Parks Celebration Honors Teaching Garden Founders, LAPD Chief Beck, Supervisor Antonovich and Park Heroes
On Wednesday, Oct. 12, People for Parks joined the City and County of L.A. to honor four Angelenos who have made significant contributions to public recreation.
Kelly Meyer and Chi Kim developed a fresh approach in the fight against childhood obesity, now at epidemic proportions. Meyer and Kim founded a teaching garden where children learn to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, and harvest produce. Ultimately, their garden and themed lessons encourage healthy diets. With support from the American Heart Association, these real-life learning laboratories are making healthy foods fun and giving elementary school kids across the country a chance to learn what it truly means to be healthy.
The tenth annual Parks Awards also saluted L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich for his unabashed support of hiking, biking and riding trails. Antonovich has worked to preserve open spaces since taking office in 1980. Among the major parks and facilities in his district are the Arboretum and Descanso Gardens. He has also reached out to the private sector to help fund enclosed parks in High Desert communities where harsh weather conditions make outdoor activities impractical.
L.A. Police Chief Charlie Beck rounded out the evening's honorees. Chief Beck took charge of the third largest police force in the United States in 2009, but has a much longer history of community outreach, especially through athletic and recreation programs, including Summer Night Lights. As the Commanding Officer of Rampart Area, he combined the principles of community policing and smart recreation to reclaim MacArthur Park.
Noted newscaster Laura Diaz served as emcee for the dinner. Entertainment was provided during the reception by the Harvard-Westlake Jazz Explorers, and during dinner by singer Sara Niemietz, accompanied by Snuffy Walden on guitar and Matt Rollings on keyboards.
All photos above by Lisa Weingarten.
For more scenes from thePark Awards click here |
