September 8, 2008 - Motion Re: Community Beautification Grant for Averill Park. 

Motion made by Laureen Vivian to apply for Community Beautification Grant of up to $10,000 for repair of retaining walls at Averill Park.  Laureen Vivian explained the need for the repairs at Averill Park through a Beautification Grant.  The following motion was made by Laureen Vivian and seconded by Diana Nave. 

Whereas the retaining walls of the stream & paths are cracked, unsafe and in serious disrepair; and
Whereas the upper half of the stream & its waterfall are leaking to the point of having been shut-off; and
Whereas the wildlife—ducks, geese, turtles, crawdads, etc.— are cut-off from these resources; and
Whereas all the water lily plants have died-off and their rock foundations are bare; and
Whereas  the planting beds adjacent to the stream are almost barren of plant life; and
Whereas vegetation and habitat need to be restored; and
Whereas the main pump and filtration system are severely antiquated /efficient, noisy and have been malfunctioning for years and years to the point where parts are no longer available; and
Whereas a pump house is also needed to camouflage, secure and beautify the pump placed at the terminus of the stream; and
Whereas there has been a work order in place for replacement of the pump for at least two years; and
Whereas the park is w/o lighting for safety, to discourage illegal night activities during hours of closure,  and to highlight its exceptionally beautiful topography, and
Whereas Averill Park, designed by the renown landscape firm if Olmstead, the designers of such well-known parks as Central Park in New York City, is recognized city-wide as  an gem among parks;

Now Therefore Be it Resolved that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council  apply for a L.A. City Beautification Grant for up to $10,000 to repair retaining walls and make other improvements; and
That the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council send a letter to the Department of Recreation and Parks requesting a timetable for the replacement of  the pump and filtration system (including date and name of manufacturer of pump system), the turn-on date for the waterfall and upper stream, the placement of additional signs at gazebo and main entry stating $250 event use fee, informing known websites that advertise the park for events of this fee, Saturday & Sunday enforcement of the fee collection, and a schedule and list of repairs/enhancements so that the Neighborhood Council can proceed with the procurement of other funds for other outside repairs/enhancements. 

The NWSPNC Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.