A PLACE WHERE THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT

Dedication of Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks proudly dedicated a new recreation center at Gilbert Lindsay on Thursday, November 12, 2009. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Commissioner Johnathan Williams, Councilwoman Jan Perry and local residents all helped celebrate the South Los Angeles facility's opening.

The inspiration for the new building came from it's unique history as the site of the original Wrigley Field Ballpark, which hosted local minor league baseball teams for over 30 years and was once home to the Los Angeles Angels. The design layout, which includes a center height tower highlighting the entrance and two smaller side towers, mimics the entrance to a ballpark open field through it's auditorium tunnel.

The project consisted of the construction of a one-story recreation building that includes a large multipurpose room, an office, warming kitchen and new electric, storage and maintenance rooms. There are ADA compliant unisex restrooms inside and outside of the new 2,400-square-foot center. The project also included the resurfacing of the outdoor basketball courts, new lighting, installation of a chain link fence, a new asphalt-paved parking lot and access driveway; along with a new irrigation system, trees and other landscaping improvements.

The $2.3 million project was designed by Public Works' Bureau of Engineering and constructed by Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. Funding was provided by Quimby Funds and Propositions K, 12 and 40.

Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center is located at 429 East 42nd Street in Los Angeles 90011. The historic location offers 18 acres of great ethnic diversity, including two synthetic soccer fields and a skate park. Their classes and programs range from arts and crafts, senior citizen fitness and cooking. For more information on this location, please call the center directly at (323) 846-7584.

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Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689