A SPECIAL VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION
Dedication of expansion to Wilmington Veterans Park


Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with the Mayor's Office, Councilwoman Janice Hahn and the Community Development Department dedicated new parkland at Wilmington Veterans Park on Saturday, November 11, 2006.

The project involved the expansion of an existing City park, Veterans Park, which anchors the southern portion of the East Wilmington Greenbelt Park. The 2,500-square-foot addition includes open space with trees, picnic tables, and a children’s play area.

The Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering designed the project, with input from Recreation and Parks and the community. The work was performed by the Department of General Services, with assistance from the Street Lighting and Street Services bureaus of Public Works.

Funding for the project was provided by the Neighborhood Block Grant Program funds, which is administered by the Mayor’s Office using federal Community Development Block Grant money.

The Veteran's D-ay Celebration was attended by Mayor Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Hahn, the Department's Assistant General Manager, Kevin Reagan and many Wilmington residents. Entertainment was provided by Banning High School's wooden instrument band, "Cuerdas Sin Fronteras" and "Sol de Mexico" a ballet folkflorico group from the community of Wilmington.

The new parkland has enhanced the community's apperance and has provided residents with a clean, safe and local place to relax and gather. The transformation of a blight vacant lot has improved the quality of life in the area and helped mitigate the residents' environmental concerns.



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