A WATER CONSERVATIVE PARK IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Bellaire Avenue Park

North Hollywood - The Department of Recreation and Parks' General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilmember Wendy Greuel and local residents broke ground to celebrate the construction of Bellaire Avenue Park on Monday, June 8, 2009.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony marked the start of the transformation of a 0.14 acre vacant lot into a charming neighborhood park. When complete the new park will provide a much-needed haven for local residents to relax, gather and play. Features to Bellaire Avenue Park will include a 2-5 year old play area, an outdoor classroom with wood stump seating and a demonstration garden.

The Department's Planning Division has designed Bellaire Avenue Park to contain water conservation objectives. Water conservation has become an important issue around the world and the implementation of water saving measures is greatly needed everywhere. The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to say that Bellaire Avenue Park will be part of that effort by implementing the following special features to the new park.

Bellaire Park will be landscaped with California native and drought tolerant plants. Native/drought tolerant plants are adapted to the wet winters and dry summers, allowing less use of water, fertilizer and pesticides. The beautiful existing Walnut Tree will be preserved and has been worked into the park's design. A Smart Irrigation System will be installed, which will help save 325,000 gallons of water annually. All of these special efforts will help conserve water and the natural habitat while providing residents with local parkland.

The new park will be constructed by the Department's Planning and Construction Division and will cost approximately $350,000. Bellaire Avenue Park site is located at 7960 Bellaire Avenue in North Hollywood, 91605. For more information on this location or the Department, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694