IMPROVING A LARGE AREA OF OPEN SPACE
Dedication of first phase of 100-acre Ascot Hills Park


Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the first phase of the development of a 100-acre passive park and natural open space area in East Los Angeles on Saturday, August 19, 2006.

The new Ascot Hills Park will offer hiking and nature trails, an outdoor learning center for children as well as open grass areas. Phase I included development of the 40-acre southwest portion, added a new entry gate, improved hiking trails, vista/rest/picnic areas, a temporary gravel parking lot and a temporary restroom. This phase allows for the park to be open to the public while Phase II is designed.

Phase II calls for the development of the remaining 60 acres including an outdoor classroom, landscaping, irrigation, site utilities, restrooms and a permanent parking lot.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, while serving as the 14th District Councilmember, authored the $3 million grant in January 2004 and coordinated a grassroots campaign that sent thousands of letters to Governor Schwarzenegger. The grant was secured from Proposition 40, the "California Clean Air, Clean Water, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002."

Until recently, the site has been used by the Department of Water and Power to train pole climbers and repairmen.