everychild Foundation.

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), a California non-profit and the Department have partnered to successfully provide youth enrichment programs for children in the Lafayette park area. HOLA’s mission as an organization is to provide free athletic, academic and fine arts programs for elementary, middle and high school children at various locations, including Lafayette Park.

The organization gifted the Department with $32,120 to revise the architectural design of the recreation building to include additional club room and office space for HOLA’s proposed use in providing programs to the community. Subsequently HOLA received a $1 million grant from the Everychild Foundation to aid in the construction of the improvements and program enhancements at the Center and to accommodate HOLA’s proposed new programs at the Center.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

CESAR E. CHAVEZ PARK & PLAYGROUND

Groundbreaking for the new South L.A. location

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and First Lady Maria Shriver broke ground on the new Cesar E. Chavez park and playground in South Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.

The new pocket park will feature a 3,000-square-foot playground (with a rubberized surface), landscaping, a community garden and mural of Cesar Chavez. Over 200 volunteers helped prepare the playground equipment and plant the gardens.

KaBOOM! provided the playground equipment at no cost to the City, through a donation from the California Volunteers. KaBOOM! is a non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust also contributed $10,000 to the project and will be responsible for the maintenance and operations of the new quarter-acre park.

The neighborhood park represents a new type of public-private partnership in the City that will be the basis to help reach the goal of providing 35 new parks over the next five years. The corner site was going unused until the Department identified the location as an ideal pocket park and formed a partnership with KaBOOM!

The Department's General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri was also in attendance, along with the California Secretary of Service and Volunteer Karen Baker, KaBOOM! CEO/Founder Darrell Hammond and Cesar Chavez's son and Chair of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation Paul Chavez.

The new pocket park will provide South Los Angeles with much needed green and open space.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

AN IRISH CELEBRATION

9th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Los Angeles - A parade celebrating Irish heritage and cultural diversity in the City of Angels, and an outdoor concert of lively traditional songs and modern rock music were all part of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, March 17, 2008.

The ninth annual parade, presented by the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society, started at 11:30 a.m. at Olvera Street’s El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument and went south on Main St. to 5th St., then west to historic Pershing Square, where beginning at 12:30 p.m., the music of Young Dubliners added to the party to kick off the green workweek.

In addition to the concert, the water in the fountain at Pershing was dyed green, representative of what is done to the Chicago River each year on March 17. Food and beverage vendors were at the outdoor venue for this special lunchtime event, and O’Doul’s non-alcoholic brew were among the liquid refreshments available for purchase.

Pershing Square, a facility operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, is at 532 S. Olive St. For more information about the St. Patrick’s Day program and/or other events, call (213) 847-4970, or go to http://www.laparks.org/ (Special Venues, Pershing Square).

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

THE SPRING BLOOM OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS
At Lake Balboa in Van Nuys

Van Nuys - Did you miss the annual bloom of the Japanese cherry blossom trees at Lake Balboa this year? Well here's your chance to get a glimpse of what you missed.

With over 2,000 cherry blossom trees at Lake Balboa, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility, the annual bloom is quite a sight to see. This year the trees were at full bloom during the week of March 10th.

The cherry trees are the Pink Cloud variety, which means that they are ornamental and not fruit-producing. The plants were donated by an anonymous Japanese benefactor and were planted in 1992. They originated from a single parent tree and were developed to grow in warm climates. The flower has a single row of petals in a circular shape, just like those that are found on cherry trees in Japan.

The beautiful blossoms create a pictureque display of natural beauty for park visitors. Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park offers a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy. There's a bicycle path, a separate walking/jogging path, picnic areas and a children's play area. Water enthusiasts can enjoy pedal boats, kayaking, fishing and more.Lake Balboa is located on Balboa Blvd., between Burbank Blvd. and Victory Blvd. For more information call (818)785-5798.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

EXPOSITION ROSE GARDEN TO OPEN MARCH 15
Renowned horticultural location will have two new varieties for 2008

LOS ANGELES – Two new varieties deemed the ones to grow in 2008 will be featured when the renowned Exposition Rose Garden, a facility operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and located at 701 State Dr. (near the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum), re-opens on Saturday, March 15 following its annual winter pruning.

The additions are Dream Come True and Mardi Gras. The pair was chosen by the All-American Rose Selections organization as the best roses for the upcoming season. The Home Run, which also debuted in 2007, will be available for viewing.

In addition, three unnamed varieties that will be the 2009 roses of choice will be among the 165 styles of this enticing flower which can be seen and enjoyed. In all, the garden is home to about 10,000 rose bushes, as well as other distinctive landscaping.

Since 1928, the Department has operated and maintained the Rose Garden, which is visited by thousands of Angelenos and tourists annually, and is often used by residents as a place of quiet and refuge in an urban setting.

It offers a classic formal display of rose beds arranged in a grass-girded oval around a picturesque central fountain, with beautiful gazebos, making it a popular location for weddings and other events, and a backdrop for photos and filming, all of which permits are needed for.

The Rose Garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. For more information, call (213) 763-0114. For more information about the 2008 winning roses, go to http://www.rose.org/.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

A VACATION IN THE SIERRA-NEVADA MOUNTAINS
Registration under way for seasonal use of Camp High Sierra

LOS ANGELES – Registration is under way for summer use at Camp High Sierra, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks operated facility in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains.

Located 320 miles from Los Angeles, this scenic place is open during the summer for family camper, trailer, cabin, and tent camping. Amenities include tables and stoves at each campsite, hot showers, bathrooms, play areas for children, and a recreation lodge.

In addition to the facilities at Camp High Sierra, there are many picturesque spots in the area to visit and photograph. There are also opportunities in the Mammoth area to hike, swim, fish, bicycle, ride horses, and take overnight pack trips.

Fees to use the facility are $22 - $28 for a campsite, $40 - $45 for a cabin, with a dining hall/kitchen available for $85 per day. In addition, the town of Mammoth Lakes has levied a 13 percent occupancy tax that will be added to the fees.

Further details about Camp High Sierra are available on the Department of Recreation and Parks’ website
www.laparks.org/dos/camps/camps.htm. For more information about the site or to register for a trip, call the Department’s Camping Section office at (213) 485-4853. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

KICK-IT AT THE PARK WITH CHIVAS USA

The launch of a soccer clinic program at City parks

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks and Los Angeles-based Club Deportivo Chivas USA held opening ceremonies for the new soccer clinic program, Kick-It at the Park, at Rio De Los Angeles State Park on Saturday, January 12, 2008.

The Department's General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Ed P. Reyes and Chivas USA President and CEO Shawn Hunter were all in attendance for the kick-off of the new soccer clinic program.

The soccer program is designed for kids ages 5-15 promoting wellness, sports and education. The program's goal is to work with over 20,000 young people in 2008 (the first year).

While clinics are being held, families will be invited to the park to learn more about nutrition, health and how they can improve their everyday lives via non-profit entities offering relevant information to the community.

The registration fee of $5 includes a t-shirt, soccer ball and voucher for free admission to a Chivas USA soccer game. Pre-registration is preferred. No child will be turned away unless all clinic sessions are full.

For more information or to find a local park offering the program visit the Department webiste at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY & 'CAMPOSTABLE' PROGRAM RECEIVE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
California Parks and Recreation Society honors City of Los Angeles


Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will receive two 2007 Awards of Excellence from the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) it was announced this week. The Department Awards are for the Griffith Observatory and an environmental “Campostable” program at residential camps.

Griffith Observatory, which won in the Facility Design and Park Planning Category, undertook a unique and challenging renovation which preserved the historical components of this Los Angeles icon while doubling the space. According to Jon Kirk Mukri, the Department General Manager, “The Observatory needed more space, but adding to the classic lines would destroy the look and the only option was to go underground. The $93-million project met the extraordinary architecture and engineering challenges of the endeavor and we’re gratified to have this acknowledgement.”

The ‘Campostable program,’ winning in the Maintenance Management and Operations Category, began with a commitment to providing a cleaner environment and helping to raise ecological awareness. Both the Griffith Park Boys Camp and Camp Hollywood Girls Camp provided meals served on biodegradable paper products. All camp meals during the summer months were served with biodegradable paper products, including plates, bowls and napkins. According to Mukri, “This initial effort at two City resident camps is in keeping with the Department's mission of educating young people on the importance of being good stewards of the environment through conservation and the understanding of ecosystems and wildlife.”

The CPRS Awards Program recognizes excellence of those agencies and individuals that develop and manage programs, parks, and facilities that embody the core values of the recreation profession and align with the mission of parks and recreation to promote participation in recreation, safety and health, and to protect environmental resources. The Awards will be presented at the CPRS Conference in Long Beach in late February.



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

IT'S "DOWNTOWN ON ICE" TIME AGAIN

10th Annual L.A. Kings outdoor ice rink at Pershing Square

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with the L.A. Kings and Councilwoman Jan Perry, held opening festivities at Pershing Square for the "LA Kings Downtown on Ice" outdoor skating rink on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

The celebration included special appearances by Hockey Legend Luc Robitaille, Hall of Fame Broadcaster and TV voice of the L.A. Kings Bob Miller and the L.A. Kings' mascot, Bailey. Skating performances by Jenni Meno and Todd Sand (three-time National Pair Champions and World Bronze and Silver Medalists), Michelle Hanabusa (three-time National Showcase Champion) and the L.A. Theater International Showcase Champion Ensemble broke in the ice.

The holiday rink will offer a new military twist this year by spreading holiday cheer to those serving our country. Free skating will be available for active military and their immediate families. Rink patrons will also have the chance to directly send personalized holiday greetings to those serving in the armed forces through the National Guard's "Operation Ready Families" Program.

The popular outdoor attraction will be open daily through January 21, 2008 and will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A special vacation schedule will run from December 14 through January 6, 2008.

An hour skating session is $6 and skate rentals are $2 a pair. Convenient underground parking offered at Pershing Square and discount rates are available with ice skating validation. Pershing Square is located at 532 South Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles.

For more information visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call Pershing Square directly at (213) 847-4970.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

FORESTRY DIVSION RECEIVES TOP HONORS

Recognition as the Best Urban Forestry Program

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) Forestry Division received the Best Urban Forestry Program award from the California Urban Forests Council.

The award, presented at the 2007 California Urban Forest Conference, was presented to the City for exceptional leadership, innovation, growth and community involvement in creating a consistent and well-managed urban forest.

Nominated by environmental non-profit TreePeople, the award addressed the Department's leadership role in Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa's Million Trees L.A. Program. The Department embarked on a plan to plant 300,000 of the million trees on public parkland, in alliance with local youth and family volunteers. Over the last year RAP partnered with the non-profit TreePeople in order to engage local residents in these tree planting and care projects. Together they focused in two regions of L.A. which traditionally have been economically disenfranchised and environmentally underserved - the Harbor and the northeast San Fernando Valley.

On the learning of the award, Jon Kirk Mukri, General Manager of the Department said, "The Department has an urban forest of over 1 million trees and our role in the Million Trees Initiative will play a major role in helping shape Los Angeles' future and we're delighted to be recognized for this program."

According to TreePeople's founder and president Andy Lipkis, in undertaking this project RAP has adopted an approach which is ground-breaking to the field of urban forestry: RAP's strategy is to work alongside TreePeople to create volunteer-led tree planting and care projects in parks, by providing needed resources in the form of tools, staffing, expertise, facilities, land and trees; also, use these events as a launching point for citizen reforestation, by involving volunteers to lead planting and care events on City streets, school campuses and in heavily urbanized areas across L.A.

Lipkis added, "The Department's approach is both innovative and unique in that it realigns their resources to support community engagement and leadership in the longterm stewardship of L.A.'s trees - instead of just planting the trees themselves - and thus ensures greater success and viability of the entire urban forest for generations to come."

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

A SPECIAL DEDICATION FOR A SPECIAL LADY

Renaming of Jackie Tatum Recreation Center

Pool and Bathhouse Groundbreaking

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks renamed the Harvard Recreation Center in honor of former General Manager Jackie Tatum on Saturday, November 3, 2007. The festivities also included a Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new pool and bathhouse at the South Los Angeles facility.

Jackie Tatum is a former City of Los Angeles employee with 43 years of service. Ms. Tatum was appointed in 1992 as the first woman and African-American General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks. She started her career as a Recreation Assistant, worked as a Director at Harvard and other Recreation Centers. Prior to serving as General Manager, she was Assistant General Manager for the Valley Region.

The new pool and bathhouse project will include a 3,400 square-foot traditional swimming pool and a 2,600 square-foot activity pool with zero depth entry. The family aquatic center will also feature play equipment and water slide, a life guard station, first aid room, ADA accessible restrooms, storage, mechanical and filter rooms (a 210 square- foot changing room and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts). The $5.635 million project is funded by Prop. 40 and Kaiser Foundation (Kaiser provided the funding for the water slide as part of Operation Splash.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

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