-- Volunteers Paved Lot Just in Time for Spring Season
-- Unique Park Next to Landing Airplanes Gives Needed Space for
Kids' Sports
-- 2,000 Kids Play Sports at Westchester Facility Every Weekend
MEDIA ADVISORY, March 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHAT: A sports field parking lot on Los Angeles
International Airport (LAX) land was newly paved
using entirely volunteer efforts, grassroots
fundraising and in-kind donations of labor and
materials. At this event, Los Angeles City
Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, Los Angeles
International Airport (LAX) officials, community
leaders and the Westchester Playa del Rey
Youth Foundation (a non-profit group sponsoring
organized sports for kids) will dedicate the parking
lot and mark the beginning of this year's season.
WHY: Westchester Playa del Rey Youth Foundation faced major
fines from the Air Quality Management District if it
did not pave the Nielsen Field parking lot. There was
no budget for the construction, valued at more than
$100,000 so Youth Foundation leaders found a volunteer
way to make it work. No money for the kids' programs
was used, and no money was borrowed from local
institutions. Nielsen Field is an important
institution, as more than 2,000 kids play organized
sports every weekend. It is one of very few sports
facilities in an area with high demand. In fact, some
kids were unfortunately turned away from AYSO soccer
last year due to lack of space.
PHOTO OPPS: Planes landing at LAX fly low, a few hundred yards
from kids of all ages playing soccer, baseball and
softball. The site sits on airport land, and in a
unique arrangement, is leased to the Westchester
Playa del Rey Youth Foundation for $1 a year.
WHERE: Nielsen Field is at the corner of Wiley Post St. and
Yorktown St. in Westchester. It is north of and
adjacent to Lot D at LAX. From the 405 freeway, take
Manchester west. After crossing Airport Blvd., turn
left at Wiley Post and drive 1/4 mile to the park.
WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
-- Ribbon Cutting and Opening Ceremony 1:00 p.m.
-- Acknowledgement Ceremony 1:30 p.m.
CONTACTS: David Kissinger at (310) 568-8772 or Geoff Maleman at
(310) 645-2295