2002 begins my 45th year of service with the City of Lakewood's Department of Recreation and Community Services. Obviously, I have seen a number of changes in the services we have provided over the years. Yet, the most significant change, in my opinion, has been in the development and preservation of Lakewood's recreation open space. We have gone from 54 acres in 1957 to over 225 acres in 2002. Expansion of services and preservation of Lakewood's valuable recreation infrastructure have been and still are a high priority of the city council and the community.

In 2001, during some very serious times for our nation, Lakewood's parks and centers served as a comfortable meeting place for family and friends. Over two million folks came to celebrate special occasions, watch athletic events, and take part in one of our 1,600 educational classes or just to enjoy a quite moment in the park.

A few highlights from the past year include renaming the Mayfair Park softball stadium; in honor of Lakewood's two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Lisa Fernandez and the installation of a new outdoor fitness center at Rynerson Park through the generous donation of Lakewood Center.

A special highlight in 2001 was the reopening of Monte Verde Park, with the addition of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Vista Lodge. Monte Verde provides a unique outdoor recreation experience. You can walk the nature trail and view the three special gardens, reserve the Vista Lodge for a private celebration or participate in one of the many educational programs offered throughout the year.

So, what is ahead for 2002? The success of the Monte Verde Park project prompted city staff to look into the potential of developing the unsightly 16 acres adjacent to the south end of the park. This parcel is one of the few remaining recreation open spaces left in Lakewood. I am happy to say, through the efforts of the city's Park Development Team, Lakewood was recently awarded a $1,000,000 dollar grant by the State of California from the Water Bond Act of 2000 to develop the West San Gabriel River Park. Plans are currently being prepared to create a beautiful passive open space area with over 350 trees, a bike and walking trail and the planting of a wide variety of California native plant material. Our planned completion date is set for May 2003. This newest addition to Lakewood's park system will provide a beautiful passive environment for all Lakewood residents to use and enjoy.

2002 will certainly be another exciting year for the Recreation and Community Services Department. In addition to the new park project, our department will continue to provide a variety of recreational and social service programs for all residents; to keep your parks and facilities well maintained; and to provide a safe and comfortable environment to enjoy the many services and activities offered.