A QUICK & EFFICIENT UPGRADE

Groundbreaking for Shatto Improvement Project

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks broke ground for the Shatto Park Improvement Project on Monday, July 13, 2009. Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Commission President Barry Sanders, community leaders and residents gathered at the outdoor volleyball court to celebrate the start of much-needed improvements at Shatto Recreation Center.

The Department's Assistant General Manager Vicki Israel said it herself, "Shatto Recreation gets a lot of use. It's a popular community institution." Located in the Mid-Wilshire district of the City of Los Angeles, Shatto's surrounding community has the highest population density of all neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The 5.4 acre park provides a variety of services and programs, which are heavily utilized by the surrounding community. There are currently 55 youth participating in Shatto's summer camp and the basketball league has over 240 kids registered.

The Department of Recreation and Parks determined that in order for Shatto Recreation Center to continue being a valued community facility, improvements were needed to provide additional recreational opportunities. When completed the improvement project will provide park patrons with a more extensive use of the park space.

The project will include the installation of new universally accessible play equipment with security lighting, outdoor fitness equipment for adults and cushioned athletic surfacing for the outdoor basketball and volleyball courts. Drought tolerant plants will also be planted throughout the park.

The improvement project will take 6 months to complete. The $685,000 cost will be funded by Quimby. The Department's Planning and Construction Division will be managing and constructing the project.

Shatto Recreation Center is located at 3191 West 4th Street, Los Angeles 90020. For more information on this project or the Department of Recreation and Parks, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689