ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY

Dedication of a Universally Accessible Playground in West Hills

West Hills - The Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) proudly dedicated a Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Shadow Ranch Recreation Center on Thursday, October 7, 2010. The new UAP can be used by children of all abilities and will provide endless opportunities for ALL children to play together.

Shadow Ranch's Accessible Playground was made possible through the Department's partnership with the non-profit organization Shane's Inspiration. RAP has developed a strong and effective partnership with Shane's beginning in 1998 with the development of the City's and non-profit's first Universally Accessible Playground, Shane's Inspiration in Griffith Park. 12 years later, the Department's 16th UAP has opened at Shadow Ranch Recreation Center.

The 10,800-square-foot Accessible Playground features swing sets, slides, resilient rubberized surfacing and shade structures. The play area is completely wheel-chair accessible and boasts interactive sensory elements. The $673,000 project was funded by developer fees.

Together with Shane's Inspiration, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has successfully revolutionized the way playgrounds are designed and utilized. RAP is committed to building even more Universally Accessible Playgrounds throughout the City of Los Angeles. The Department currently has 6 additional UAPs opening over the next year.

Shadow Ranch Recreation Center is located at 22633 Vanowen Street in West Hills 91307. For more information on this location or the Department, 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

RAP COOLING CENTERS

All Recreation Centers and Senior Citizen Centers will be serving as cooling sites

Los Angeles - With record temperatures bringing on the extreme HEAT, the Department of Recreation and Parks has some cool solutions for you! All Recreation Centers and Senior Citizen Centers are being utilized as cooling centers. So, if you're in need of a cool spot to chill out at, stop by your nearest Recreation Center or Senior Center.

All RAP sites will be open with regular hours, typically ranging from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (depending on locations), and are open to the public. Additionally, selected Recreation Centers and Senior Centers located in the Valley will have extended hours from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, beginning Saturday, September 25 through Wednesday, September 29.

Those centers are:

- North Hollywood Senior Citizen Center, 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood

-Sepulveda Rec Center/Mid-Valley Senior Citizen Center, 8801 Kester Ave., Panorama City

-Sunland Park Senior Citizen Center, 8640 Fenwick Street, Sunland

-Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Avenue, Sylmar

-Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Senior Citizen Center, 5040 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks

-Wilkinson Senior Citizen Center, 8956 Vanalden Avenue, Northridge

Some helpful hints to beat the heat!

-Turn off lights when not in use

-Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage

-Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day

-Try to avoid cooking during peak hours of the day since it will add to the heat inside the home

-Ventilate your home at night by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate

During periods of excessive heat there is an increased risk of heat exhaustion,

heat cramps and sunstroke.

Here's what you can do when the weather gets extremely hot:

-Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun

-Stay on the lowest floor our of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available

-Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities

-Eat well balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician

-Drink plenty of water

-Limit intake of alcoholic beverages

-Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible

-Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat

-Check on family, seniors, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

-Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles

-Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks

For more information or to locate a cooling center near you, call (213) 202-2700. City Libraries are also serving as cooling centers for locations call (213) 228-7000. Be safe and stay COOL, Los Angeles!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CELEBRATING THE NEW

ROBERT L. BURNS PARK

Dedication of improvements and plaque unveiling

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the completion of the improvement project and unveiling of a memorial bronze plaque at Robert L. Burns Park on September 23, 2010.

Park upgrades included new playground equipment, water fountains that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, decomposed granite pathways, fencing, a new water system and restrooms. The Department of Water and Power funded a portion of the project which replaced the entire water system with a smart irrigation system.

The $270,000 project was funded by developer fees. RAP Planning and Construction designed the improvements and performed the work. In addition, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council provided benches and trees, and the Windsor Square - Hancock Park Historical Society painted the exterior fence and paid for and will maintain the plaque, which will serve as a monument to Robert L. Burns.

Robert L. Burns (1876-1956) served as City Council President and representative of the Fourth District from 1931 to 1945. He was also President of the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners. Burns was known for championing the City he loved and for his strong leadership during war time and economic crisis. The park was named for him in 1959 in honor of his 30 years of public service.

Robert L. Burns Park is located in the Hancock Park area at 4900 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 90004. For more information on this location please call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CHARMETTE BONPUA SAFE SPOT SKATE SPOT

Dedication at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has another Safe Spot Skate Spot thanks to our generous partner, professional skateboarder, Rob Dyrdek. Rancho Cienega Sports Complex's skate spot is the Department's fourth collaboration with The Rob Dyrdek Foundation and is the second Safe Spot Skate Spot in Council District 10.

The new 15,000-square-foot skate plaza has been named in memory of Charmette Bonpua, Councilmember Herb Wesson's late Chief of Staff who passed away in February. Bonpua was a dedicated City employee, community advocate and former Chief Deputy to Councilman Wesson. The skate spot stands as a testament to Charmette's commitment to improving recreational opportunities for Los Angeles residents.

The $300,000 project all started with a $50,000 donation from The Rob Dyrdek Foundation for the design and construction of the new skate plaza. The Department of Recreation and Parks and Councilman Wesson worked together to secure an additional $250,000 in funds to complete the construction and landscaping improvements for the new skate spot.

The Charmette Bonpua Safa Spot Skate Spot incorporates street skate style themes and features stairs, rails and ledges. The new skate spot will provide a much needed legal and safe skate facility for local and visiting skateboarders. "Our kids love skateboarding. Unfortunately, there are so few places in our community where they can safely skate," noted Councilman Wesson. "This new state-of-the-art facility is going to make a tremendous difference for our kids."

Rancho Cienega's Charmette Bonpua Safe Spot Skate Spot is located at 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles 90016. For more information on this location or the Department visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700. You can also visit our Skate LA FaceBook Page.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A NATURAL SETTING IN THE SUBURBS

Dedication of Bandini Canyon Trail Park in San Pedro

San Pedro - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated Bandini Canyon Trail Park in San Pedro on August 19, 2010. Lying between two rows of residences and an elementary school, the new park is truly a natural setting in the suburbs.

The 4.9-acre parkland features a pedestrian nature trail, children's playground with resilient surfacing, native landscaping, benches and interpretive signage. The project also included security lighting, new irrigation, perimeter fencing and gates. The natural canyon setting achieves the community vision of an open space sanctuary, a family gathering place and restored habitat.

The $2.3 million project was designed by RRM Design Group of San Luis Obispo and built by Bitech Construction Company, Inc. Funding was provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant program, Proposition 40 and developer fees. The Architectural Division in the Bureau of Engineering of the Department of Public Works co-managed the project with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI).

The improvement project was realized thanks to a partnership between the Department of Recreation and Parks and LANI, a non-profit organization dedicated to catalytic neighborhood revitalization through public improvement projects and community-driven planning for the past 16 years. The participation of area residents was key to the success of the project.

Bandini Canyon Trail Park is located at North Marshall Court, between Sepulveda Street and Oliver Street, in San Pedro 90731. For more information on this location call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/.

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

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

Elysian Park-Riverside Park Groundbreaking Ceremony

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Elysian Park-Riverside Outdoor Improvement Park Project -Phase 1 on August 17, 2010 with Councilman Garcetti, Chief Deputy City Engineer Deborah Weintraub and community members. The celebration marked the start of construction on the first 5-acres of an undeveloped 18-acre site.

The City purchased the 18-acres of property in 1999 and held community outreach meetings to decide the park's design. The Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park played a huge role in the process. The site contains two relatively flat areas separated by a slope between the lower and mid-level of the property, which will be used for the active recreation development of the park. Due to limited funding the park will be developed in phases.

When complete Phase 1 will feature two multipurpose game courts, passive recreation lawn areas, picnic tables, a children's playground, trails, an outdoor classroom and a new permeable parking lot.

The $900,000 project, which is being funded by Proposition 40, is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2011. For more information on this project call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Esptein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HEAT!

Opening Ceremony for Downey Pool

Los Angeles - Just in time for the summer heat, the Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated and opened Downey Pool on Thursday, August 12, 2010. Originally closed in 2006, the pool has returned new, improved and ready for a splashing good time.

The original pool and pump house were completely demolished and replaced with a new 38-foot by 75-foot swimming/lap pool, a 1,700-square-foot activity pool/splash pad and a 500-square-foot structure that will house new pumps and filter equipment, and chemical rooms. The project also included the installation of landscaping, irrigation, decorative pool decking and perimeter fencing.

The $5.8 million improvement project was funded by bonds issued by the City through the Municipal Improvement Corporation of Los Angeles, Proposition K and developer fees. FSY Architects, Inc. designed the aquatic facility, which Horizon Construction of Anaheim built. The Architectural Division in the Bureau of Engineering of the City's Department of Public Works managed the project through the Municipal Facilities Program.

Downey Pool is an outdoor seasonal location (which means it is only open during the summer months) and offers a variety of aquatic programming (e.g. youth and adult swim lessons, inner-tube water polo, a junior lifeguard program, etc.). Downey Pool is located at 1775 North Spring Street in Los Angeles 90031. For more information on this location call the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

WATER/HABITAT CONSERVATION THEMED PARK

Dedication of Bellaire Avenue Pocket Park

North Hollywood - Once a vacant lot, the corner at Bellaire Avenue and Strathern Street in North Hollywood has been transformed into a charming new 0.14 acre neighborhood park. The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the park's completion with a dedication ceremony on Thursday, July 29, 2010.

Bellaire Avenue Park boasts a 2-5 year old play area with resilient rubberized surfacing, an outdoor classroom with wood stump seating, a demonstration garden and solar lighting. The Department's Planning Division designed the new pocket park to contain water conservation objectives. Water conservation has become an important issue around the world and the implementation of water saving measures are greatly needed everywhere. The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to say that Bellaire Park is part of that effort by the implementation of the following features to the new park.

Bellaire Park is landscaped with California native and drought tolerant plants. Native/drought tolerant plants are adapted to the wet winters and dry summers, allowing less use of water, fertilizer and pesticides. The beautiful Walnut Tree was preserved and was worked into the park's design. A Smart Irrigation System was installed and will save 325,000 gallons of water annually. All of these special elements help conserve water and the natural habitat, while providing residents with local parkland. The water and habitat conservation themed park was built by the Department of Recreation and Parks construction forces, with funding from Propositions K and 40.

Bellaire Avenue Park is located at 7960 Bellaire Avenue in North Hollywood 91605. For more information on this location please 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

GROOMING THE NEXT GREAT CHAMP

Grand Opening of Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex

Los Angeles - A historic church built in 1930 has been restored and transformed into the Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex. The Department of Recreation and Parks held a grand opening ceremony for the new 15,000-square-foot complex on Monday, July 26, 2010.

The $7.2 million project included the renovation of the original chapel and school building, installation of an elevator and improvements to make the center handicap accessible. The two-story chapel now has a boxing ring and male and female weight rooms. The new center also boasts a youth center, full-sized outdoor hockey rink (complete with court markings and lights for night games) and junior arts center (which will be run by the Department of Cultural Affairs).

The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works designed the renovations, which were built by the Construction Division of the Department of General Services. The project was managed through the Bureau of Engineering's Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program. Funding for the project, including purchase of the property, came entirely from Proposition K.

For the first time, Recreation and Parks and Cultural Affairs will work side-by-side and provide different programs at one location. This partnership will bring more resources into the heart of the surrounding neighborhood, providing positive alternatives for local youth and adults.

The Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex will provide a youth and women's kick boxing class, youth boxing program and much more. The new unique center will serve as a replacement location for the former Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club (LAYAC) that operated similar fitness programs out of the fifth floor of the old Lincoln Heights jail on Lacey Street for over four decades. The City closed the LAYAC on April 30 due to safety issues.

Innovation and creativity were at the heart of both locations. In the past, an old jail served as training grounds for future boxers and now a former church will be grooming the next great champ. The new Lincoln Heights Youth Center Complex is located at 2911 Altura Street in Los Angeles 90031. For more information on this location call the complex directly at (323) 266-1401.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A HAVEN FOR STREET SKATERS

Grand Opening of Stoner RC Skate Plaza

West Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated yet another unique location for skateboarders at Stoner Recreation Center on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The new state-of-the-art skate plaza has quickly become a haven for local and visiting skateboarders.

The new 20,000-square-foot plaza features stairs, ledges and benches, making it an ideal location for street skaters. The Stoner Skate Plaza was built by California Skateparks, Inc. and was designed with help from local skateboarder Alec Beck (West LA Community of Skateboarders). Quimby Funds financed the $1 million project.

The Skate Plaza project was a response to the community's desire and need for a local skate facility after a famous spot at the West L.A. courthouse was closed to skaters. In fact, part of the new plaza was designed to mirror an area of the courthouse. Many of the plaza's street elements are features duplicated from previous skate spots that are no longer there or accessible, making Stoner Skate Plaza extremely special to local skaters.

Stoner Recreation Center is located at 1835 Stoner Avenue in West Los Angeles 90025. Stoner Skate Plaza is open from 9 am to dusk everyday. For more information on this location call (213) 202-2700 or visit the Department's FaceBook Fan Page "Skate in LA".

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, WESTCHESTER!

Dedication of $2.5 million in improvements to pool and recreation center

Los Angeles - On June 18, 1961, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the Grand Opening of Westchester Swimming Pool and Bathhouse. The pool quickly became a popular destination for summer swimming.

Almost 50 years later, Westchester Pool is still a popular summer location and the Department is helping it to stay that way by keeping the facility in top shape. On Monday, June 26, 2010, the Department re-opened Westchester Pool with major improvements.

The renovation project included a new deck, filtration system, and heater, changing room, sinks and showers and paint throughout. The front office counter was also refurbished, immediate pool surroundings were cleaned up and redecorated, the plumbing and electrical systems were renovated, landscaping was enhanced and more.

The Department also celebrated the completion of improvements to the adjacent recreation center. These upgrades included waterproofing of masonry walls around the perimeter of the gymnasium, installation of resilient surfacing at the existing play area and re-striping and disabled access improvements in the parking lot.

All design and construction work was performed by the Department's Planning and Construction Division. Funding for all components came from developer fees.

Westchester Pool is located at 9100 Lincoln Blvd in Los Angeles 90045 and Westchester Recreation Center address is 7000 West Manchester Avenue. For more information about 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

THE SCOOP ON SUMMER SWIMMING
All the details on Summer Swimming at L.A. pools



Los Angeles - With the temperatures rising, more and more people are looking for easy and affordable ways to stay COOL. The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has a solution to your HOT dilemma, visit one of our City pools!!


The Department's Aquatics Division operates over 50 swimming pools, 16 year-round and 35 seasonal locations. Seasonal locations are open from mid-June to late-August. These outdoor facilities offer morning and afternoon public swim sessions and year-round pools offer afternoon and evening swim sessions. The seasonal pools are generally open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekends. Hours of operation vary per facility for year-round locations.


In addition, three seasonal pools are offering evening swimming this summer thanks to the Summer Night Lights program. Jackie Tatum/Harvard Aquatic Facility will be open until 8:00 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Glassell Pool will be open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday and Friday. Hubert Humphrey will be open for evening swim sessions until 8:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

City pools can be found throughout Los Angeles, from Peck Park Pool in San Pedro to Fernangeles Pool in Sun Valley to Pecan Pool in East Los Angeles to Jackie Tatum/Harvard Aquatic Facility in South Los Angeles. L.A. pools are open to all residents and are an inexpensive way to stay cool on a hot summer day.

Swimming is FREE for children ages 17 or younger, seniors 65 or older and the disabled. There is a $2.50 fee for adults (ages 18-64) but those who have a City Library Card get a reduced rate of $2. Children ages 3-6 must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at ALL times. Children under 3 must wear a swim diaper.

Los Angeles City pools offer a wide variety of aquatic activities and programs. Lap, recreational and adaptive swimming, water exercise and private, semi-private and/or group swim lessons are all available. Junior Lifeguard Programs and Team Sports, such as Water Polo and Synchronized Swimming are also available through the Department's Aquatics Division.

Some pools also have special features that are perfect for young swimmers. Eight Department pools have water slides; Hansen Dam, Hollywood, Hubert Humphrey, Jackie Tatum/Harvard, Northridge, Sepulveda, Stoner and Sun Valley. Splash Pads are also available at seven pools and/or parks; Jackie Tatum/Harvard, Juntos Park, North Hollywood, Panorama, Queen Anne, Saint Andrews and Stoner Park. Splash Pads are ideal for small children, who have not yet mastered the art of swimming. With zero depth standing water and rubber surfacing there is practically no risk of drowning.


Some rules to remember when visiting a City pool:
1. Entrance will be denied to any children under 7-years-old, unless accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one ratio.
2. Absolutely NO pets are allowed inside City pools.
3. The following items are not allowed in the pool or deck area:
Street clothes and shoes, floating apparatus, glass objects or containers of any kind, sports or swim equipment and radios or I-Pods.
4. Smoking, eating or drinking is not allowed in the pool or dressing area.
5. All swimmers must wear proper swim attire. Men must wear swim trunks with a liner and a drawstring. Ladies must wear a bathing suit (one-piece or two-piece).
6. The following attire is NOT permitted in the pool:
cut-off, biker basketball or jean shorts, white t-shirts or shirts of any kind and bodysuits or leotards
***Failure to follow rules and guidelines will result in a non-admittance or expulsion from the pool grounds.***

For more information or to find a City pool close to you, please call the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953 or visit the Department website at www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/aquatic.htm.






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