THE START OF A NEW RECREATION SITE
Groundbreaking for Lexington Avenue Park in Hollywood


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks broke ground to mark the start of construction on Lexington Avenue Pocket Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006.

The new parkland will be approximately 15,000-square-feet and will feature a dual basketball/volleyball court, picnic tables, benches, game tables and play equipment that meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements.

What will make this park unique is the various art elements that will be incorporated into the new park's design. California artist, Ricardo Mendoza has created two murals that will cover the north and east walls, a steel entry gate designed in the shape of a tree and eight ornamental spiral inserts that will be incorporated into the front fence.

The pocket park has truly been a community effort. Community meetings were held by Council District 13, to obtain input from community members about the new park's design and art elements.

The Community Redevelopment Agency has provided funding for the art elements and associated installation fees. Additional funding for the $1.4 million project will come from Prop 12, the City's general fund, a federal grant and developer fees.

The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the City's Public Works Department designed the park, in conjunction with the Department of Recreation and Parks. Thomsen Landscape of Reseda is the general contractor.


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