DO YOU PREFER SAND OR RUBBER WITH YOUR PLAYGROUND?

The Re-Opening of Del Rey Lagoon's Playground

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks along with Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and the Playa Del Rey community celebrated the re-opening of Del Rey Lagoon Park's Playground on Saturday, April 4, 2009.

Playground renovations began in the fall of 2008 with the replacement of old equipment and the reconstruction of the parking lot. Features include a new climbing rock, slides and swings for tots. The new playground incorporates rubberized surfacing and sand, so young visitors get the best of both worlds. The project also included a restroom remodel which is 100% accessible (ADA compliant). The $800,000 project was funded by Quimby Funds and was completed by Recreation and Parks' Construction forces.

The re-opening celebration was filled with lots of fun and many surprises. Festivities included an official ribbon cutting ceremony followed by several free family activities such as pony rides, face painting, LAFD vintage fire truck rides and live music. Dale Inghram, voice of the hit television show elimiDATE, was the Master of Ceremonies and Willie Davis, NFL Hall of Famer and Playa Del Rey resident, made a special guest appearance. Even Superman flew in to check out the new playground and say hello to it's tiny visitors!

Del Rey Lagoon Park is located at 6660 Esplanade Place in Playa Del Rey 90293. For more information on this location or the Department in general, please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Andres & Maria Cardenas Recreation Center

Dedication Ceremony & Grand Opening

Panorama City - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated the Andres and Maria Cardenas Recreation Center on March 9, 2009. Councilmember Tony Cardenas, General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and community members were all in attendance for the special dedication. The ceremony included performances by the Panorama High School Band and Cheer Squad.

The 2,580-square-foot building features two multipurpose rooms, office space, a kitchen and storage areas. The $2.7 million project also includes a children's play area, public restroom facility, parking, landscaping and a family picnic area. Local residents now have over 30,000-square-feet of parkland to enjoy.

Immaculate Heart Community, a non-profit organization, and Casa Esperanza, a community- based organization, requested to re-name Blythe Street Park to the Andres and Maria Cardenas Recreation Center. The idea was supported by community members who agreed that the Cardenas' family story is representative of the neighborhood and its values of hard work and commitment.

Andres and Maria Cardenas came to California over 50 years ago from Mexico. Andres worked in the fields and as a laborer. Through hard work and perseverance he later established his own business. They proudly raised eleven children in a modest home in Pacoima, California and continously supported and encouraged them to succeed. Their children went on to earn degrees in fields, such as education, psychology and engineering.

Believing that no student should ever be denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams, the Andres y Maria Cardenas Family Foundation was established in 1997. The Foundation has embarked on an aggressive crusade to raise scholarship funds for needy and deserving students from the San Fernando Valley. In 1998 and 1999 the Foundation awarded over $25,000 in scholarships.

The Andres and Maria Cardenas Recreation Center was designed by the Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the City's Department of Public Works. Project funding came from Propositions K, 12 and 40. The facility was built by Tobo Construction, Inc., of Los Angeles.

The new center offers a variety of programs, including Pre-School, After School Care, Summer Camps and classes (e.g. karate, soccer, piano). It is located at 14740 Blythe Street, Panorama City 91402. For more information about the Department of Recreation and Parks please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy Garcia: (213) 202-2689

HOLLENBACK BRIDGE MAKES A COME BACK

Groundbreaking Ceremony for a famous landmark

Los Angeles - For over five years, the Hollenbeck Bridge has been closed to the public due to much needed repairs—but times are a changing. The famous bridge, which has been around since the 1890's, will be making a come back very soon!

The Department of Recreation and Parks held an official Groundbreaking Ceremony on February 26, 2009 for the bridge that sits over Hollenbeck Lake. Designed to resemble a famous turn on China’s Yangtze River, Hollenbeck Bridge was often used in the silent comedy films in the 1920's.

The ceremony marked the start of the removal and replacement of timber decks, stringers and railings so that the bridge conforms to new standards of structural integrity and satisfies safety concerns. The bridge should be restored to its former glory in the next several months.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

THE REVAMPED ROOSEVELT POOL

Rededication Ceremony for the year-round facility

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks rededicated the revamped Roosevelt Pool on February 26, 2009. Aquatics Facility Manager II Carlos Espinoza presided over the affair and Councilman José Huizar reminisced about his days at the pool as a boy and its $.25 entrance fee. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and City Engineer Gary Lee Moore were also in attendance to celebrate the pool's improvements.

The outdoor pool received nearly $2 million in upgrades. Improvements to the year-round facility included a new pool deck, bathhouse showers and changing rooms. The project was funded by Proposition 40. The Bureau of Engineering designed the upgrades and the Department of General Services served as the general contractor.

Roosevelt Pool is located at 456 S. Mathews Street, Los Angeles 90033. The 65,000-square-foot facility provides men and women's water polo, swim lessons and synchronized swimming. For more information please call the pool directly at (213) 485-7391.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

THE FIRST SAFE SPOT SKATE SPOT

At Lafayette Park in Los Angeles

Los Angeles - Local skaters had been waiting a long time for the new Safe Spot Skate Spot to open at Lafayette Park. The Dedication Ceremony was not until 3:30 pm but kids were lined up along the fence as early as 9 am, hoping to get a glimpse of professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Their faces and skateboards pressed up against the cold iron, they waited, anticipating the new tricks they could perform on the new smooth surface.

The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Rob Dyrdek, The Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation and CKE Restaurants, Inc. proudly dedicated Lafayette Park's Safe Spot Skate Spot on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. The new skate spot is a project of The Safe Spot Skate Spot program created by The Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation. The program supports legal and safe skate spots for communities interested in developing skateable terrain for skateboarders. Lafayette's plaza is the first Safe Spot Skate Spot in the WORLD.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, City Councilmember Herb J. Wesson, Jr., General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and Commission President Barry A. Sanders were all in attendance for the Dedication Ceremony. Mayor Villaraigosa and Councilmember Wesson got a quick lesson from Rob and rode to the stage on the largest skateboard ever made.

After the ribbon was cut, over a 1,000 kids rushed in to test out the 9,000-square-foot skate spot. Hitting the ledges, benches, rails and stairs; the young skaters christened their new skate haven. Among the skaters were DC riders Rob Dyrdek, Josh Kalis, PJ Ladd, Ryan Smith, Lindsey Robertson, Greg Myers, Wes Kremer and Marquise Henry. Jose, a local skater, said it was the best day of his life, "I never thought I would see Rob in my neighborhood and be able to skate with him and the DC team. Today is BIG!"

Lafayette's Safe Spot Skate Spot was developed in partnership with The Rob Dyrdek/DC Foundation, Newline Skate Parks. CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company to Carl's Jr., provided a generous donation that funded the construction of the new skate spot. The Carl's Jr. Star Diner was on site to feed all visitors with six-dollar burgers, french fries and drinks. The Golden Star even skated the new skate spot, showing off his ollie skills.

The new Safe Spot Skate Spot is located at 625 South Lafayette Park Place, Los Angeles CA 90057 (near the intersection of Commonwealth and Wilshire). No fees or safety regulations (like helmets or pads) are enforced, just free safe space to safely skate. Make sure to keep watching Rob Dyrdek's new show Fantasy Factory on MTV, Lafayette's Safe Spot Skate Spot Dedication Ceremony/Opening will be featured on the show in April.

The Department of Recreation and Parks is grateful to all involved for this generous donation! For more information about the Department please visit our website at http://www.laparks.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A SKATE PARK IN DOGTOWN, FINALLY!

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Venice Beach Skate Park

Venice - It can be argued that Venice Beach a.k.a. Dogtown is where skateboarding was created. Home to pioneering skateboarders the Z-boys, it only makes sense to build a state-of-the-art skate park in Dogtown.

On Saturday, January 31 the Department of Recreation in Parks with Councilmember Rosendahl (11th District), City Engineer Gary Lee Moore, Geri Lewis (Executive Director of Venice Surf & Skateboard Association) and Professional Skateboarder Jesse Martinez officially broke ground for the Venice Beach Skate Park.

The $3.5 million skate park will be approximately 16,000-square-feet and will feature bowls, ramps, rails, platforms and steps. The new park will be in-ground concrete and will include an entry plaza, walls, fencing, walkways and landscaping. All of these features create a unique design that incorporates street and vert skating, allowing skateboarders to flow in and out of the different styles.

The park, which will be built by California Skateparks Inc., is expected to be completed in October 2009.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

A DOZEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNIVERSAL PLAY

A new playground at Stoner Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Shane's Inspiration, proudly dedicated a new Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Stoner Recreation Center in West Los Angeles on December 4, 2008.

Stoner's new play area is the City's twelfth UAP and is approximately 6,400-square-feet. Features include a resilient rubberized surface, mister sprays, swing sets and "cool topper" shades. New landscaping, irrigation, benches and a drinking fountain were also installed.

The City's Bureau of Engineering Architectural Division with help from Shane's Inspiration, designed the UAP. The general contractor for the project was Malibu Pacific Tennis Courts, Inc. Funding for the $500,000+ project was provided by California Proposition 40.

Stoner's Universally Accessible Playground provides endless opportunities for children of all abilities to play together and brings the Department of Recreation and Parks one step closer to fulfilling our goal to open at least one universal playground in every Council District. There are currently six more UAPs on the Department's drawing board.

Stoner Recreation Center is located at 1835 Stoner Avenue in West Los Angeles, 90025. For more information on this location or the Department in general, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

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

GLIDING INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The return of the Downtown on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink


Los Angeles - The holiday season is here and with it comes the return of the LA Kings Downtown on Ice outdoor skating rink at Pershing Square. The Department of Recreation and Parks hosted a Grand Opening ceremony on November 20, 2008.

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and Councilwoman Jan Perry, along with an impressive group of athletes, helped celebrate the opening of Downtown on Ice's 11th year. Peter Carruthers, 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and four-time U.S. National Champion pairs skater, was the event's Master of Ceremonies. NHL and Kings legend Luc Robitaille, Kings Governer Tim Leiweke and Hall of Fame Broadcaster and TV voice of the Kings Bob Miller were also in attendance.

Three special and spectacular skating performances officially broke the ice. Evan Lysacek, two-time U.S. National Champion and two-time World medalist, and the U.S. National Championships pair team of Lindsay Davis and Alex Merritt wowed the crowd. Orange County's 10-member Youth Performance Ensemble performed a special holiday routine and ended the skating presentation with a bang.

Youth from Para Los Ninos, Sheenway School and South Park Child Care Center tested the ice by participated in skating clinics. The athletes and Youth Ensemble helped the children perfect their skating skills by showing them a few tricks and lending helping hands.

Dubbed the Rockefeller Center of the West, Pershing Square is the Southland's premier holiday attraction. Downtown on Ice is open everyday from November 20-January 19, including holidays. An hour skate session is $6.00 and skate rentals are $2.00. Underground parking is available and patrons can receive discount rates with ice skating validation.

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

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

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289

A PLAYGROUND WITH

BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

At Rosecrans Recreation Center in Gardena

Gardena - The Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated a new Boundless Playground at Rosecrans Recreation Center in Gardena. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilwoman Janice Hahn and excited children of all abilities proudly cut the ribbon and opened the new playground on November 13, 2008.

The new limitless play area was funded by a $225,000 grant from All Kids Can, a CVS Caremark program, and a$50,000 donation from the City of Los Angeles. The new playground features elevated activity panels, swings with back supports and armrests and wheelchair accessible pathways and ramps, providing children of all abilities with the opportunity of unlimited play.

Rosecrans' Boundless Playground helps bring the Department closer to it's goal of having over 20 unlimited playgrounds throughout the City of Los Angeles.

Rosecrans Recreation Center is located at 840 West 149th Street in Gardena, 90247. For more information on Rosecrans' Boundless 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

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289

PASSION KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES

Annual 90+ Luncheon at Friendship Auditorium

Los Angeles - Passion knows no boundaries and either does royalty. Lannie Lee, Sr. and Ruth D. Williams, both 107, were crowned King and Queen at the Annual 90+ Luncheon on November 17, 2008.

The Department of Recreation and Parks' Senior Section in partnership with the Los Angeles Federation of Senior Citizen Clubs hosted the senior inspired luncheon at Griffith Park's Friendship Auditorium.

Over 400 people attended the event including 137 honorees who were at least 90-years-old, as well as 14 guests who were at least 100. Participants received lunch, enjoyed entertainment and cheered for this year's King and Queen.

Having lived over 10 decades, Mr. Lee and Mrs. Williams are truly inspirational! Hail the King and Queen of 2008!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289

A HISTORICAL IMPROVEMENT
MacArthur Park Improvement Project Groundbreaking

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the start of the MacArthur Park Improvement Project on Thursday, October 23, 2008. The project's goal is to improve existing facilities within the park to improve public safety and enhance its usability. MacArthur Park lies in one of the most densely-populated areas in the City, therefore the new improvements will surely be useful and enjoyed by the park's many visitors.

MacArthur Park, formerly Westlake Park, is named after General Douglas MacArthur and is the City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument number 100. Approximately 40 acres MacArthur Park is located in a highly urbanized area of central Los Angeles.

Improvements include a new playground, picnic area and lighting system. A 37,000 square-foot synthetic field will replace the existing dirt field. When completed the new field will be added to the half dozen synthetic turf playing fields managed by the Department.

The $2.4 million project is funded by Proposition K and Park West Landscape, Inc is the contractor. The MacArthur Park Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed in about 9 months.

Dedicated and opened in 1887, MacArthur Park is one of the most popular parks run by the Department of Recreation and Parks. The park was the inspiration for a 1968 song written by Jimmy Webb and covered by various artists, including Donna Summer. It has also been featured in many movies, television shows and commercials. MacArthur Park is truly a historical place.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

RAISING THEIR HOOFS IN DEDICATION
Swearing-in Ceremony for two Mounted Patrol Horses


Los Angeles - On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, Sherman and Wilbur stood before Chief Ranger Albert Torres, raised their right hoofs and took an oath to "preserve and protect our park environments, provide field patrol services for city regional parks and assist with the safeguarding of lives and property." Chief Ranger Torres then officially welcomed Sherman and Wilbur into the Ranger Mounted Patrol Unit.

Originally created in the early 1970's, the Ranger Mounted Unit was established to provide services to the users of Griffith Park's extensive bridle trails. The Unit provided daily patrols and assisted stranded riders and hikers, stopped runaway horses and provided medical aid. Mounted Rangers also helped enforce various state and local municipal laws.

The first four Rangers assigned to the Mounted Unit housed their horses at the Griffith Park's pony rides because the Equestrian Center had not yet been built. Over the years, the Unit evolved into an integral part of the Ranger Division and obtained a horse trailer and expanded to Elysian Park, Sepulveda Basin and Hansen Dam.

Due to declining budgets and competing priorities, the Mounted Unit operations were scaled back. Sherman and Wilbur's new appointments were made possible by a generous grant from the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. The gracious gift allowed the Department of Recreation and Parks to assign two Park Rangers, Ryan Bernaldo and Arcelia Rosas, to the Mounted Unit and purchase their partners Sherman and Wilbur and necessary equipment.

After the ceremony, Rangers Bernaldo and Rosas rode Sherman and Wilbur into Griffith Park to begin their first day as part of the Mounted Unit Patrol.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

A NEW HAVEN FOR STREET SKATERS

Wilmington's Ambassador Street Skate Plaza

Wilmington - Skate Parks with half pipes, ramps and pool bowls are out. Skaters have gone back to their roots, to the place where they first learned how to skate, ollie and grind, the streets. The newly remodeled Ambassador Plaza at Wilmington Recreation Center is a haven for today's "street skater". It is the first 100 percent Street Skate Park in the United States.

The all-granite and concrete Plaza features benches, handrails and stairs. The Street Skate Park idea was launched by the Ambassador Series, a program that unites community leaders, corporations and celebrities with the goal of urban revitalization.

The Plaza's re-opening on September 27, 2008 proved that street skating is in. Over 400 skater of all ages helped break in the new skate park. Professional skateboarders Paul "P Rod" Rodriguez, who helped design the park, and Daewon Song attended the festivities, which included giveaways from Nike, Plan B, Nixon Watches and EMU.

Wilmington's Ambassador Skate Plaza represents the current style of skating and skate park design. The new park also represents the change of Department regulations on skate parks. The Ambassador Plaza will not have a $1-a-month user fee or require skaters to wear helmets and other protective gear, staying true to the street skating style. Wilmington Recreation Center is located at 325 Neptune Avenue, Wilmington 90744.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 928-9289

5TH ANNUAL PICNIC BY THE SEA
At Point Fermin Park in San Pedro


San Pedro - Over 1500 seniors attended the 5th Picnic by the Sea event at Point Fermin Park on September 18, 2008. The annual event brought together members from Senior Citizen Centers throughout Los Angeles. The event was presented by the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Federation of Senior Citizen Clubs and the Port of Los Angeles and included a picnic lunch, entertainment, gift drawings, and more.

This year's entertainment included a Hawaiian-dance group, a blues band that included Florence LaRue, from the 1970s popular-music band The Fifth Dimension, and a zydeco-band. Members from The Miracle Workers Senior Club, Great Ebenezer Senior Club and Saint Eugene 50+ Club line danced the afternoon away, while the Golden State Water Company, AARP California and Department of Aging Senior and Caregiver Services handed out information and giveaways. A handful of lucky attendees won gift cards to Starbucks, Coco's restaurant and other retail stores during a series of raffles.

For more information on this event 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

SUMMER NIGHT LIGHTS' "BLOWOUT" CELEBRATION

At Jim Gilliam Recreation Center in South L.A.

Los Angeles - Jim Gilliam Recreation Center held the Summer Night Lights' Blowout Celebration on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Hundreds of kids and their families came together to participate in the program's culminating festivities.

The daylong event at Jim Gilliam featured entertainment (ranging from Aztec dancers to Hip-Hop music artists), basketball, soccer, marble and handball tournaments, skateboard competition, crafts and aerosol art. Youth arrived on buses beginning at 9:00 a.m.. coming from the seven other recreation centers where the program took place.

The Summer Night Lights program targeted eight L.A. City park facilities in the City's Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) zones in an effort to combat gang violence during the traditionally most-violent summer months. Summer Night Lights' three major components were:

1) Extended Hours & Programming: From July 4 through Labor Day, eight Recreation Centers extended hours until midnight, four nights a week (Wednesday-Saturday) and expanded programming to include youth centered recreational, educational and artistic activities to engage in positive activities during peak times of violence.

2) Youth Squad: Ten community coordinators were hired to create and staff the extended hours and programs at each park. Community coordinators are at-risk youth, ages 17-20, who have received extensive training and will receive stipends for 10 weeks.

3) Cease-Fire: Intervention workers helped maintain cease-fires on-site at Recreation Centers and in the surrounding community. They assisted in hiring and overseeing community coordinators and assist with expanded programming.

The Department locations that were selected for the program were Ramon Garcia RC, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Pool, Mount Carmel, Ross Snyder Park and Pool, Hubert Humphrey RC and Pool, Ramona Gardens RC and Jim Gilliam RC. The eight sites were selected due to the large number of youth, high rates of violence and the low-socioeconomic status of their surrounding communities.

Summer Night Lights was developed in partnership with LAPD, LAUSD, Recreation and Parks, Cultural Affairs, community and faith-based organizations, gang-intervention workers, community residents, youth, business lenders and neighborhood councils. The program was funded through a $1 million contribution raised by Reverend Jeff Carr, the Mayor's Director of Gang-Reduction and Youth Development and other organizations, such as the Weingart Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank.

The success of the Summer Night Lights was recognized by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at a press conference about the gang reduction program on Monday, September 8, 2008 at Jim Gilliam Recreation Center. During the press conference, recreation staff was recognized for what they do best- providing activities for youth. Their efforts undeniably contributed to the success of the program, allowing for the hope that Summer Night Lights is only the beginning of due change in some disadvantaged neighborhoods.

According to Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, violent crime statistics did go down during the weeks of Summer Night Lights, dropping 17 percent in the communities surrounding the eight program sites compared to the previous year.

For more information on the Summer Night Lights program 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