A SPLASHING GOOD TIME

Rededication Ceremony at Northridge Pool

Northridge - The Department of Recreation and Parks rededicated Northridge Pool on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Northridge Pool had been out of service because of extensive leaks caused by the 1994 Earthquake. The reopening comes just in time for summer swimming.

The Department of Recreation and Parks, working with the Bureau of Engineering and the Jones and Madhavan architectural design team, have created a design that will serve the needs of the community as well as address the swimming and safety concerns of the Recreation and Parks aquatic staff.

There are two pools - one is a traditional swimming pool with a 3-10 foot depth. The other is a zero depth activity pool that provides Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility plus play features.

The highlight of the new facility is the waterslide, a gift from Kaiser Permanente as part of Operation Splash, a effort between Kaiser Permanente and the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Aquatic Division.

Kaiser Permanente has donated $2 million to provide Los Angeles City children free swim lessons, increased access to community pools and waterslides at the Northridge Pool and Harvard Pool (which is currently in design).

Northridge Pool is located 10088 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge 91324. The new pool is a seasonal location and will officially open to the public on Saturday, June 21. For more information on the pool's fees, programs and/or features, please call the Citywide Aquatics Section at (323) 906-7953.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR UNIVERSAL PLAY

Universally Accessible Playground Dedication at Hazard Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated a Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Hazard Park on June 5, 2008. The new playground is the 9th UAP operated by the Department.

The first west coast Accessible Playground began with one mother. In March of 1997 Catherine Curry-Williams gave birth to a son, Shane, who died two weeks later of spinal muscular atrophy (a disorder that would have left him severly disabled had he survived). Catherine's sister-in-law sent her an article from an East Coast paper about another family who also lost a child. They had turned their grief into action by creating a playground.

Inspired by the story, Catherine and her husband Scott did their research and learned that there were no wheelchair-accessible playgrounds on the west coast. They decided to take action. Catherine joined with a friend, Tiffany Harris, and together they created a non-profit organization called SHANE'S INSPIRATION.

Their mission is to create a truly unique recreational environment in Los Angeles that provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to play at their highest level, enhancing their emotional, physical and social development, as well as teaching compassion and acceptance.

The City of Los Angeles has joined with Shane's Inspiration to build 8 UAPs in City parks and there are nine additional playgrounds on the drawing board.

Hazard Park's UAP is approximately 6,900-sqaure-feet. Features include swing sets, a water play area and interactive components, all on a colorful and resilient surface. There are also benches, a drinking fountain, an irrigation system and landscaping.

The playground was designed by the Bureau of Engineering's Architectural Division, Cornerstone Studios Inc. and Shane's Inspiration. The contractor was Malibu Pacific Tennis Courts, Inc. The project was funded by California Proposition 40 ($602,600) and the City's Capital Improvement Expenditure Program ($66,000).

Hazard Park is located at 2230 Norfolk Street, Los Angeles 90033. For more information on this location or any other parks and/or programs visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

THE RETURN OF ECHO DEEP POOL

Rededication of $5.9 million in renovations

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the completion of $5.9 million in improvements at Echo Deep Pool on May 29, 2008. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilmember Ed P. Reyes and a group of excited young swimmers were in attendance for the Rededication Ceremony of the year-round aquatic facility.

The project included renovationg the building in which the pool is housed and upgrading the existing adjacent bathhouse (with a new roof over the entire aquatic complex), enhancing the restrooms, locker room and shower area to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, modernizing the facility's mechanical and electrical systems, and more.

Frank R. Webb Architects of Los Angeles designed the building improvements, which were built by Tobo Construction, Inc., also of Los Angeles. The Department of Recreation and Parks repaired the pool shell and installed new equipment. The Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering managed the project through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program, with the support of the Recreation and Parks Citywide Aquatics Section.

Project funding came from Proposition 12 ($2.1 million, the City Sites and Facilities fund ($2.1 million), Propostion K ($1 million) and the Department of Recreation and Parks ($720,000).

Echo Deep Pool is located at 1419 Colton Street, Los Angeles 90026. For more information on the pool's fees, programs and/or features, please call Echo Deep directly at (213) 481-2640 or the Citywide Aquatics Section at (323) 906-7953.

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

26th ANNUAL SALUTE TO RECREATION

Family Festival at Northridge Park

Northridge - The Department of Recreation and Parks hosted the 26th annual Salute to Recreation at Northridge Park on May 30 - June 1, 2008. The theme for this year's event was "Healthy Families, Healthy Communities". The Salute to Recreation Family Festival seeks to introduce families in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities to the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks programs and other recreational opportunities.

Northridge Park, in June of 1982, was the scene of the first Salute to Recreation Family Festival. At that time, the event consisted of a carnival, food booths, petting zoo, live elephant ride, chili cook-off, three stages of continuous entertainment, miniature train ride, arts and crafts and free fireworks show. Many community organizations and businesses were involved, and the event was an immediate success, attracting 50,000 people.The Annual Salute to Recreation Family Festival has continued to add many new attractions and our attendance surpasses 80,000 participants and spectators during the festival weekend.

This year's Salute, which is now the largest event in the San Fernando Valley, featured entertainment on four stages and food (both with international flavor), carnival rides and games, a petting zoo and inflatable attractions. An opening night dance for Seniors and a Teen Night were held at the event. The festival also included a skateboard competition, fireworks extravaganza, mural competition, silent auction, a ladies and children's tennis competition, International Children's Village, International Marketplace and Hawaiian Village.

For more information on this event or any other Department programs and or events, please visit our website at: http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GRIFFITH PARK FIRE

Mayor, Councilmember & GM commend

Firefighters & Recovery Workers

Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri honored firefighters (from many departments) and recovery workers for their hard work and dedication during and after the Griffith Park Fire.

About 1,200 acres of the park burned in the May 8-9, 2007 fire. It took 800 firefighters with 200 engine companies from all over the state to stop the devastating blaze. Fortunately there were no deaths and only one property in the bordering neighborhood suffered partial damage.

As part of the One Year Anniversary Celebration a bronze plaque was unveiled to commemorate the firefighters for the valor during the May 2007 fire. The plaque was placed on a boulder inside Griffith Park on Vermont Canyon Road. In tribute to the Park’s Recovery Effort a tree was planted near the boulder.

"It's a tribute to the training, knowledge and skill of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the many other agencies that participated in fighting this devastating blaze that no one was hurt or killed and only one home was damaged," said Councilmember LaBonge. "The Mayor and I want to recognize the great work that firefighters and rangers did one year ago during the fire."

The Mayor, Councilmember, GM Jon Kirk Mukri and Los Angeles Fire Chief Douglas Barry also recognized the many community and non-profit organizations that have helped in the Griffith Park Recovery effort over the past nine months. The recovery effort, which included the use of hydro-mulch to prevent erosion, cost about $4.2 million.

Those who donated funds to the effort include the Los Angeles Dodgers; actress Victoria Principal; the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council; the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council; Sophia Muller and Casey Parsons; New Orleans City Parks; Equestrian Trails, Inc. and Paulette Smokovich.

TreePeople, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Pacific Asian Volunteer Association, NBC/Universal, Sidley Austin LLP and many local community groups worked with Council District 4 to organize thousands of volunteers to plant more than 200 native trees and weed out invasive non-native plants as another part of the recovery effort.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

RENEE'S PLACE AT PAN PACIFIC

Dedication of a new Universally Accessible Playground

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated Renee's Place, a new Universally Accessible Plyaground at Pan Pacific Park on Monday, April 21, 2008.

The new UAP is dedicated to Renee Weitzer, Chief of Staff and Planning Deputy for Council District 4. For almost 30 years, Renee worked closely with the community to restore and rebuild the facilities and grounds at Pan Pacific Park, as well as parks throughout Los Angeles. She has nurtured this park's development and demanded the best for it. This play area symbolizes Renee's goals for Pan Pacific Park because it is beautiful, fun and accessible to every child, young and old.

Renee's Place has two play areas, one section for two to five-year-olds and another section for five to twelve-year-olds. Each play area has a swing set and shade structures. The UAP also has colorful resilient rubberized surfacing and benches embellished with whimsical artist created tiles.

The five to twelve-year-old area is in the shape of a train. Sound features include a train engine, whistle and sound of a train going over tracks. Another special feature of the 17,000-square-foot playground is a foot path with a water element that will provide a unique sensory activity, complete with gentle mist.

The $848,408 project was jointly designed by the Department of Recreation and Parks, 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 Thomsen Landscape. Funding came from Prop. K, the City General Funds and a $200,000 donation from Legacy Partners, Inc.

Renee's Place is the 9th UAP operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks. The playground is a Shane's Inspiration project and is completely wheelchair accessible. The new play area will provide an opportunity for children of all abilities to play together on an equal basis.

This new UAP brings the Department closer to accomplishing our goal to have over 20 Universally Accessible Playgrounds throughout the City of Los Angeles.

Pan Pacific is located at 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90036. 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 CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

A DECADE OF CELEBRATING GIRLS SPORTS

10th annual Girls Sports Day L.A.

LOS ANGELES – The 10th annual Girls Sports Day L.A., a free event devoted to increasing female involvement in athletics, was held on Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located at 5001 Rodeo Rd., in the Crenshaw area, next to Dorsey High School.

Hundreds of females ages 6-18 spent the day learning about and participating in various sports activities, including free clinics in basketball, football, soccer, and softball. The theme of this year’s event was “Inspire Your Inner Champion!”. Each participant received lunch and a free T-shirt.

The event was established through a partnership between Recreation and Parks and Los Angeles Women in Sports (LAWinS), and is part of the Department’s Raise the Bar Gender Equity Program, which strives to “achieve gender equity through a continuous commitment to girls and women in sports.”

Studies have shown that girls who participate in sports do better in school, are more likely to take on leadership roles, and learn to set personal goals. In addition, sports participation improves self-esteem, helps create friendships, and breaks down social barriers. Physical activity is also an effective way for girls to fight depression while lowering their risks for heart disease and breast cancer.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296

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