PECAN "OFF-THE-GRID" PROJECT

Dedication of a new solar panel system

Los Angeles - For the first time ever, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility will go completely off the City's electrical grid by using solar energy to provide clean, renewable electrical power. The Department dedicated and officially pulled the plug on Pecan's "Off-the-Grid" Project on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, further demonstrating the City's commitment to reducing the use of fossil fuels.

The new solar panels were installed over the renovated outdoor basketball/volleyball pavilion and will generate enough energy to power 22 homes, creating more energy then the park actually needs. The system is estimated to generate 46,382 kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity per year. Only a small amount of the electricity produced will "feed" the park's child care center, office and restroom buildings, while the majority will be transmitted to the utility.

The Off-the-Grid Project also includes improvements to the outdoor basketball/volleyball pavilion (new concrete floor, backboards, rims and nets, refurbishing and repainting of the roof and installing screens to prevent birds from entering the interior of the structure's frame) and the new playground and picnic area.

Harry Surmenian, a recently retired Recreation and Parks' employee, was honored at the celebration for leading the Department's solar initiative. The Department of Recreation and Parks also was honored with a $113,532.00 rebate check from the Department of Water and Power's Solar Program for the Pecan project.

Pecan Recreation Center is located at 145 South Pecan Street in Los Angeles 90033. For more information on this project or the Department of Recreation and Parks visit our website at www.laparks.org or call (213) 202-2700.

GRAB YOUR SWIM SUITS & SUNSCREEN!

SUMMER SWIMMING & OPERATION SPLASH ARE BACK!

Kick-off celebration at the historic Griffith Park Pool

Los Angeles - The heat is back for the summer months and so are 33 seasonal pools run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The 2010 Summer Swim Season began with a kick-off celebration at the historic Griffith Park Pool on Friday, June 25.

The Department's 33 seasonal pool locations officially opened on Saturday, June 26 and will remain open through the end of August. Seasonal pools offer morning and afternoon public swim sessions. Additionally, 16 year-round pools began their summer schedule and offer afternoon and evening swim sessions to the general public.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, The Department of Recreation and Parks, Kaiser Permanente and The LA84 Foundation were all on-hand to help cut the red ribbon and make a splash to start the Summer Swim Season and Operation Splash.

The Department of Recreation and Parks is partnering for the fifth straight year with Kaiser Permanente for Operation Splash. For the 2010 summer, the Department received a $250,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente Southern California that will fund free swim lessons for 6,000 low-income youth and adults at 35 pools across the City. The program will also support free junior lifeguard training for 780 low-income youth at 49 City pools and extend the summer swim season for one week at seven locations serving about 10,000 pool patrons.

The LA84 Foundation is also joining the efforts to make youngsters water safe and provide them with the opportunity to participate in water polo, synchronized swimming and diving. Over the last 25 years the LA84 Foundation has consistently assisted the City's efforts to provide Los Angeles youth with access to quality sports programs.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' Aquatic Division offers a variety of water activities, including recreational swimming, water awareness, adaptive swimming, Team Sports, Junior Lifeguard program and water exercise. For the 12th consecutive year, children age 17 or younger, seniors 65 or older and the disabled can swim for FREE at all City pools. Children ages 3-6 must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at all times; children under 3 must wear a swim diaper. The charge for adults ages 18-64 is $2.50; those with a City library card will pay $2.

For more information call the Department's Aquatic Division at (323) 906-7953 or e-mail at Citywide.Aquatics@lacity.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
2010 program will run from June 21 - August 20

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will serve free lunches and snacks during summer 2010 to youth at more than 100 locations throughout the City. The program, which will begin June 21 and end August 20, is for children age 18 or younger. Serving times will vary. For more information, call (213) 202-2700 or 311, or go to www.laparks.org/dos/lunchprogram/lunch.htm.

The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Summer Food Service Program. The goal of the program is to ensure children receive at least one nutritious and balanced meal per day when school is not in session.








MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

RED, WHITE, BLUE AND FIREWORKS TOO!!!
Recreation & Park's 4th of July Celebrations

Los Angeles - Have you made your 4th of July plans yet? Need some ideas? Here's a list of celebrations taking place at facilities operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks:

Hansen Dam Recreation Area in Lakeview Terrace is hosting their 16th annual 4th of July Spectacular on Saturday, July 3 from 11:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday July, 4 from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. The two-day event will have live music and other entertainment, rides, games, food, prizes and is FREE. The fun-filled festivities will culminate with one of the most spectacular fireworks show in the area called "Skies Over America." "Skies Over America" will be dedicated to all the hard working men and women across the country whom regardless of their cultural backgrounds, work together to keep America moving. This unique show will be orchestrated to patriotic music. Hansen Dam is located at 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace 91342. For more information visit the event website at http://www.hansen4th.com/home/index.php. Don't forget your swimsuits! Hansen Dam's 1.5-acre swim lake will be open from 10:00am-7:00pm.

For the 59th year, Cabrillo Beach will host their FREE 4th of July celebration and fireworks show on Sunday, July 4 starting at 12:00pm and ending with a 20-minute pyrotechnic fireworks extravaganza at 9:00pm. Local San Pedro Bands and the Golden State Pops Orchestra will be playing a variety of Americana music. Tours of a Naval Vessel, Armed Forces and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations and displays by the Los Angeles City Fire Department's firefighting boat will also be part of the celebration. For more information call (310) 548-7401 or visit http://cabrillobeachbathhouse.org/. Cabrillo Beach's address is 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro 90731. Remember parking at the Beach is limited, a FREE shuttle service from 22nd and Miner Street will be available for visitors.

The 4th annual Boyle Heights Concert & Fireworks Show will be on Friday, July 2 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at Hollenbeck Park. The concert begins at 4:00pm and the fireworks will light up the skies at 8:30pm. Hollenbeck Park is located at 415 South Saint Louis Street, Los Angeles 90033. For more information call (323) 261-0113.

El Sereno Recreation Center will be celebrating the 4th on Saturday, July 3 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. The 3rd annual El Sereno Concert & Fireworks Show & Independence Parade will provide guests with a free, safe and family-oriented event. The parade will start at 2:00pm on the corner of Huntington Drive and Van Horne and will end at El Sereno Park where the concert will kick-off at 4:00pm. The fireworks will start at 8:30pm. For more information call (323) 225-3517. El Sereno Recreation Center is located at 4721 Klamath Place, Los Angeles 90032.

The 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show at Eagle Rock Recreation Center will be on Sunday, July 4 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. The concert begins at 4:00pm with fireworks at 8:30pm. The address is 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles 90041. For more information call (323) 257-6948.

Warner Park in Woodland Hills will be the site of Councilmember Dennis P. Zine's July 4th Extravaganza. The festival will be on Sunday, July 4 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Festivities include live music from Mrs. Robinson (a professional tribute band), food vendors, play zone and a 20-minute fireworks show at 9:05pm. For more information (818) 704-1358. Admission is FREE but parking is $15 in any of the Warner Center structures. Warner Park is located at 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills 91367.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks would like to wish everyone a HAPPY and SAFE Fourth of July!!!

RAP'S FOURTH SPOT FOR FOUR-WHEELED BOARDS

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek and Councilmember Herb J. Wesson broke ground for the Charmette Bonpua Safe Spot Skate Spot at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex on Thursday, June 17, 2010.

The $300,000 state-of-the-art skate plaza will provide the community with a modern street skating venue. The 15,000-square-foot skate park, which will feature steps and benches in a plaza setting, will be named in memory of Charmette Bonpua, Councilmember Wesson's late Chief of Staff who passed away in February. Bonpua was known for her passion of working with youth and was instrumental in securing the funding for the new skate spot.

The Rob Dyrdek Foundation provided $50,000 to design and assist in construction and Councilmember Wesson and the Department worked together to secure an additional $250,000 to complete the construction and landscaping improvements for the new skate park. When completed the Charmette Bonpua Safe Spot Skate Spot at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex will be the Department of Recreation and Parks' fourth collaboration with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation and Council District 10's second Safe Spot Skate Spot (the first was at Lafayette Park).

The new skate plaza is expected to be completed in 5 weeks. Rancho Cienega Sports Complex is located at 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles 90016. For more information on this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks, call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PREMIER OPEN SPACE

Ascot Hills Park Phase II Groundbreaking Ceremony

Los Angeles - Wildflowers, sparrows and a circling hawk joined the Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember Jose Huizar, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and community members to celebrate the start of phase-two of the Ascot Hills Park development project on Monday, June 14, 2010. The historic celebration included a Blessing of the Grounds and Mariachi performance.

Ascot Hills Park has been a difficult but worthy fight. Development plans for the 92-acre parkland were put on hold in December 2008 due to the State funding freeze of Proposition 40. With the funds now available, the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Bureau of Engineering are determined to complete the project by March 2011 (the funding's deadline).

"This is not only a ground breaking but a break through. The Department of Recreation and Parks has decided to step in and do the construction themselves. They have made this park their number one priority," said Councilmember Huizar. "This action allows us to start work immediately."

General Manager Jon Mukri said the Department of Recreation and Parks would make Ascot Hills Park "the premier open space in the Los Angeles Park system" and thanked the Department's Planning and Construction Superintendent Mike Shull for pushing the project through. "Mike figured out a way to make this happen, [he] made this happen. He got contractor's together and he came to me and said 'Jon we gotta get this going, we owe it to the community'."

The $3.3 million project will include the development of the eastern portion of the park, approximately 53-acres of the 92-acre parkland. Improvements will include nature hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater classroom, ADA paths, full stream restoration, picnic areas, irrigation and additional parking.

When complete, Ascot Hills will be one of the largest parks in the City. The parkland features a 360-view of downtown L.A., the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding mountains will provide local residents and visitors with a beautiful natural parkland in the middle of the City of Angels.

Ascot Hills is located at 4731 Multnomah Street in Los Angeles 90032. For more information on this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690 Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

THE REVITALIZATION OF A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

Dedication of outdoor improvements at De Longpre Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks with Councilmember Tom LaBonge (Fourth District) and City Engineer Gary Lee Moore celebrated the completion of momentous improvements at De Longpre Park in Hollywood on Thursday, June 10 , 2010.

The $326,000 project included new playground equipment, fencing to enclose the children's play area and lighting, as well as landscaping, replacement of perimeter fencing and improvements to the asphalt walkway. The improvements were designed to highlight the natural beauty of the park while creating a secure area for children and walkers.

The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works designed the improvements, which were built by the Citywide Construction Division from the Department of General Services. Project funding was provided by Proposition K and developer fees.

De Longpre Park is located at 1350 North Cherokee Avenue in Los Angeles 90028. For more information on this location or the Department of Recreation and Parks visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE TO LEARN

Dedication of the White Point Nature Education Center

Palos Verdes - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) proudly dedicated the White Point Nature Education Center on Saturday, May 22, 2010. The Center will serve as a resource for students, families and community groups from all over Los Angeles.

The new Education Center is located in the beautifully restored 102-acre White Point Nature Preserve. The Preserve features acres of coastal habitat on a scenic site overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The Preserve is owned by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and managed by the PVPLC.

White Point Nature Education Center is housed in a re-purposed former military structure surrounded by a native plant demonstration garden. Inside the Center, multi-media exhibits move visitors through a timeline sequentially arranged exhibits and displays that tell the story of White Point's cultural and natural history, spanning the Pleistocene age through the present.

Materials in the Education Center's interior are built out of sustainable products including 100% recycled curbside glass, low carbon concrete counters and natural bamboo cabinets built by certified green building specialist, Tom Reavey.

A special thanks to all of our sponsors and donors who made this project possible. The Alcoa Foundation's generous donation funded the exhibits, Major Family who helped with the demonstration garden, Robert Reid a noted muralist from the Natural History Museum created the mural that accurately depicts White Point during the last ice age, El-Hefni Technical Training Foundation and Pirate Brands.

The Education Center will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on White Point Nature Education Center call the PVPLC at (310) 541-7613.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

THE THIRD TIME IS ALWAYS A CHARM

Dedication of North Hollywood's Safe Spot Skate Spot

North Hollywood - With a little help from his friends, Professional Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek officially opened North Hollywood Recreation Center's Safe Spot Skate Spot with a couple of rounds of spectacular skateboarding demonstrations. Hundreds of local skaters were there to watch the special test runs and help celebrate the grand opening of the new NoHo Skate Spot.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the third Safe Spot Skate Spot with Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and 7-Eleven at North Hollywood Recreation Center on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

The 9,000-square-foot skate plaza features stairs, granite ledges, tranny elements and hubbas. The state-of-the-art facility was built by California Skateparks, Inc. Recreation and Parks Planning Division managed the project and Gary L. Barton Corporation performed the concrete flat work.

NoHo's Safe Spot Skate Spot was developed in partnership with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation, 7-Eleven and the Department of Recreation and Parks. A $250,000 donation from 7-Eleven jump started the project and an additional $200,000 in funds from the Department of Recreation and Parks' Quimby Funds finalized the skate spot's overall construction.

The theme of the Safe Spot includes Rob Dyrdek's authentic street skateboarding cartoon and Wild Grinders toy line. The 7-Eleven across the street, which is a popular spot among local skaters, has been transformed into an urban skate store. The store's exterior will feature larger-than-life Wild Grinders graphics. The revamped 7-Eleven Skater Haven will sell exclusive Wild Grinders merchandise, aside from the usual Slurpees and Big Gulps. Dyrdek also designed a Wild Grinders-themed Slurpee cup that will be sold exclusively in 7-Eleven stores nationwide this fall.

The new Street Skate Plaza is the thirteenth skate facility run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. North Hollywood Safe Spot Skate Spot is located at 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood 91601. For more information about this location or the Department call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri testing out the new equipment and his strength!

A HEALTHY IMPROVEMENT

Dedication of jogging/walking path & outdoor exercise equipment

Los Angeles - Glassell Park Recreation Center is an integral part of its community. The recreation center serves as a safe haven for local youth by providing afterschool care, sports programs and extended hours and programming during the summer months. The center also has a strong Park Advisory Board and Senior Club both comprised of community members.

Glassell Park truly makes a difference in the surrounding community with its programming and amenities. The popular park helps neighbors have more productive and fulfilling lives. The park's newest addition will contribute to that legacy by encouraging Glassell patrons to improve their health by exercising.

The Department of Recreation and Parks and Council President Eric Garcetti proudly dedicated a jogging/walking path and outdoor exercise equipment at Glassell Park on Monday, April 26, 2010. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and local community members were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and start exercising.

The outdoor improvement project included the construction of 1/3-mile jogging/walking path that goes along the perimeter of the park grounds. Along the path there are five different exercise stations with equipment that can be used for cardiovascular, strength and coordination workouts.

The fitness equipment is easy-to-use and is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations. The equipment uses the body’s mass for resistance instead of a weighted system which allows the equipment to be used by people of all ages and stages of physical fitness, with no concern of injury.

Recreation and Parks' Planning and Construction Division worked with the Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering to design the enhancements. The Recreation and Parks Construction Division and Landscape and Irrigation Unit built the jogging/walking path and installed the exercise equipment. Funding for the $395,000 project was provided by developer fees.

The idea for the project came about from the local community and Councilmember Garcetti's office and is a reflection of the Citywide Community Needs Assessment that was conducted by the Department of Recreation and Parks starting in November 2007 and culminating in 2009.

Glassell Park is located at 3650 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles 90065. For more information on the park's programming and amenities call the recreation center directly at (323) 257-1863.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

MAY NATURE HIKES AT GRIFFITH PARK
Four hikes led by Ranger Ernie! One of them requires wheels!

Los Angeles - They say that April showers bring May flowers! So, here's four chances to see the beautiful flowers the rain has brought to life at Griffith Park. Ranger Ernie will be leading the way, all you need is the right shoes, water and an available weekend in May!

Three nature walks in Griffith Park and one bike ride will be offered during the month of May by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

The first excursion will take place on Saturday, May 1 at 8 am, and will be ideal for beginners. The 5-mile hike will start at the Observatory parking lot and head to Charlie Turner Trail, then to Dante's View (where hikers will stop for a quick water break), then to Mount Hollywood Summit where trekkers will have a breathtaking 360 view of Los Angeles. After the beautiful scenery Ranger Ernie will continue north to water tank 153, then head back on Mt. Hollywood Road back to East Observatory Road.

The intermediate level hike on Saturday, May 8 (8 am) will be seven miles and is designed for those who have some previous hiking experience. This course will be from the Observatory to the famous Hollywood sign.

Beginners will have another chance to test their skills with a night hike on Friday, May 28 at 6:30 pm. Make sure to bring your cameras for this journey, it's time was specifically picked to watch the sunset.

All three nature hikes will begin at the Griffith Observatory parking lot, 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles 90027.

The last May expedition will require a helmet and wheels. On Saturday, May 29 Ranger Ernie will lead a Bike Ride through Griffith Park. Participants will fly by some of the popular locations within the historic park. Riders will meet at the Park Ranger Visitor's Center at 9 am.

Those planning to participate should dress accordingly and bring drinking water and snacks. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Ranger Ernie Ybarra at (323) 644-6661 or by e-mail at ernie.ybarra@lacity.org.






MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A PLACE TO HOLD SPECIAL MEMORIES

Grand Opening of Brand Park Community Building

Mission Hills - Home to the beautiful and famous Memory Garden and neighbor to the Mission San Fernando Rey de Epsana, Brand Park (a.k.a. Mission Park) has been part of the Recreation and Parks' family since 1921. For over 80 years, Brand Park has been an important part of the Mission Hills community. Residents have used the parkland for many different events. From Birthday parties and family baseball games to Weddings and Quinceanras the historical location has hosted them all. The new Community Building has been built to compliment and enhance the park's existing features and provide a space where many more special memories can be shared.

The Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember Richard Alarcon and Mission Hills' residents celebrated the grand opening of the Brand Park Community Building on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The $1.7 million community building will serve residents of Mission Hills by supporting diverse educational and leisure programs.

The one-story building includes a multi-purpose assembly room, an entrance lobby, small office and a serving/warming kitchen. The building will also be used as a rental space for community activities and meetings, as well as special events such as weddings, birthdays and other cultural celebrations.

The project also included improvements to the adjacent courtyard which included enhanced landscaping, a trellis, gazebo and other outdoor amenities. Funding was provided by Propositions 12, 40, K and A, Quimby and Sites and Facilities Funds.

Brand Park Community Building is located at 15174 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills 91345. Please call (818) 896-6510 for rental information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689