On Saturday, October 27, 2012, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, State Assembly member Felipe Fuentes, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Russ Guiney and other dignitaries were in attendance to formally dedicate the new Gymnasium and Community Center at El Cariso Park (13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, CA 91342).
In 1973, the County of Los Angeles purchased 168 acres of unimproved property in Sylmar from the State of California. Fourteen years after the purchase, the property was transformed with ball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, a swimming pool and locker room as well as an18-hole golf course. The new 15,000 square foot gymnasium and community center is sure to be a highlight of the park with its beautiful mission style design, civic art, large gymnasium with two electronic scoreboards, classrooms and community rooms, full kitchen, restrooms, and staff offices. The eye catching civic art installation, by artist Cliff Garten is reminiscent of the roots of the Sylmar area when it began as an expansive olive grove. The three large brass sculptures of swirling olive branches gracefully hang while greeting visitors in the lobby of the new gymnasium/community center.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation provides the citizens of Los Angeles County diverse, quality recreational opportunities with its organized sports and health-oriented programs at 177 facilities, including local and community parks, the largest municipal golf course system, hiking and equestrian trails, natural areas and wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, four arboreta and botanic gardens, 27 public swimming pools and the world-famous Hollywood Bowl and John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. Parks Make Life Better!
