“New” Dills Park Opens
On Saturday, February 21, a special re-opening event was held for the refurbished and expanded Dills Park. Civic leaders, including Paramount City Council members, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and Assemblyman Isadore Hall, were on hand to re-dedicate the park.
There was a great turnout from the adjacent neighborhoods for whom the park will now be a fantastic recreational resource. The old “Banana Park” (nicknamed for its shape hugging the Los Angeles River) is now full of natural landscaping, physical fitness facilities, exhibits describing cultural and wildlife history, and fanciful playgrounds. There are also many picnic areas and newly constructed restrooms. Extensive lighting systems at night add to improved public safety.
The park was all done at minimal expense to the City. Most of the costs for the improvements and the property purchases to increase the park’s size were paid for with grant money from various sources.
It’s also a model of environmental stewardship. All the landscaping is drought-resistant. Benches and tables are made from recycled materials. State-of-the-art water conservation designs include irrigation systems that soak instead of spray, “pervious” concrete that allows water to seep into the ground, and catch basins that receive runoff from the surrounding neighborhood and filter out trash before letting it percolate underground or flow into the river.
On the 21st, the ribbon was cut for the Don Knabe Nature Trail, which is a new venue for park-goers to walk or jog along in the midst of native shrubs, trees and grassy meadows. Also on hand were representatives of the Gabrielino Native American tribe, who performed a special ceremony blessing the park. Musical entertainment was provided by Mariachi Los Palmeros and various Paramount youth groups had food booths for visitors.
Upcoming Meetings
For more information about Council and Commission meetings, please call (562) 220-2225.
3/11/09 - 6:30 PM Planning Commission
3/17/09 - 6:30 PM City Council
3/18/09 - 6:00 PM Parks & Recreation Commission
