DODGER DAY FOR METRO CAMPERS
A party in Elysian Park for 1,000+ kids


Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' "Summer Day Camp Metro Region Dodger Jam" was held at Elysian Park on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

More than 1,000 kids from Summer Camps located in the Department's Metro region were treated to barbecue , entertainment and plenty of fun, followed by a short trip to Chavez Ravine to see the Boys in Blue take on National League West rivals the San Diego Padres in a 12:10 p.m. game.

The children were joined by City Councilmember Ed Reyes. Former Dodger great Willie Davis also made a special appearance.


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

A GREAT NEW PLACE TO SWIM & PLAY
Dedication Ceremony for LACES facility


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with LAUSD, dedicated and opened LACES' (Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies) pool and recreational facility on Saturday, July 1, 2006.

The new 75-foot pool is suitable for swimming and diving events. Several aquatics activities will be available to the public at this new location, including individual and team sports, clinics and exercise classes.

The multi-use recreational facility is 50,500 square-feet. Facility features include a large gymnasium with basketball courts (which can also be configured into a full-size vollyeball court), a multipurpose room, staff office space, first aid area and boys and girls locker rooms with showers. Outdoor features include five tennis courts, four full-size and four mini basketball courts, two softball fields with backstops and a soccer field.

Operation of the pool and recreational center are through joint-use agreements with LAUSD. This approach maximizes utilization and keeps costs down while still maintaing high quality.

LACES is located at 5931 west 18th street in central Los Angeles. For more information call (323)938-1620.


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

THE 2006 LOTUS FESTIVAL
The 29th annual event celebrating Asian cultures, at Echo Park, July 8-9

LOS ANGELES – The 29th Lotus Festival, celebrating the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, was held on Saturday, July 8, 2006, from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 9, 2006, from noon to 8:00 p.m., around and on the lake at Echo Park, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located near downtown.

Festival events included cultural entertainment on two stages, the International Marketplace featuring arts and crafts, and artisans and boutiques. There was also a variety of exotic foods and beverages, martial arts exhibitions, an art show, dragon boat races on the lake, and more.

The Philippines, which is marking its 100th anniversary of formalized immigration by Filipinos to the U.S., was the highlight nation for 2006. Saturday’s opening ceremony began at noon and included a ceremonial dragon dance, Filipino-American performers and a host of entertainers and dignitaries from Asian and Pacific Islander nations – with their color, beauty, and pageantry.
The two-day event also featured Flower Island, the Tea Garden, a children’s courtyard area and stage, a health fair, community outreach booths, and volunteer opportunities, and a fireworks show (on Saturday night) over the lake.

The Department of Recreation and Parks would like to thank everyone who was involved in this year's event and all of the wonderful L.A. residents who attended the 2006 Lotus Festival.


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