CELEBRATING UPGRADES AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

Dedication of upgrades at MLK Therapeutic Center

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering, General Services and the Community Development Department (CDD), dedicated improvements at Martin Luther King, Jr. Therapeutic Center in South Los Angeles.

The $1.2 million renovation project included construction of a new basketball court, tennis court, swing set, irrigation system, nighttime lighting and security camera system. The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works designed the upgrades; the city's Department of General Services performed the work and CDD funded the improvement project.

The dedication ceremony was also an African American Heritage Month celebration and coincided with the 20-year anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Mandela, like Martin Luther King Jr., was a fierce advocate for equality and civil rights.

The recent upgrades comprise the third of four phases of upgrades planned for the site. Phase one consisted of renovation of the baseball field and the addition of a handicap-accessible playground. Phase two involved the construction of the Mary McLeod Bethune Library, a LEED-certified green building, and phase four will involve the construction of a synthetic soccer field.

The new security camera system features 10 surveillance cameras that will be monitored at two separate locations, and new lighting was installed at the tennis and basketball courts. In addition to the universally-accessible playground, the park also includes a therapeutic recreation center, which provides a variety of programs for people with disabilities in South Los Angeles.

Children from adjacent Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School attended the dedication, as well as City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and Pacific Region Superintendent Mark Mariscal from Recreation and Parks.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Therapeutic Center is located at 3916 South Western Avenue and provides a variety of programs for people with disabilities ages 5 to adult in the South Los Angeles area. Center activities encourage and empower individuals to express themselves through recreation activities. These programs help participants to be creative, develop motor skills, increase self-esteem and enhance their leisure interests. For more information about the center call (213) 847-0878.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2698

SIX FREE WAYS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Dedication of South Park's Outdoor Fitness Zone

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilwoman Jan Perry, Kaiser Permanente, The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) dedicated an Outdoor Fitness Zone at South Park on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilwoman Jan Perry, Kaiser Permanente's Diana Bonta, CRA/LA Commissioner Alejandro Ortiz and TPL California State Director Sam Hodder were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and officially open the Fitness Zone to local exercisers. Two legendary Dodgers, Bobby "Babo" Castillo and Kenny "KT" Landreaux made a special appearance to sign autographs and emphasize the importance of exercise at the Dedication Ceremony.

South Park's new Fitness Zone is the first of six Fitness Zones to open in the South Los Angeles area. The five other locations are 48th Street Park, Slauson Recreation Center, Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center, Fred Roberts Recreation Center and Trinity Recreation Center.

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, 37.8 percent of adults are obese in the community surrounding South Park. The Fitness Zone will provide much-needed free physical activity opportunities for the entire neighborhood.

The new Fitness Zone is an easy-to-use outdoor gym designed to improve general health through weight loss, cardiovascular endurance, increased flexibility and strength building. The exercise equipment is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations. The Fitness Zone is free and can be used by teenagers and adults of all fitness levels.

The outdoor exercise area has eight pieces of equipment: a cross-country ski machine, an upper body workout station, horizontal bars, leg press machine, lat pull-down machine, seated arm machine, incline crunch bench and lying leg curl machine. All of the machines have American’s with Disability Act compliant surfacing and bilingual instructions decals.

Studies have shown that providing free and easy to use exercise equipment dramatically increases the opportunity to engage in physical activity. The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to be a partner in providing healthy opportunities and living choices.

South Park is located at 345 East 51st Street in Los Angeles 90011. For more information on this location or the Department please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

REMEMBERING A FALLEN HERO'S LEGACY
Renaming of West Valley Park in honor of Officer Randal D. Simmons

Reseda - It has been almost two years since LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons died in the line of duty but his heroism and dedication are still making undying influences. On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, brought together Officer Simmons' family, friends and colleagues for a special ceremony to remember the fallen hero.

West Valley Park was renamed as LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons Park and will serve as a tribute to his personal sacrifice and his community advocacy. A 27-year LAPD veteran, Officer Simmons was shot during a standoff on February 7, 2008 in Winnetka (about a mile away from the community park). He was the first SWAT officer to die in the unit's 40-year history.

Officer Simmons has been described by his colleagues as loyal, selfless, focused, compassionate, brave and inspirational. He committed much of his time to helping and comforting people in urban neighborhoods including Watts, Hacienda Heights, Compton and Carson. He was an ordained minister at Glory Christian Fellowship International. Simmons was instrumental in developing programs and Christian events for at-risk youth such as the annual "Greatest Toy Giveaway" which provided toys and gifts to over 1,000 needy children during the holiday season.

The ceremony included the unveiling of the new park sign and remarks from General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, former LAPD officer Councilmember Zine, Assistant Chief Micheal Moore, Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese and Captain John Incontro. Officer Simmons' wife Lisa also spoke thanking the City for the honor and added, "I know Randy is looking down and smiling and couldn't be happier because this is a park where children will come and play, families will gather and people will jog. They'll see his name and know he was a great man."

LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons Park is located at 6731 Wilbur Avenue in the Reseda community. The 8.38 acre park includes a children's play area, walking paths and picnic tables.

Although he is no longer with us and will be missed, his charitable and giving legacy will live on forever. Officer Simmons is survived by his wife Lisa, son Matthew and daughter Garbrielle.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CLASH OF THE DERBY TITANS

Broomball challenge between LAPD & L.A. Derby Dolls

Los Angeles - Armed with only athletic shoes, helmets, brooms and a winning game plan, members of the LAFD faced off against Southern California's premiere women's banked track roller derby league at Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

There was no guarantee of a sweeping victory for either team but both sides had high hopes. Before their brooms took their first sweeps, L.A. Derby Doll Tae Kwon Ho could already smell victory, "The LA Firefighters are true heroes. So, it's a real shame that we'll have to kick their butts!" But the LAFD team captain was also confident in his derby squad, "We stay in shape with our jobs and training is a part of our lifestyle, so we're confident that we will be able to run them up and down the ice for the full hour."

The Broomball Challenge was part of the Department's Community Outreach Program. Attendance was FREE but donations were made to benefit the LAFD Widows, Orphan and Disabled Fireman's Fund.

The LAFD Team members from Fire Station #9 Downtown and other outlying stations worked hard at developing their derby skills prior to the match. Their hard work paid off, LAFD won the derby 16-7!

For more information on The Derby Dolls, who have their next match on January 23, 2010 when the Sirens take on the Varsity Brawlers, visit www.derbydolls.com/la. For more information on this event of the Department, please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

ANOTHER SAFE SPOT FOR SKATERS

Hollenbeck Park's Safe Spot Skate Spot Dedication

Los Angeles - Kick flips, ollies and aerials, OH MY!!! Hundreds of skateboarders flooded Hollenbeck Park to break in the new Rob Dyrdek Safe Spot Skate Spot and to get a glimpse of the professional Skateboarder.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation and Councilmember Jose Huizar proudly dedicated the Hollenbeck Park Safe Spot Skate Spot on Thursday, December 17, 2009.

The 14,000-square-foot skate spot features rails, steps, ledges and benches. The landscaping design incorporates Hollenbeck Lake's signature park elements and the vast tree areas to create a skate plaza that is innovative, open, inviting and seamlessly integrated into the current park setting.

The Rob Dyrdek Safe Spot Skate Spot at Hollenbeck Park is a classic example of a successful public-private partnership with the City of Los Angeles. After Rob Dyrdek's Foundation provided $75,000 to design and assist in construction, Councilmember Huizar and the Department worked together to secure an additional $250,000 to complete the construction and landscaping improvements. The result has been a remarkable transformation of one of the City's least used "pre-fab" skate parks into what will surely be known as one of the country's premier skating plazas.

The collaboration between the Department of Recreation and Parks, The Rob Dyrdek Foundation and Councilmember Huizar to create a Safe Spot Skate Spot is the culmination of almost $1 million of improvements at Hollenbeck Park during 2009. Improvements included completely rebuilding the historic floating bridge, repairs to the lakeside path, an ADA accessible playground, additional landscaping and tree planting, doubling the amount of picnic tables and the installation of an outdoor fitness area.

Hollenbeck's Skate Plaza is the second Safe Spot and the 12th skate facility run by the Department. The new Safe Spot Skate Spot offers a picturesque view high on a hillside at the southeast corner of the park overlooking the lake. Hollenbeck Park is located at 415 South Saint Louis Street in East Los Angeles 90033. For more information on this location or the Department call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

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

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY OF LIGHTS
14th Annual Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival

Los Angeles - Get your OOHS and AWES ready!! The Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival is opening tonight, December 3, 2009! This magnificent display of lights along a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive has become a holiday tradition that attracts more than half million visitors each year.

The 14th annual Griffith Park Light Festival will be open nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from December 3 through December 30, 2009 with a spirited display of seasonal scenes accompanied by music.

Today's kick-off will be Bike Night, giving cyclists a chance to enjoy the FREE show of traditional holiday portrayals together with images of Los Angeles history. From Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 17, the festival will be vehicle free as part of the City's efforts to have a greener L.A.; Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13 there will be an educational mini-fair with information on family activities, healthy nutrition, some tasty holiday treats and more.

FREE parking will be first-come, first-served at the Los Angeles Zoo, near the merry-go-round and near the pony rides. Those planning to go should wear comfortable shoes to cover the one-mile route and warm clothing.

Beginning Friday, December 18 and continuing nightly through Wednesday, December 30, the attraction will be open for those who want to drive through the presentation, the entrance to which is off of Los Feliz Blvd., or take a FREE shuttle from the Zoo parking area. Walkers are also welcome during this portion of the festival's run.

For equestrians, Department of Recreation and Parks staff will be on hand December 9-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30 (Monday - Thursday) from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to help keep walkers and horse riders safe.

Festival sponsors include the Los Angeles: Department of Water and Power, Department of Recreation and Parks, Visitors and Convention Bureau, Department of Transportation, Zoo, World Airports and Autry National Center.

Those planning to go are encouraged to do so Monday - Thursday, when crowds will be smaller. For more information, go to http://www.dwplightfestival.com/, or call (323) 913-4688.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

GLIDING INTO THE WINTER SEASON

12th annual Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square

Los Angeles - It's time to pull out and dust off your scarves and mittens or maybe just a long sleeved shirt, depending on the L.A. weather!! Downtown on Ice (DOI) at Pershing Square is back for its 12th season.

The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilwoman Jan Perry celebrated the official opening of Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square on Friday, November 20, 2009 with special guests Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and The Grinch.

Performances by L.A. Ice Theater's Youth Ensemble, Olympic bound two-time National Pairs Champions Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubacker and a musical number from The Grinch kicked-off the opening ceremony, which was emceed by Mayor Villaraigosa.

With a low admission price, DOI is the coolest way to add a little winter chill to the holidays without spending a lot of money. The outdoor ice rink is open seven days a week through January 18, 2010. An hour on the 70-foot by 50-foot rink is $6, plus $2 for skate rentals. Metro and MetroLink riders can get a $1 discount by showing a coupon which is available on all mass transit lines.

Downtown on Ice is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Friday through Sunday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. There will be special extended holiday hours starting December 18 through January 10, when the rink will be open EVERYDAY from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. DOI will also be open on all of the major holidays; Thanksgiving Day from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Christmas Day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, New Years Day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Martin Luther King Day from 11:00 to 10:00 pm.

For the first time this year, Mommy and Me Stroller Skate sessions will be offered on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (December 1, 8, 15 and January 12). New mothers can now share in the fun by pushing their bundles of joy in their strollers onto the ice.

Beyond skating, a medley of FREE events including a winter concert series, Winter Holiday Festival, championship skating exhibitions and much more will be offered at Pershing Square throughout the Downtown on Ice season.

Pershing Square is located in the heart of downtown at 532 South Olive Street 90013. Underground discount parking is available with rink validation. For more information and a detailed session/event schedule go to http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/doi.html or call (213) 847-4970.

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

DEPICTING A VICTORIAN-ERA CHRISTMAS
Holiday exhibition at Banning Residence Museum


Wilmington - Come see what a Victorian Christmas looked like! Banning Residence Museum, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility, will have a four-week holiday exhibition added to its regular tour beginning Saturday, December 5, 2009.

The museum will be transformed into a Victorian re-creation of "A Southern California Christmas". The setting of the house will be a large afternoon Christmas dinner and will show how Southern Californians tried to create a feeling of winter in a semi-tropical climate.

Included in the exhibition will be a display of 14 mannequins wearing period clothing and there will be seasonal decorations throughout the museum. The special holiday show will run through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Tours are offered daily except Monday and Friday at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm, with additional tour on Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12.

For more information about the holiday presentation of the museum call (310) 548-7777 or visit http://www.thebanningmuseum.org/. Because the museum is being renovated, the annual Victorian Christmas, which is held the first weekend in December, will not take place in 2009.








MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

A CIVIL WARTIME HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
10th annual "Civil War Christmas" at the Drum Barracks Museum



Los Angeles - Tour the museum to experience how Christmas was celebrated in the early 1860s through authentic re-creations of holiday festivities, with decorations, entertainment including seasonal songs that are sung and played on a collection of vintage hand bells and more.


Ladies from the U.S. Sanitary Commission (which was the precursor of the American Red Cross) will talk about their efforts to provide soldiers with supplies the Army could not and to ensure their health and safety. Medical practices used during the era will be demonstrated and displayed, as will artifacts and weapons and sewing machines and techniques. There will also be reenactments of battlefield encounters and surveillance practices.


The museum also has a two-part exhibition recognizing the bicentennial of the year in which President Abraham Lincoln was born. "Lincoln and California" chronicles his interest in visiting the Golden State after the war and possibly even settling here. "Lincoln in Everyday Life" shows the prevalence of the image and name of the 16th president today.


For more information about the Drum Barracks "A Civil War Christmas" or the museum call (310) 548-7509. Guided tours are offered Tuesday through Thursday at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, noon and 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm through the end of the year. A $5 donation is requested for visitors age 12 or older.







MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

TAKE A MINI-TRAIN RIDE TO THE NORTH POLE
7th annual "Train Ride to Visit Santa" at Travel Town Museum

Los Angeles - ALL ABOARD!!! Grab your winter gloves and beanies, we're going to visit SANTA!
The 7th annual Train Ride to Visit Santa holiday program at Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park will begin the weekend of Saturday, November 28-29, 2009.

From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm both nights, passengers will take a short trip aboard the Santa Express miniature train to the North Pole, where they can tour jolly old Saint Nick's residence and visit with Santa as he prepares for his annual global travelling. Mrs. Claus will be the evening's hostess, giving visitors an inside scoop about life at the top of the world.

The return trip will go through a wonderland of holiday lights, scenery and music. The holiday program is put on by Travel Town Railroad, weather permitting, in cooperation with the Department of Recreation and Parks.

Additional dates for this special holiday presentation are December 4-6, 11-13 and 16-23, and those planning to go should dress for cold weather. Tickets are $7 per person; children 18 months old or younger can ride for FREE and parking is also FREE. Digital photos with Santa can be purchased for $5, or guests can take their own photos for FREE.

Given the popularity of the attraction, buying tickets in advance at the Travel Town ticket booth or online at www.gprah.com/organization/christmas.htm is suggested. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the gate.

Travel Town Museum is located at 5200 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles 90027. For more information about the Train Ride to Visit Santa call (818) 881-2586 or (323) 662-9678.





MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

A PLACE WHERE THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT

Dedication of Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated a new recreation center at Gilbert Lindsay on Thursday, November 12, 2009. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Commissioner Johnathan Williams, Councilwoman Jan Perry and local residents all helped celebrate the South Los Angeles facility's opening.

The inspiration for the new building came from it's unique history as the site of the original Wrigley Field Ballpark, which hosted local minor league baseball teams for over 30 years and was once home to the Los Angeles Angels. The design layout, which includes a center height tower highlighting the entrance and two smaller side towers, mimics the entrance to a ballpark open field through it's auditorium tunnel.

The project consisted of the construction of a one-story recreation building that includes a large multipurpose room, an office, warming kitchen and new electric, storage and maintenance rooms. There are ADA compliant unisex restrooms inside and outside of the new 2,400-square-foot center. The project also included the resurfacing of the outdoor basketball courts, new lighting, installation of a chain link fence, a new asphalt-paved parking lot and access driveway; along with a new irrigation system, trees and other landscaping improvements.

The $2.3 million project was designed by Public Works' Bureau of Engineering and constructed by Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. Funding was provided by Quimby Funds and Propositions K, 12 and 40.

Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center is located at 429 East 42nd Street in Los Angeles 90011. The historic location offers 18 acres of great ethnic diversity, including two synthetic soccer fields and a skate park. Their classes and programs range from arts and crafts, senior citizen fitness and cooking. For more information on this location, please call the center directly at (323) 846-7584.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

HOLIDAY HIKES TO THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Nature walks to the internationally renowned icon led by a Park Ranger

LOS ANGELES – Need a good walk to make-up for all the turkey you’re going to eat on Thanksgiving? Want to find a fun and inexpensive activity to do with your family and/or friends for the Holiday weekend? Join Ranger Ernie Ybarra on a free nature hike to the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park!

A pair of free nature walks in Griffith Park will be offered during the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday weekend by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The excursions will take place Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day. The intermediate level hike will be four to six miles and is designed for those who have some previous hiking experience.

Park Ranger Ernie Ybarra will lead the treks, which will start at the Griffith Park Visitor Center, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., adjacent to the Ranger Station. Those planning to participate should dress accordingly and bring drinking water and snacks.

The walks are part of the 2009 series of hikes of different skill levels to locations in Griffith Park, including Amir’s Garden (Saturday, November 21), Vista del Valle, Dante’s View, and Captain’s Roost. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Ranger Ernie Ybarra at (323) 644-6661, extension 1549, or by e-mail at ernie.ybarra@lacity.org.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

WELCOME BACK, FREMONT POOL

Opening ceremony for the year-round facility

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) in partnership with LAUSD opened the Fremont Pool on Friday, November 13, 2009. Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Jan Perry and RAP General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri were all in attendance for the first big splash.

The event celebrated the completion of much-needed improvements at the year-round pool located at Fremont High School. The project included the repair of plumbing lines, installation of a new roof, painting of the entire facility, electrical and HVAC upgrades and installation of spectator guardrail.

The Fremont High School Swimming, Diving and Water Polo teams were all on hand to test the water in the improved pool. Fremont pool is located at 7630 Towne Avenue in Los Angeles 90003 and offers a variety of aquatic programs for L.A. residents. Adult lap swimming, swim lessons, novice synchronized swimming, springboard diving team and CPR classes are all provided at the year-round pool. For a full listing of programs call the pool directly (213) 847-3401 or the Aquatics Division at (323) 906-7953.

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

A NEW SAFE & FRIENDLY PLACE TO PLAY

Dedication of Wilmington Vest Park in the Cruces Community

Wilmington - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated Wilmington Vest Park in the Cruces Community on Monday, October 26, 2009. Pacific Region Superintendent Mark Mariscal, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and local residents were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and dedicate the new pocket park.

The Wilmington Vest project transformed a vacant and dilapidated .13 acre lot into a safe and friendly park for the Cruces community to enjoy. The new park's state-of-the-art playground features swings, slides, climbing structures and a rubber play surface. There are also new ADA-approved drinking fountains and benches at the neighborhood recreation area. Colorful murals surround the park, encouraging fun and unity.

Wilmington Vest Park is located at 1300 East O Street (at the intersection of Watson Street) in Wilmington 90744. For more information on this location or the Department, please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

THE LONG AWAITED & MUCH ANTICIPATED....

VENICE BEACH SKATE PLAZA OPENING

Venice Beach - Venice Beach is known as a vibrant and eclectic Southern California beach that attracts millions of tourists yearly. But skaters know this special place as DOGTOWN, the birthplace of progressive skateboarding in the 1970's.

Saturday, October 3, 2009 was a historical day for Venice Beach skaters who have waited a long time for a place to call their own. At 11 am hundreds of skaters and spectators joined the Department of Recreation and Parks and Councilmember Bill Rosendahl in opening the VENICE BEACH SKATE PLAZA!!

Design input from local skating professionals helped make the Venice Beach Skate Plaza one of the most challenging arenas for skaters to ride. The 16,000-square-foot facility has four major components; a deep pool, street terrain course, snake run and flow bowl. The $3.4 million plaza's unique design combines both street and vert skating, allowing skateboarders to flow in and out of the two different styles.

With a maximum vertical differential of up to 9 feet, the deep pool allows for lots of speed in a single entry/exit run. The street terrain course simulates a streetscape environment with steps, rails, planters, curbs and driveways. For an old school skateboarding experience, skaters can carve from bank to bank through the snake run. The flow bowl provides maximum momentum for continuous multiple entries/exits in a single run.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Commission President Barry Sanders, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and professional skateboarders Jesse Martinez, Jay Adams and Tony Alva were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and officially open the Venice Beach Skate Plaza.

The new skate plaza is the 12th skate facility run by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Located near Windward Avenue and Ocean Front Walk, the skate plaza has an amazing view of the ocean and will provide a much-needed haven for local and visiting skateboarders.

Venice Beach has always been a hot spot for skaters from around the corner and world to test their skills. The new skate plaza will help continue that tradition!

For more information on this location, please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689