OPERATION SPLASH IS IN EFFECT
Kick-off ceremony at North Hollywood pool


Los Angeles -The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks kicked-off a new aquatics program called "Operation Splash" on Friday, June 23, 2006 at North Hollywood Pool. Operation Splash is a public/private partnership between the Department of Rec and Parks and Kaiser Permanente.

The mission of Operation Splash is to improve access to aquatic facilities and swim programs in low-income areas, to increase physical activity and help diminish the risk of chronic diseases and build strong bodies. Program participants will become water-safe in a fun and healthy environment.

Kaiser's $1.2 million donation will extend the summer swim season by two weeks, provide free swim lessons and supplies (swimsuit, goggles, towel and sunscreen) to qualifying children and adults, offer free family swim days and other special events and provide aquatic improvements.

Also, the Department's "Free Swim Program" will make it possible for children age 17 or younger, seniors age 65 or older, and the disabled to swim for free at all City pools. Children age 6 or younger must be potty-trained and accompanied by an adult at all times.

Thanks to Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, all adults who have a City Library Card can also swim free; otherwise, the charge for patrons ages 18-64 will be $1.50 per swimming session.

Residents can contact their nearest pool, or the Department's Aquatics Division at (323)906-7953, for more information. Individual pool brochures can be viewed and downloaded at www.lapraks.org (Directory of Services, Aquatics, and select year-round or seasonal).



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712
Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711